Ella's POV"... What?" I asked even when I knew his reply would come sharp and cold."There's been a necessary shift in arrangements," Father said. "Having them killed at the boundary between the northern territories and the outlands of Oakwood pack would draw just too much attention. That region is heated already, forcing the warriors of the surrounding packs to double their patrol." His tone grew tighter. "The risk is just unacceptable Ella. If anything flares up, the packs around would only flare up and finally have a cause to start a war. That's not what we need right now." I got up to my feet and moved slowly, feeling his words settle around me like a shroud. My silk robe slithered over the marble floor, and I drifted toward the window in complete thought. The glass caught my flushed and regal reflection. A veil of midst had formed beyond the fountains, the moonlight spilling across the lawn in silver blue sheets. In all these, something shiftedMy wolf stirred with instinct,
Ella's POVMy palms pressed smoothly to the ridges of Jayden's spine,slow and very purposeful. The dim light in the chamber was dim,soft gold from the sconces pooling onto his sculpted back just like liquid heat."You like it,don't you Jayden?" I asked, making soft moaning sounds to provide a seductive tone.Alpha Jayden lay face down on the massage chair, fully naked safe for the white towel that was draped lazily over his lower half. We had just finished the tenth round of hot sex,and sure as hell he needed a massage and a good ton of milk.His breathing had slowed to a calm rhythm and his body slack beneath my touch.I smiled. We'd need to go on some more rounds of heated sex before the ceremony later that night."Will the High Elder be present at the signing ceremony?" I asked lightly,tracing tiny circles right along his shoulder blades.Jayden grunted, his voice partly muffled against the pillow. "Yeah. He said he'd come. I'd make sure he does." I smiled even more, watching as m
Ashley's POVThe door slammed shut, and the van lurched forward.The inside of the van was lit and a bit stale, the kind of air that had abilities to make one's skin itch, creating thoughts that were more intense than they had rights to be.I shut my eyes for a while,then stared outside the window,noting how the desert stretched for miles. There was practically nothing but endless flat land that cracked from heat and time.I could feel a rise of anxiety just like the rising wind that swept across the terrain. My thoughts spiraled.Ella could have just ordered for our execution right there, just as soon as we stepped out of the plane.What exactly was her game? Was this mercy?No. I shouldn't expect that from her. She wouldn't spend so much resources to bring us here and let out live. That'll be madness.So what then? A slow death in some Oakwood dungeon? Torture until we break our very selves apart? My hand trembled slightly as I thought of these, recalling that Ella was also a he
Ashley's POVBen's grin widened as his eyes drifted over to me, locking with mine. Then it crawled down my body in a way that made my skin crawl. Lust, the very one I had helped him develop just a while ago. I bit my lower lip. Then, as if flipping a switch, his expression turned back to David. The hunger in his eyes disappeared, something darker filling it's space. This was hatred, and in a slow and seemingly well anticipated motion, he cocked his riffle. "Move it, punk!" he commanded, steadily lifting the weapon and aiming straight for David's forehead. At this, David tightened his jaw, and just at the very moment I thought he's hit the werewolf before him, he simply moved forward. He took his first step, one that was just enough to draw a line in the sand. His hands were folded into fists and he stared into Ben's eyes. Reuben had to step in. "Easy," Reuben said, holding a palm toward David and another toward Ben. Then he turned to David in a rather pleading look. "No one nee
Ashley's POVI turned to David, noting the slow and deliberate strides he too towards Ben. Every inch of his tall frame moved with a sort of unshakable confidence, one that I didn't take note of before he left to get the kids. His physique seemed to devour Ben completely, the difference between them both very visible. Ben seemed to know this, as he made a slight shift of his stance. He straightened up his spine almost defensively. "You need something Ben?" David, who had stopped just a few paces from Ben asked. His voice was casual but laced with steel. Ben managed a scoff. "Yeah. How about an explanation for why the hell you're walking around like you're in charge. You're a captive here, remember?" David made a low chuckle, his lips curling upwards just slightly. "I think Zara might have a different opinion about that."The smile vanished from David's face as he said this, his expression tightening and his shoulders squaring. Ben blinked, jaw twitching as he muttered some words
Ashley's POVI took a step backwards, then another, my feet moving before my mind could fully catch up. My claws slipped out with a rather faint metallic whisper.Ben noticed this shift and let out a low, almost amused chuckle. "You aren't gonna claw me up here in the plane, would you?" he asked, cocking his head. As he did this, his eyes flicked to the tray of food beside us. It still steamed softly. "Food's gonna get cold Ashley." My claws stayed up. I didn't respond. His posture relaxed, a smirk widening on his face. Then there was a light coil of something feral beneath his surface. I got highly irritated. "What do you want?" With a slow, deliberate breath in, he stopped moving. "You already know," he said quietly. "I want to know what David is up to." I narrowed my eyes. "What? "His voice deepened. "Oh don't play dumb Ashley, and whatever it is...it won't work. Ella's not dumb you know–"" What the hell are you talking about Ben?" I snapped. "He's been all seductive aroun