Traded Once, Gone Forever

"I fold. Faith's yours tonight."

In the back private room of Moonhowl Tavern, Aaron Willis set his glass down with a soft clink, a careless smile playing on his lips.

Kevin Willis didn't answer right away.

He leaned back on the couch, a silver lighter turning slowly between his fingers, his black shirt sleeves pushed up to his forearms.

He was the eldest son, called back in a hurry by the pack's Alpha. The only reason he had returned was to marry the eldest daughter of the Silvermoon Pack and secure Redwood Pack's border alliance.

"You sure?" Kevin's voice was low and rough, like gravel grinding over frozen ground.

Aaron gave a loose, reckless grin. "She's just a fiancée I haven't even bonded with yet. What's there to hesitate about? Besides, you've been watching her all night, haven't you?"

The room burst into laughter.

Someone leaned forward, smirking. "You serious, Aaron? You pursued Faith for three months before she finally gave in. Didn't you camp outside the herb garden for weeks just to win her over? It hasn't even been a year, and you're already bored?"

Another chimed in, "We thought she meant something to you. She's gorgeous, and she's the most talented young herbalist in the pack. That's not exactly easy to come by."

Aaron didn't care. He tipped his head back and took a long drink, then let out a cold laugh.

"At first, yeah, she seemed different. She was proud, untouchable, and wouldn't respond, no matter how hard I pushed. Now?" He scoffed. "She's no different from the rest. Just another wolf trying to climb into an Alpha's bed. In front of me, she's as obedient as a house pet. Hell, even my wolf's getting bored with her."

The moment he finished, Kevin looked up.

That glance was ice-cold, and the room quieted almost instantly.

Aaron didn't notice. He kept turning his glass in his hand.

"So what, Kevin? Do you really want her? She's been with me for a year. If you don't like the fact she carries my scent…"

"Enough." Kevin stood, grabbing his coat. "I'll take her."

The smile on Aaron's lips stiffened for a second. Something sharp flickered in his eyes, but it was gone just as quickly, replaced by that same careless look.

"Alright, then. Hope you enjoy your night."

Kevin gave a small nod, adjusted his cuff, and walked out without another word.

The second he left, the room exploded with noise again.

Some people laughed at Aaron for being heartless. Others started betting Kevin wouldn't even touch me.

Aaron leaned back into the couch, confidence dripping from his voice.

"Faith wouldn't dare. She's crazy about me. She said she'd rather take a silver blade through the heart than let any wolf but me touch her."

Through the half-open door of the lounge, I heard every word, clear as day.

So all the careful restraint I had shown this past year was just proof I had been trained well in his eyes.

I didn't rush out.

I just went back to bed, closed my eyes, and pretended I was still drunk.

I knew better than anyone what happened if you went head-to-head with an Alpha heir. You'd be the one who ended up dead.

When the door opened, I caught an unfamiliar scent first. It wasn't Aaron's usual mix of liquor and cigars, but something colder; pine and frost.

Someone bent down and lifted me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, letting my voice slur on purpose.

"Aaron… What took you so long?"

His body went still for a second, but he didn't call me out.

"Been waiting a while?"

"Yeah." I buried my face against his neck and breathed him in. "You smell nice tonight."

He was quiet for a few seconds as he carried me down the hall.

When the elevator doors slid shut, he lowered his head and brushed a light kiss against my temple.

"I'm glad you like it."