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
When he unwrapped his arm, she carefully cleaned the wound with a clean cloth. He winced but remained unresponsive."Hurry up, please, Miss," Thane spoke abruptly. "The Alpha and the Luna will be coming to see him soon."She nodded and moved forward to touch the fiery red flesh. As soon as her fingers touched his arm, his eyes flashed open."No," he growled, low and commanding. "Do not touch me!"She backed away and looked at him. "It's me, Landon," she begged. "I just want to help you."His eyes burned with light and anger and she dropped her head and breathed deep. He was hurt. He probably didn't know what he said."You need to have your arm bandaged up," she began slowly. "It will heal so much faster. Just let me do it. I implore you." She attempted to reach for him again, but he pulled his arm back, making a pained face."Landon?" she pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes."Out!" he yelled, supporting his arm with his chest and struggling to sit up. Blood oozed from the gashes. "O
A deafening boom shook the stillness of the night, then frantic screams and pounding on Scarlett Axel's cottage door. She was left sitting upright, her heart racing."Scarlett! We need a healer!! Scarlett! Hurry!!"The words sent her shivering. She leaped out of bed, her mind racing. Something must have happened that would require her so urgently? She pulled on her shoes and threw on a sweater, yanking it down over her head as she hunched over at the sink, splashing water on her face. She quickly bound her hair back into a low ponytail. Her system was filled with nervous energy, and she struggled against the urge to wring her hands.Something terrible must have occurred.She had only received a few months of healer training. She only knew simple bandages and salves. If there was magic in the wound, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to help.Her hands sweated at the possibilities. Wolf shifters that they were, they could heal themselves unless the wound was extremely bad or magical."Yo