4. Zephyr Stonehaven

Konstantin

How am I going to survive my days with this inept person taking Lily’s place?

I’ve watched him make a fool out of himself for the last few hours, and Lily has had to jump in to save the day as usual. Will I have to whip him into shape when she leaves? Because it looks like he’s in no way ready to be my PA, much less my second in command and most trusted.

I don’t know if it’s the bitterness at her leaving that has put me in this mood, but there is a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, knowing she will no longer be here. She was mine, but then again, she wasn’t. To say that I will miss her is putting it lightly; it already feels like a part of myself is missing.

And now I have to watch as Stefan lusts after her the entire night.

He’s taken a liking to her, I can tell. Who wouldn’t? For the step sister of a Lycan beast, Lily is beautiful, but the worst part is that she doesn’t know this. From the curve of her hips to her full lips, clear blue eyes, perfect athletic body, brunette curls and soft alabaster skin.

She’s been the object of my desire since I first lay my eyes on her.

But I couldn’t betray her trust, and she didn’t deserve my lusting over her like that. She’s always wanted a place where she felt like she belonged, and I gave that to her these last few years. Lily was family; she was given to me to look over and guide.

So why am I feeling like a part of myself is missing? Why is it that when I look at her, it feels like my life has a purpose? What the fuck is this pull I feel in my centre when I look at her, this constant need to claim her as mine when she obviously isn’t?

I know I shouldn’t drown my sorrows in alcohol, but it is the only thing that numbs the pain. Not that I can stay drunk for long anyway - my werewolf genes would never allow my body to feel inebriated for too long.

“Hey, Konstantin?” I hear behind me as I go to get another drink. Zephyr walks over to me, looking extremely nervous. His scent is of burnt wood and cedar, but the anxiety permeates his musky warrior scent.

I nod when I see him and raise my glass towards my lips. “How can I help?”

“I want you to know that I will get better at this. I may not be as good as Lily is right now, but I will devote my life to you and to this pack.” He goes down on one knee and lowers his head. “Please accept my apology for my mistakes tonight, but know that you will not regret making me your second in command.”

I sigh, then slap him on the back and cock my head for him to get up. “Thank you; I do not doubt that Lily chose you because she trusts you. You’re fucking up because all these Alphas here must be putting your senses through Hell, and right now, you’re in 100% fight or flight mode. But rest assured, our Alpha can take all of these men out if they had to storm him all at once. There’s no need to fear them.” I say, even offering him a smile.

There’s no sense of his cocky attitude right now, and I am sure his wolf is standing with its tail in between his legs and its ears flat. He truly is terrified.

I mentally kick myself; I should never have brought him here in the first place. He’s been at the estate all his life and never had to fight or attack an invading enemy. Now I’ve just thrown him into a lion's den of powerful Alphas.

“You’re a Blood Crest warrior, don’t ever go down on your knees like that again, not for me, not for your Alpha and certainly not in a room full of powerful men. Your mate is the only one you kneel to, Zephyr, and do not let anyone tell you differently. Now, come, have a drink with me and try to relax; no one will hurt you while I’m here.” I say, slapping him on his shoulder.

He gives me a wan smile and picks up a glass to fill it with neat vodka. “Thank you for that. I must admit that I thought you hated me when we first met.”

“Oh, I did. But that’s only because you’ll be replacing my most trusted warrior. I’ve decided to keep an open mind with you as I need to learn to have complete trust in you as well. Stick by my side every day, and I will show you why I am my brother’s Beta.” I say, lifting my glass in a toast.

Zephyr smiles and returns my toast, then turns around to face the crowd. “Lily sure is popular with the Infernal Prowlers Alpha,” he remarks, gesturing towards them at the back of the hall.

Stefan has her up against the wall, his hand tilting her chin and caressing her neck, whereas she had her eyes trained only on him.

A low growl escapes my throat. “I don’t trust the fucking bastard,” I say under my breath, and Zephyr looks at me. “You too? There was something off about him, especially with the way he looks at Lily; I don’t like it.”

Ah, I’m starting to like him already.

“Not just that, but it’s like he’s trying to disguise his scent - I can catch a whiff of sulphur underneath his dark amber scent. I don’t know what it means, but sulphur is usually associated with demonic-”

“Walls have ears, Zephyr; this is why we have a mind link. Come to my office tomorrow morning - there’s something about him that I can’t place either.” I cut him off. There were too many eyes and ears here right now, but I agree with him. We cannot trust Stefan, and this had nothing to do with the way he looked at Lily.

Zephyr nods but remains firmly at my side as instructed. It won’t do him well to go wandering off, I may be amicable with these packs, but it doesn’t mean they’re to be trusted.

As if catching my apprehension, the Beta from Hellfire Horsemen gets my attention and cocks my head to follow him outside. “I’ll be right back, keep an eye on Lily,” I instruct him and follow the Beta out.

I wonder what he could want with me?