When I hear water being turned on for his shower, I get right to work. Landon may have instructed me that it was not a necessity to prepare food, but I want to help alleviate some of his burden, so I grab some pasta, salmon, and vegetables, and cook. My hands move on automatic pilot as I prepare the food, but my mind is with Landon.The water runs in the shower for almost half an hour and the sniveling little voice in my head can't help but wonder if it's because Landon is deliberately avoiding me. Again. And though the thought stings, I push it aside and try to focus on the issue at hand. I plate him up a careful meal and make my way down the hallway towards his room. I hold against the door and hear the gurgle of water still running, so I quietly slip inside and place the plate on his desk. My heart thumps with beating chest, with hopes and worries.My desire is that this gesture will make him smile and put him in a good mood so we can discuss my problems later. But, rather than wai
I'm out of character. I realize that. He realizes that. The pack realizes it, and, to make matters worse, Scarlett realizes it as well. I can feel her accusing glare burning the side of my face, but I won't give it a second glance.The constant murmur of my pack, whispering all around me, tells me that what I’ve dreaded has already happened; this scene will be the main discussion amongst them for days."Go inside, get some rest," I tell her curtly, turning away to creep back toward the party. But the closer I get, the more certain I am that I don't want to be here anymore. The bonfire is no attraction.The only thing that's appealing to me right now is blood.and since that's not going to happen, a run."Cyrus, Asher—on me," I yell, freeing myself into my midnight-black wolf. I sprint toward the tree line, the urgent yips and howls of my men trailing behind.At least in wolf form, all of it feels more real. Life is logical. If only for a little while.ScarlettThe cottage is too quiet.
If I were a better guy, I'd reassure her. Tell her that she didn't do anything wrong. But, instead, I scowl once more and she flinches visibly.I'm the worst type of asshole to be getting some sadistic pleasure out of it. It's not Scarlett's fault that she represents all that I hate about my life and it's not her fault that I'm drawn to her in spite of myself.I wish I could loathe her. It would certainly make life easier. But she is so good. It is hard to loathe someone who is fundamentally kind. Sympathetic. Committed.I hate her and it in many ways. If I cannot fight Fate, then at least I can delay it, which is why she has been taken as my mate in name only.One of the kitchen staff gives me a cold beer and I take it, downing its contents. My eyes stay on my anxious friend as she sneaks unseen around the party. If Rowan were not here causing a commotion, she'd already be hiding by now.Scarlett's shoulders are tense enough already and her smile is brittle. She's very unhappy here i
"Seer." He nods, sitting down. We both glance at him as he settles into the chair always saved for him.With his father, Alpha Sage, and mother, Luna Wren, growing old, Landon attends these reunions on behalf of his family more times than not. When he does, he sits in the Alpha's chair.But that is not where my eyes are fixed. Rather, I glance at the smaller chair that is next to his.The Luna's chair.Usually, when he's speaking in his father's place, I would also need to sit with him on the event. But on my first try, he told me to take a step back at the back. He explained to me that it would be better for the pack not to be distracted by me since we were only supposed, but still not mated. I took the rejection to heart.Now I get to witness another man sit next to him, his head bent down close while he discusses whatever it is he must discuss with him. My chair is being used as a way to gain an audience with Landon and it's an insult.Rowan mutters a curse and grabs me, moving me
I am safe. I have a purpose. A pre-planned mate. Most women would kill for the same. I should be grateful.But the little voice in the back of my head teases me, questioning me. Don't you deserve a mate who loves you with the same passion that you love him? Isn't that something that you should wish for, too?I’m saved from the mental anguish of answering that question for myself when Orion, one of the kitchen staff members, knocks on my front door, carrying a plate of food. It smells divine and my stomach growls in anticipation.Her sweet little granddaughter, Piper, follows right behind her, giving me a shy wave when she sees me. I’ve always loved children, and Piper is a bright spot in my life. With her raven black hair and her bright blue eyes, she is gorgeous. Her parents were killed during one of the battles we had with River a couple of years ago. Orion adopted her and, despite all the traumas the little girl has experienced, she has been doing wonderfully well as part of the Ba
Cyrus smiled at her and pointed to a small group of young males in the corner, one who was lying on a stretcher."Bring me three rolls of bandage and healing tonic, please," she said to the group of shifters beside the door.One of them got up and ran off towards the Healer's bungalow. She watched him go until he disappeared from view. He'd be close to Landon. He might even go in and check on him. The idea made jealousy burn through her, hot and quick.One day, she would be able to melt the ice that encircled Landon's heart. But, in the meantime, she would have to hold onto the conviction that the Moon Goddess never makes mistakes.It was late morning before the last of the injured pack members was tended and released to their packs. Her sleeves were marked with dried blood and her nose stung from constantly applying healing tonic and antiseptic.Tired, she went to the Healer's bungalow to find out how Landon was. She knew he did not want her to touch him but needed to ascertain if he