New pack

Chapter 6: New pack

ARIEL'S POV

Nyra: 'Wake up, Ari. Wake up.'

I stirred, every inch of my body aching.

'Where are we?' I asked, trying to push through the fog and the sharp pain around my stomach.

'I don’t know, but there’s a sexy, hot raven-haired man sitting on an iron throne,' Nyra replied.

Sexy. Hot. Throne.

'Should you really be checking out looks right now?'

'You asked. That’s the best description I could give,' she mumbled, retreating into a quiet whimper.

“Alpha, we found this wolf crossing the pack border unauthorized,” a deep, gruff voice filtered into my ears.

Everything rushed back in a violent wave. My heart slammed against my ribs.

Had I been caught by rogues? Or worse… by another ruthless Alpha?

I stayed still, pretending to still be unconscious, listening.

"Who are you, and what brought you to my land, Goldie?"

The voice was low and calm, but with an edge sharp enough to draw blood. A shiver ran through me.

Goldie? Was he talking to me?

Still, I didn’t move.

"I know you heard me. Speak now, or I’ll have the words flogged out of you. I don’t have time for silent, naked strays."

Naked stray?

Goddess.

I had been in my wolf form before they caught me. I was naked now.

My eyes snapped open—and collided with piercing, steel-gray ones that could cut through bone.

I bolted upright, arms flying over my chest to cover my boobs.

A huge man stood beside me. I was fully exposed between the two of them.

I wanted to disappear.

“Those perky things will be the least of your worries if I have to repeat myself.”

My gaze darted back to the man on the throne—draped in black, lounging like sin carved into flesh. His face was beautiful in the most terrifying way. Power radiated from him like thick, choking smoke. His Alpha aura filled every corner of the room.

My breath caught.

“I—I’m Ariel Virellis… from… from Moonshade Pack.”

I felt the room temperature drop to negative at the mention of my pack.

“Take her away,” he said, coldly.

My heart sank.

The man beside me grabbed my arm and yanked me to my feet with no gentleness.

“Dungeon?”

Dread replaced every other feeling. I had just been betrayed by my mate, and now I was going to be thrown in a dungeon, in an unknown pack. My nudity became the least of my worries.

“No. Hand her to Ravenna until I decide what to do with her." His voice was final. For a moment, a small relief eased through me.

I was dragged toward the exit, still naked. I had never felt so ashamed.

But then...

“Wait, Drake,” the Alpha’s voice rang out again.

The man who I now knew as Drake paused mid-step.

I turned too—watching the cold being rise. He peeled off his black coat, revealing a body that looked like it had been sculpted to tempt sin itself.

Nyra purred softly in my head.

“Cover her with this,” he said, tossing the coat. Drake caught it effortlessly and handed it over, releasing me.

I caught a flicker of something in his eyes—disbelief? Confusion? I didn’t have time to figure it out.

I clutched the coat tightly, momentarily stunned by the unexpected kindness from someone whose aura could freeze hell itself. Rhyder would never hand an omega his cloth. Why was I thinking of him now?

I slipped it on. It smelled forbidden, and far too intoxicating for a man who terrified me.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

But the words had barely escaped before Drake gripped me again and led me out of the room.

The house was huge. It took a long time before we finally stepped outside. A sprawling compound stretched before me, with people moving about. Some were busy working. A few eyes glanced my way as we walked toward another white building.

Why were there so many people? Were they slaves? No—slaves didn’t look this happy or free.

Fear twisted my gut. My thoughts raced, unsure what the next minute held in this strange pack.

Why did the Alpha give me his coat? Pity? He didn’t seem like the kind to pity anyone.

He said I’d stay with someone until he decided my fate. What if he threw me in the dungeon like this cold Drake had suggested? Or worse… sold me to some richer Alpha?

My vision blurred at the thought. I wanted to run, but right now that wasn't possible.

A soft voice suddenly cut through my chaotic thoughts. “A new one, Drake.”

I blinked back tears and looked up. A beautiful lady watched me curiously. Her brown eyes held the warmest look I’d seen in a long time. But what did she mean by “a new one”?

“Alpha wants you to watch over her until he decides,” Drake said without any emotion.

“Alright, tell Viktor he owes me for this one,” she said flatly. A breeze stirred her silver hair, making her look like something out of a dream.

“He’s your Alpha, Ravenna. He owes you nothing for doing your job,” Drake said, walking away.

What was her job?

She shook her head and looked me over, amused by my coat. Then her gaze locked on mine. I tried not to look away.

She smiled gently. “Welcome to Stormhowl pack. I’m Ravenna. What’s your name?”

I froze.

Alpha Viktor. Stormhowl pack. Had I just met the rogue Alpha? Rhyder's half brother, and the former alpha's murderer.

Sweat broke out on my skin as I remembered the terrifying rumors.

“I see you’re not ready to talk yet. Let’s just go inside,” Ravenna said, breaking through my thoughts.

She turned and entered a bungalow. I followed, my legs heavy.

My mouth fell open at the beautiful purple décor and flickering candles.

“Are—you a—”

She smiled again.

“Yes, I'm a witch,” she answered like she read my mind, moving a candle on a table. “The only witch in the pack.”

I swallowed a lump, more afraid than ever.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I lay inside the room Ravenna gave me. The bed was soft, and I was exhausted, but I couldn’t risk falling asleep. How could I, when my captor might be the rogue Alpha, the one rumored to be danger himself? And the woman whose house I was in... a witch?

It was better to remain awake and wait for the danger to come.

I didn’t know how long passed before a knock came at the door. I jumped, hugging my knees tight, waiting for whoever it was to show themselves.

Ravenna stepped inside, carrying a tray that smelled delicious. My eyes followed her every graceful move as she set it down on the bed.

“You must be hungry."

I shook my head quickly, but my stupid stomach chose that moment to growl. I cursed my luck.

“I don’t think your stomach feels the same, sweetie,” she chuckled. “C’mon, eat something. It’s not poisoned.”

My heart hammered in my chest. Could she read my thoughts?

“The Alpha wants to see you when you’re done,” she added, then walked out.

My heart slammed harder. Had he already made his decision? Was he going to throw me in the dungeon now?

I opened the plate of fried rice and shredded turkey. My mouth watered. I’d only had a light breakfast before work at the armory today. My chest twisted again at the thought of Rhyder’s betrayal.

I began to eat fast, afraid this might be my last real meal for a long time... if the Alpha decided to lock me away or sell me off.