Chapter-26

                                                                         Ivy

My lungs were just a brink away from bursting out of my chest and at this point, my feet hurt too. The afternoon sun shone brightly even though the air already hinted at the winter standing right at the door. Sweat trickled down my forehead and my camisole was drenched. The dry leaves scrunched beneath my feet as I kept counting in my head. It’s been hours since I started jogging around the perimeter yet I was nowhere close to reaching two hundred.

Time was running out and I had only until sunset which after a glance at my watch I realized was a mere four hours away. If I failed, I would have to leave. The hardness in Asher’s voice was an indication enough that he meant what he said.

“He is angry,” Silver muttered. “And he has every right to be,”

“And whose fault was it?” I grimaced. “You started it, Silver! How could you?”

“Don’t completely blame me,” Silver snapped back. “Yes, maybe I started it but you were as much into it. After a while it was you, Ivy. Don’t try to deny it!”

I halted as I reached the lakehouse, placing my hand on my knees and bending over to catch my breath. My eyes drifted to the large oak tree and an uneasy feeling rolled down my body along with something darker and needy curling at the pit of my stomach.

Last night was…I don’t know how to explain because I don’t know myself. Killian’s words had me spiraling with the unnamed fear that I felt. I hunted to blow some steam off and put myself together. And even though it always works, last night it didn’t. I took a dip in the pool, hoping the chilling water would calm me down and wash away the assholes lingering scent off me but again all in vain. And the moment my eyes met his, something inside me stirred.

I had never felt so vulnerable before. Not because I was stark naked but because it felt like he could see right through me. And save me. Asher at the moment seemed like the safest place to be, felt like I could just crawl into his arms and everything would be alright. In a tunnel filled with darkness, he seemed like the ray of sunshine waiting for me. I don’t know where all of that came from but that was exactly what I felt. I felt so scared that the only way to keep it from consuming me was to be consumed by him. And it worked. Like magic.

The second my lips touched his, I lost myself. The only thing I could think and feel was how right it felt. How perfect the feel of his touch was against my skin, how perfect the scent of his warm, masculine body was and just how intoxicating and freeing it felt to be claimed by him. He was a true alpha and just in that moment, I wanted to lay down all my swords and let him take charge. Just like he did. I have had sex before but what happened between us, it was more than that. I have never experienced something so raw, so feral and consuming ever before.

However, once the momentary trance that engulfed me eroded, thanks to my wolf, and I realized what a terrible mistake I had made, the only option was to run. And so I did. I couldn’t sleep the entire night, the memories running through my mind like a movie on repeat and neither could I wash off the feel of his touch even after the long shower I took. There were marks of his fingers on my skin, and I was still a bit sore. So now, every time I move, I was reminded of his claim on me.

“I know,” I sighed, answering my wolf. “ And it was wrong of me to run. But what else could I have done? Given in to him? You know that’s not possible, Silver.”

“Maybe if you just talked to him. Tell him what’s going on, I am pretty sure Asher will help you through this. Together you and him can fight this asshole. I know he will understand.”

“It’s easier for you to say,” I whispered. “But I can’t risk it. Killian’s eyes are everywhere. Who knows how many of his men are already inside the pack, keeping an eye on my whereabouts? How in hell did he know Asher is my mate? One wrong move on my part and Killian will kill dad just the way he destroyed my entire pack. And it’s not just my father’s life at stake. He could hurt Asher too. I can’t trust him even for a moment.”

“And you not telling him will help protect him?” Silver demanded. “Ivy, you are putting him and the rest of the GrayCrest in danger by hiding this. These people welcomed you wholeheartedly and you are the Luna of this pack. Don’t betray them…”

“I…” My vibrating cell phone halted me. Frowning at the unknown number, I picked it up and immediately my blood chilled as his breathy voice flowed through my ears.

“Enjoyed your passionate encounter with your alpha, Ivyanka?” his voice was playful but still there was something evil about it. I stared blankly at the oak tree, my mouth going dry with dread.

How does he know?