LOGINALPHA RYKER When Eileen told me Xaviera had gone to the training gym, the last thing I expected to see was her in active combat, and with none other than Lauren. Lauren was a skilled fighter. Cocky and arrogant, but she fought well. I had feared for Xaviera's safety, and had been a little mad at Caden for allowing her to fight. However, when I saw her fend off all Lauren's attacks like you'd do a noisome insect, I knew she was up to something.She fought like a trained fighter. And that wasn't something she'd done in a few days. Her posture, her demeanor, her defense, the way she observed her opponent, showed a great deal of training. Years of it.Whichever pack she came from definitely had her as a Delta. A delta of noble blood. “Your fax didn't inform us of your arrival,” she spoke first, after the hall had been cleared. “Security measures,” I shrugged, looking at her face for the first time. Somehow, it felt good looking at her pretty face. And the initial burst of anger I fe
BETA CADENXaviera was so fucking stubborn, it infuriated the hell out of me. Challenging Lauren despite her unseeming frame to a duel, showed she wasn't informed, or she'd been blinded by a natural dislike for the woman. Lauren took her position, her stance low and grounded, her focus so acute it could cut. Xaviera, on the other hand, gave off a calm and calculated vibe. Nothing intimidating, but I could see her focused on her opponent. So keen, as though she could see the brain work in obvious patterns. I sighed. “The rules are simple. The first person to bite the dust, loses. No shifting. Keep your claws and fangs away. Hand to hand combat, only!” My eyes sought Xaviera. She evaded my gaze. I just hoped she knew what she was doing. “Begin!”Lauren moved first, almost like a shadow, lurching her fisted hand against Xaviera. Xaviera pivoted in a fast move, dodging the blow that was aimed to her side, her hands shot out against Lauren's neck, but the other woman was fast enough
XAVIERAI had never anticipated the day of the week the way I did today. Eileen had helped me navigate my way throughout the house, the wings, the quarters, the rooms and of course the kitchen. I had met some staff, and memorised some names, but I couldn't wait for what today would bring. Not even Ryker's abrupt fax could dampen my mood. Eileen had received it this morning, and had informed me. I read it, Reuben(I didn't know what was, until Eileen explained), was responding to treatment. He made no mention of me. Again. I didn't expect him to. I shouldn't. After our Elite meeting last night, I wasn't certain of what the future held. I had disgraced my mate's lover before the ladies she would have led, if not for my abrupt appearance in her boyfriend's life. Her boyfriend’s life. The thought of it made my blood boil. Not that I had any claim over him, but I didn't like the thought of them together, or him with any other woman. Eileen had said she was proud of me. She was happy
ALPHA RYKERReuben had made a miraculous recovery. In five days, he was able to stay conscious, and interact coherently. The Black Salutary had drained him of all the poison, and had broken the spells that kept him at death's door. The worst was over, all he had to do was recover, regain lost energy and he would be back to normal. Rose had been ecstatic. She'd jumped into my arms, and cried at the news of his recovery. After we'd gone to see him, she'd never left his side. The Black Salutary had moved her from the main palace to Reuben’s quarters on my request. They had agreed, saying it would aid his recovery if his mate was around. My work here was done. I planned to leave for Crescent Moon tomorrow. I had let my host know, and she'd thrown another feast in my honour. She had equally broached the topic of her proposal of a union, but I hadn't relented to restate my stance on the matter. Yet, her daughter never left my side all through the evening. I retired early, hoping to get
XAVIERAToday was day five. Five days since I moved into the Crescent Villa. And Eileen said it was best I hosted the women of the Crescent court. Women of high ranking, and status, hosted by the new Luna of Crescent moon to fraternise over fine wine and exquisite dining. My mother had hosted things of this nature, and had ensured Zephyr, and I attended. Usually, this was where the deepest secrets and scandals of the pack were tabled, affairs to be resolved, fangs were bared, claws clawed and pride wounded. It was hot red gist every Wednesday night, and Zephyr enjoyed herself more than I did. We called it the Crimson Night, Eileen called it the Elite Court. Potayto—Potahto. Same goal, same function. Fangs would be bared, some pride clawed, and facades cracked. I didn't like drama, but with the amount of drama that had found me, I was here for it. All of it.Throughout the afternoon, I walked beside Eileen as she barked out orders, canceled out dishes, added some and tasted the f
ALPHA RYKER The moon swelled above Black Isle with magic, the air had shifted to a warmer temperature, and the table before me bustled non-stop. Several chandeliers luminanced against polished china, the house staff moved in rapid sync around the table, serving, replacing, filling and refilling. Laughter, banters and humour drifted through the air like perfumed smoke. Rose and my companions seemed quite lost in the magic of things. I, however, settled for observation. I couldn't let my guard down despite how warm everyone was around me. “You've barely touched your food,” Phoebe commented beside me. “Is it not to your liking?” She asked. I stared at the content before me, I cut a piece of the venison, chewing slowly. “It is. My mind is just elsewhere.” “Crescent Moon?” “Home. Yes.”“This is also your home,” she commented. “Your mother, even if you'd rather talk about something else, was the High Leader of the pack before she married your father. You carry her magic, even though







