C3

Thorne Matthews

"Why are you staring at that old human moving-picture box instead of resting your wolf?" Sokka Stevens pushes his way into my sleeping area, his scent choked with cheap tavern meat and bad attitude.

I pull my feet up on my pallet, tightening the leather tunic around my chest. "You are back late from the border patrol. I did not think you would notice my moon-weaving work."

"I see everything my blood-brother creates," Sokka says, shutting the thick wooden door behind him. "Why did you not send an owl to tell me you left Elder Tillie's Moon Cottage early?"

I look at his tight fur-lined boots and the silver-trimmed vest stretching across his small frame. He does not look half-naked like he usually does after a night at the Blood Moon Tavern, but he still smells like rogue weeds.

"I came back because this place is a mess," I say, keeping my eyes fixed on the flickering screen where the old human love story is ending.

Sokka sits heavy on the edge of my pallet, crossing his arms over his chest. "I came to say I am sorry for snarling at you before you left. Do you forgive me?"

"I forgive you," I say, my voice totally flat. "Now get out."

Sokka huffs and steps toward the door. "Whatever. Randall Kirkland is coming over later."

I sit straight up, my jaw tight with sudden anger. "Why is that feral rogue coming back here? Are you not tired of fighting him? That pack trader treats you like dirt."

"Mind your own business, Thorne," Sokka barks back. "Until the Moon Goddess gives you a true mate bond, do not talk about my life."

"If you call that a mate bond, I do not want it," I mutter, flopping back down.

Sokka steps out and throws a final growl over his shoulder. "And do not touch my stash of silver-dust either!"

I jump up and slam the heavy door shut, leaning my back against the rough wood to find some peace. My heart feels so heavy because I want a real life far away from the Raven Hollow Pack Settlement.

My communication crystal buzzes loud on the small wooden crate by my bed, making my heart jump when I see the glowing name of Ellis Boyd.

Ellis Boyd: Are you awake?

Thorne: Yes. Just thinking about pack training. What are you doing?

Ellis Boyd: Just left Trudy Bennett's sleeping quarters.

My chest drops like a heavy stone. Of course he was running with her.

Thorne: Was she everything you wanted since we were young pups?

The crystal glows bright as he types, then stops, then glows again.

Ellis Boyd: It was fine. But I have a question for you.

Thorne: What is it?

Ellis Boyd: Do you think I should form a serious pack bond with Trudy? She wants to claim me now, but I have been trying to scent her since our first winter.

I stare at the glowing crystal, a sharp pain hitting my chest because I know he will never look at my large, thick-muscled frame the way he looks at delicate wolves.

Thorne: You need to focus on the Alpha Warrior Champion trials first. Relationships can wait.

I send it fast before I can say anything stupid.

Ellis Boyd: You are right. That is what I thought too. But she definitely has good heat.

My face burns hot with jealousy, but before I can throw the crystal against the wall, it flashes again.

Ellis Boyd: You looked really handsome at the feast hall tonight, Thorne. There was something different about your scent. But your friend Ellis Johnson did not have to growl at me in front of her.

My fingers shake as I type back, my large body feeling suddenly small under his praise.

Thorne: That was not me. That was Ellis Johnson being protective.

I need to cut this off before my wolf reveals its true desires.

Thorne: I am resting now. See you at the Moonfang Harvest House tomorrow for work.

Ellis Boyd: Alright. Goodnight, Thorne.

I set the crystal down, my spirit sinking into the dark. Ellis Boyd loves to play these mind games, throwing me just enough male attention to keep me close while he runs after every pretty wolf in the territory.

I stare up at the wooden ceiling beams with a wild, racing pulse. If he does not stop playing with my head, I am going to accept Frank Pratt's courtship offer next week.

A sudden heavy shadow falls right over my window, and a dark, massive scent of pure dominant power floods through the cracks of my door, making my inner wolf completely freeze in terror.

It is my step-uncle, Supreme Alpha Lord Boyd Stevens, standing right outside in the dark.