Se connecterDravenThe real purpose of the Conclave never happens in the open. By late evening, all the performances had ended.The servants would be preparing for the banquet and the women would be getting ready to attend. I personally looked forward to it more than being here. These meetings always tired me out.Alpha Domario stood at the center of his inner room as some of us sat and others stood. I stood, I always did, made me more observant and I could easily read their body language properly. “Thank you all for coming,” Domario began, his voice carrying easily across the room as always. The room was quieter than the courtyard— more heavier. “Today, we’ll try and keep this direct.”Better. I preferred it that way.He took a moment and leaned over the metal table filled with cups and wine, “Volkava.” He said letting the name settle in the air instantly. Several Alphas leaned forward slightly, others exchanged looks and some shifted in their seatsAlpha Artreus—a little older, and known fo
ElaraAerin was right. I do feel refreshed.“Got anything to say?” Aerin asked, helping me out of the spring.I snickered, “Yeah, yeah…You're right. It is refreshing."He smiled, “Ah, I did something right then.”“Yes, you did, Alpha.” I said.The music had shifted again to a more slower tone. More playful. Conversation and laughter spilled into every corner of the courtyard.Then, my stomach grumbled loudly, “Shit,” I muttered, clearly embarrassed.Aerin laughed. I was genuinely surprised, “Why are you laughing?”“Your facial expression when your stomach rumbled was so funny.”I chuckled, shrugging, “It is embarrassing though.”I needed food.Aerin puts his hand over my shoulder and turns me in the direction of where a few people were gathered like a buffet.“Over there, you can get lunch.”“You’re not hungry?”“Nah, later perhaps. There’s a banquet later on tonight, you’re coming right?”“I didn’t even know there was a banquet.”“There usually is,” he said, “…like a dinner kind of
DravenMy nose caught her scent before I saw her—hijacking my whole senses. It was like a siren’s call, that intoxicating blend of honey and lavender that was uniquely hers. My shoulders stilled as I raised my head and there she was—in a see-through black sheer mooncloth that wrapped around her like it had been placed there as a formality. For a moment, my mind couldn’t process what I was seeing…what she was wearing. The mooncloth traced her body, stopping short mid thigh with a very open slit at the right side revealing her perfect figure, her slim waist, and smooth flawless skin. Her black underwear on display, so was the top of her cleavage. My eyes dragged along her body, refusing to obey anything resembling being subtle.Her hair was in a messy bun as strands stuck to the back of her neck from the heat in the air. I looked at the line of her perfect collarbone, the way the fabric shifted with each step she took, outlining the curve of her waist, and sway of her hips. My eyes w
Elara Zuri was really hot and the gold jewelry around her hands and neck highlighted her glassy golden eyes. Draven stepped into the spring without hesitation and other Alphas began. I spotted Mateo with Kyra in her pink fabric—she was beautiful but of course…I’d never tell her. My eyes moved to Draven as the water parted around his legs, rising slowly, his chest glistened and it was hard not to stare.I didn’t even try not to stare. I practically ogled him. Then, besides him, Zuri followed, her laugh light as he helped her in. His hands went around her back. My gaze fixed on them. I couldn’t take my eyes off.Zuri leaned into him closer than necessary, her hand grazing his arm as she settled in the water.My stomach turned.“You might burn a hole through them at this rate.”Aerin’s voice came from my side, smooth and edged with quiet amusement.I didn’t look away from them, “Do I not have the right to stare?” He stepped into my peripheral, his arms loosely folded. I see his gaze fl
ElaraAerin was funny. I’ve never come across an Alpha who’s deeply worried about finding his mate but wants all the fun.While we waited for his Beta to get their bags, I noticed the Conclave became more busy. By midday, everywhere was livelier—music weaved through the air, laughter rose, and movement everywhere. “What’s happening?”“The Moonspring ritual,” Alpha Aerin said beside me, his voice light with familiarity. He’d done this a number of times…I’m sure. “It’s one of the highlights,” he continued.It was an event and apparently a ritual.I focused my attention at the center of the courtyard where the preparations were already underway. I saw a circular clearing had been opened, and in it glowed faintly with etched symbols that looked like they were pulsing under the sunlight.“What exactly is the ritual for and how does it work?”“Well, it is a sacred thermal spring where wolves “cleanse” before any proceedings,” he chuckled. “But, apparently every wolf here must partake, es
DravenThe moment her eyes flickered over my shoulders I assumed she'd seen someone. I turned around to find Aerin waving back at her. I stood for a moment where she left me and watched her walk happily towards him.Didn’t we just have a conversation now? I even thought I felt a thaw. It was like the conversation meant nothing to her. More like I meant nothing.My jaw tightened. I know I shouldn’t be angry. It was a stupid, pointless and childish argument, and yet my chest hadn’t settled down from the moment I saw her in all her morning glory as she walked up to me.There was this shift and my heart thudded loudly in my chest as she spoke to me. And I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the way my focus narrowed in on only her, how everything else blurred, how I paid attention to her face, her expressions and how I fought so hard not to laugh when we were arguing. I just wanted her to stay there and talk to me all day long.When Elara’s around me I found myself holding back, fighting som
ElaraThornshade was warmer than Ironfang. But earlier I had felt just as warm. Now, I feel the coldness of this place in me.Was I physically cold? No! I’m already getting used to it and fires have been lit so it’s warm, very warm but this coldness I feel…since I encountered Zuri.Winter here in I
Elara“I don’t believe you.” I said.I needed to leave. I needed to drop this but the words left my mouth before pride could stop them.Draven’s expression changes instantly.“You do not believe,” he repeats slowly, “that I poured out a cup of bitterroot I never had intentions to drink?”“Seeing as
Draven Winter Ember means a lot to me.The fire. The laughter. The rituals meant to remind wolves they are more than teeth and territory.I liked it.I host it.To let my people feel happiness.But tonight my attention was elsewhere. The trouser curves along her hips. Her long sleeves dress cling
ElaraThe night of the Mating Festival arrived dressed in silver and warmth. Music echoed through Ironfang’s clearing, drums beating. I looked up and saw that in a few days it'll be a full moon. Outside, lanterns floated above us, I sniffed the air—wolfsbane and moonpetal vines. The scent of roaste







