It’s almost midnight when they finally reach the outpost to Clan BloodBane. The moonlight has guided their path and the rest of the path has been uneventful. Two wolves welcome them inside the lone building which looks like a rundown compilation of bricks from outside but is pretty clean and comfortable inside. Exhaustion settles like a heavy stone on Niya’s bones and she swiftly runs into the shower. She needs to change her clothes stained with blood and wear something suitable for her ‘royal friends’. “Vivi, there is one more washroom here. If you want you can go first.” Donny calls her from the adjacent room while Chase is outside talking with his clansmen. When he finally comes in he flops down on one of the cots laid out on the ground, tired and irritated by everything that happened and is going to happen. Although it was his strategy back at the scene, he is not accustomed to being ordered around. Then there are the questions of the threat running loose in the woods. Who d
Chase waits impatiently as the girls take their sweet time to get ready. He stands at the window watching the trail that will take him home, take him back to his father. For once he understands the reason for Niya and Vivian’s reluctance to travel here. It is not easy for a wolf to leave him or her family behind. A pack can survive any threat, a lone wolf is vulnerable. “When do you think it will be suitable to travel back to WinterFrost?” Donny asks him. Chase turns to reply but is stopped short. His gaze falls on Niya coming out of her room and immediately asking, “planning to leave already?” Chase takes her in from head to toe. She is dressed in a deep burgundy dress that crops and slits apart just above her belly button with black skin tight pants. The neckline is a V cut with no accessories other than a pendant resting just above her breasts. Her platinum hair is left free just like her spirit. Her eyes are slightly lined with kohl making the blueness of her eyes more prom
“Well you all must be tired.” The Luna speaks up. “Remy and Juno will escort you to our guest house. Chase please come with us.” “Yes. We will meet again when the meals are served.” Alpha Jaden says with a smile that wrinkles the skin around his eyes. Niya and Vivian both courtesy again and the three of them take their leave following the brothers. “So is there any chance for us or our handsome brother has swayed both of you already?” Remy asks with a mischievous grin. Here we go. It hasn’t been an hour yet and all Niya wants is to run back to her home away from this courting and mating. “Is that what you think of us? Are we that easy to sway?” Vivian answers haughtily. “No, what I am saying is that it is hard to control your emotions in the presence of such a handsome male.” “You should speak for yourself and stop promoting your brother.” Vivian replies, smirking like a diva. “I think Vivi found her perfect match.” Donny whispers in Niya’s ears. Continuing their verbal
A long table has been set on what appears to be a lawn with trimmed grass and flower arrangements. The table is filled with plates piled with mouth watering food. Seared Venison, Pork chops with herb butter and roasted vegetables, Fried chicken and many more to account for. “Serve yourself like you do at your home girls.” Alpha Jaden says addressing his guests. “It is because of you that we are eating together after so long.” “Don’t blame me for that father, I am always up for family picnics like this.” Remy says mockingly. “But who cares? Nothing happens without Chase being present. He is the special child.” “Ha ha!! You always complain about Chase. You have grown up only physically.” Alpha Jaden laughs at him. “Fine fine, who am I to say anything bad about the ideal son. After all, he is going to get the throne soon enough!” “Remy... eat.” The Luna orders with much needed authority and it works as he concentrates on his plate. “So how is Herald? We met so long ago.” “
They both turn in unison to find Juno standing with his hands clasped in front. He raises both his hands in the air as if surrendering and says. “I was not eavesdropping.” “I will go now.” Donny says “I am tired. Good luck Niya.” he winks at her and leaves hastily. Niya gives him an accusatory look before facing Juno again. “I am sorry if you are offended for intruding.” Juno says. “No need to say sorry, we were just chatting.” “I heard the last part and I have to say I deny what you said.” He rubs his palm nervously.”You are quite striking to look at…” “Thank you, you are being generous. I am sorry talking is not my strong quality.” “I have guessed that much. Would you mind coming with me? I hope I am not being too forward.” “Where?” “Just hang out a little bit. I can show you my art works.” “That....ummm yeah... that sounds good.” Niya says, failing to come up with any excuse. It’s not his fault, at least he is trying to build a relationship. The problem is with h
Since the day Niya started training, she has witnessed injuries that were pretty bad. She has seen wounded warriors and visions of savagery very recently. All those memories, all the incidents combined could not have prepared her for this. Who could have thought that the prized prince of BloodBane, perfect in every way, was hiding such a ghastly wound on his back? The long cut starts under his right shoulder blade and runs down diagonally to the lower back, a clean cut made in an attempt to slice his body in half. No one can survive this! How is he even alive? This is not even the real wound, it is just an echo of the actual scar. She tries but fails to imagine the ferocity of the real wound and how he claimed life despite that. His opponent drops his sword on the ground although he doesn’t have a look of shock but sympathy mixed with pride. When Chase finally turns, his face shadowed with the dark memory now exposed again, that look on his face is enough for Niya. She starts to wa
Vivian has never encountered anyone this flamboyant and raw in her life. She has had several affairs back in her tribe but they all bored her at one point or another. Remy is built differently. He is made of mischief and adventure, someone who doesn’t check on his emotion and his treacherous mouth. Is he the ideal partner she hoped for? Absolutely no! But who said she is ideal herself. She can handle a little bit of mischief and will definitely enjoy a lot of adventure. But it is way too early! Way too early to tell him. She has heard accounts of a spark mates feel when they meet. She felt that spark when Remy was around, felt the connection that bound his soul to hers. Remy should also feel that way at least that is what she hopes. There is no simple way to disclose feelings in words; there is no language of love. She knows how to flirt, but this...this is different. She was so confident of being disappointed that such a quick transition from the easy going girl to a woman want
The dinner is set up inside the dining hall on the same table that was used during the day. Niya doesn’t pay attention to the small talk and even the food. Her eyes repeatedly fall on Chase who is only concentrated on his plate. “Eat the ribs Niya, they are delicious.” Donny whispers. “Trust me I am full.” “I have an announcement to make.” Alpha Jaden declares, “I have decided to throw a small celebration in your honor tomorrow night. I think it will be a good opportunity for you to meet with our folk and bond with them.” “That is so kind of you.” Vivian replies immediately and hits Niya with her leg under the table. “..Ahh!! Yes .. yes that is some exciting news.” Niya says, plastering a fake smile on her face. She will happily choose death over dancing in fancy parties. Toying with the food on her table she wonders why everyone eats so slowly. She has some work to do, very important work tonight and no she can’t wait until tomorrow. Marcus was right, she was not here f