Heat Beneath The Skin 2

“Why wouldn’t I exile her? Why does she feel familiar? he pondered as he sat at his table.

Kael was struggling to understand the connection he shared with a rogue. Something about her kept drawing him but he couldn’t figure it out.

“Arggghhh!” he yelled in frustration again. “It’s so annoying to be confused. Whoever this odd rogue is, I must find out,” he said running his hands through his hair.

Selene headed for her father — the beta’s chamber. She knew her father and brother — Lucan—would be waiting for her. Selene walked into the chamber with a grim expression.

“What’s wrong? Is the Alpha alright?” Darian asked.

“No, he’s not.” Selene said, her voice laced with frustration and concern. “As I walked out of his chamber he still looked really confused,” she added.

“What could have made him walk out on the shadow warriors?” Darian thought aloud.

“I guess it’s a worthless rogue,” Selene said angrily.

“Hey, slow down,” Lucan cautioned her.

“You should check on him dad,” she said, persuading her father.

“Alright.” Darian said as he walked out and headed for the Alpha’s chamber.

“He’d be fine Selene, you should know that by now.” Lucan said, he tried to persuade his little sister.

“You know what really annoys me is that new recruit,” she said, as she faced Lucan with sharp eyes. “I wonder why Kael can’t just have her banished. She’s the reason for all this.”

“By ‘the new recruit’ you mean Lyra?” Lucan asked.

“I don’t know her name, and I really don’t care.” Selene said.

“Well, her name is Lyra. She’s from the rogue lands, but she’s really strong and fast. She fights like she’s been trained all her life. I trained with her on Alpha’s watch yesterday,” Lucan said casually.

“So? Why do you guys care so much? So what if she’s strong and fast? If she’s taking Kael’s peace of mind, then she should be banished. We don’t need such wolves around,” Selene replied, her voice laced with frustration.

“‘Taking’ is a huge word, though. I think the Alpha sees something different. Don’t worry too much. After all, once he’s fine, you’d be the first to find out,” Lucan teased.

“Be serious, Lucan. This isn’t about that,” Selene replied, rolling her eyes.

“Don’t worry too much. Okay?” Lucan said as he motioned to Selene to sit with him.

Selene sat with Lucan, and he closed the space between them, allowing her rest her head on his broad shoulders.

Selene was a sweet wolf, but anything that seemed to bother her family or the Alpha a little, bothered her a lot.

“I don’t just like to see him like this,” Selene cooed.

“It’s okay. He’ll be fine in no time,” Lucan consoled.

Lucan and Selene are the most envied siblings in the whole pack. Their bond grew stronger after a brutal war that took their mum years ago.

            ***

Darian arrived swiftly at the Alpha’s chamber. He knocked rapidly and entered without hesitation, his worries controlled him. He was curious to know why the Alpha had walked out on the shadow warriors and why he still hadn’t lightened up even after Selene spoke to him.

“Alpha,” Darian called as he walked in.

Kael turned around to face Darian, still wearing a grim look. He was really bothered about this new recruit; her identity and purpose.

“What is the matter?” Darian asked. His voice calm and soothing.

“Darian, there’s something hidden about this new recruit. Apart from her exceptional skills, she fights like she’s driven by something deeper. I can see the fire in her eyes and soul. Believe me, I’ve watched her. She looks like she’s driven by something else besides loyalty to this pack,” he said, his voice laced with concern.

“Hmmm…that’s not really good for the safety of our pack. Why don’t you banish her?” Darian asked.

“That’s where the mystery lies. I don’t want to banish her. There’s a connection between us that I can’t fathom yet,” Kael said.

“So… do you love the new recruit?” Darian asked.

“No. This isn’t about love. Love is too fragile a word for this connection,” Kael replied.

“Hmmm. You know, I suggest we keep an eye on her.”

“You mean I should assign wolves to watch her?” Kael asked.

“No, you should watch her by yourself. Keep an eye on her. Be interested in her. The closer you get, the easier and faster you’d be able to figure who she is and why she’s here,” Darian suggested.

The advice felt right. It lifted the weight of frustration off his mind. Beta Darian knew the best ways to calm Alpha Kael down no matter the situation. He had been the only parent around for a while now, and he had trained Kael like his own son.

In the hallway outside the barracks Aria stood still, thinking about what had just happened with the Alpha. Her mind raced with curiosity.

“Why did he pull me out? Why is he insecure? Does he know me? Should I just leave? Who’s the white wolf and why the hell was she staring at me like bait?”

These questions played in her mind a million times. She ran her hands through her hair, bitting her lip in anxiety.

There were so many questions in her mind without answers. She didn’t know what to do, yet her stomach fluttered at the thought of Kael. His touch—his fingers tangled in hers, the hold was firm, almost brushing her skin off yet something about it made her chest flutter.

“Oh Aria, focus, not now. Yes he’s hot, but that is not why you’re here. This is not the time for weakness,” she told herself as memories of Kael washed off her mind.

Footsteps approached the hallway, Aria turned around to look — it was Kael.

“Lyra,” he called as he walked towards her. His voice calm.

She froze.