The next few days passed by with them visiting other packs. During this period of time, Ashlyn's patience had been tested countless time before a new limit had been reached.As for Elaine, she had adjusted to the rough travelling. She tried to reduce her presence as much as possible in order to not provoke the already frustrated Ashlyn.But Elijah didn't share the same consideration as her.The man acted as though he made it his prime goal to rile Ashlyn up, trying to get her to explode. It amused him to see Ashlyn lose control.He pinched her cheeks, ruffled her hair, and even suddenly kissed her at various spot. That was the least of the annoying things he did.And Ashlyn remained helpless against his moves.However, to her horror, thinking how they will be going back to the pack soon caused her to feel emptiness. She had a feeling she would be missing these days.This made her bump her head against the steering wheel, trying to convince herself it was wrong to think in that directi

Ashlyn got down the stairs and spotted Elijah standing at the hotel lobby. She approached him."Where is Elaine?" she questioned."She is out. We can catch up to her on the way."She nodded about to walk forward when he held on to her hand, intertwining their fingers next, and maintained his pace with hers.Her eyes fell on their hands. Contentment settled in her chest before she moved away her gaze.Silence was between both of them as they walked out of the hotel. This area was desolate and not many werewolves hung around this area. It was still undergoing construction in order to make it a more habitable place.Ashlyn's eyes narrowed when she noticed the hostile figures surrounding them from all sides, leaving no space for them to walk away.Her gaze swept over them, trying to coun the number of rogue werewolves. There should be more than ten of them. All of them stared at them ferociously. Their mouths were open, their sharp fangs being shown as a result. They were ready to pounce

"They are not here," she muttered, a little perplexed."What?" Leah asked."His clothes.""His? After what happened, would he dare to stay with you?" Leah's voice held contempt.That reminded her how Leah spoke out how everyone was doing during this period of time but left out details about Elijah."What happened?" Ashlyn asked solemnly.Leah looked hesitant, but Ashlyn's narrowed gaze intimidated her to respond, "Fine, fine, I will tell you. After you were brought into the pack, your situation was dire, and then, you were rescued from danger.He then confessed about the tracker, and it was his fault for weakening you. The Alpha got mad, like really mad. It was frightening. He got punished by the Alpha then.He was locked in the dungeon for five days, and I don't know what happened to him inside there. But when he came out, his state was bad. The Alpha did quite a number on him."Hearing to this made Ashlyn's eyes widen for a second before she fell into deep thought out of confusion.

"A fling?"The petrichor and notes of cedarwood and citrus that followed after the familiar masculine voice made her stiffen. Even though he sounded indifferent, she could sense the disgruntlement.It invoked instant guilt in her before she brushed it away, believing she shouldn't feel in this manner.It should be none of Elijah's business if there was anything going on between Samuel and her. He had made it clear to her he wanted nothing to do with her.And she was unanimous with him."Beta," James enunciated. His eyes widened, recalling how Ashlyn and Elijah were mates down.Anxiousness filled his eyes as he slightly bowed his head. He then timidly said, "I am sorry, Beta. I was just joking around with the Commander. It was inappropriate of me to—"Before he was able to carry on further, Ashlyn raised her hand, indicating for him to be quiet. That's what he did.He took a step back in order to give both of them space."Is there anything you needed, Beta?" Ashlyn questioned, arching

To her surprise, she was brought to be checked by the doctor. While the doctor took care of her wound, her eyes remained glued on her mate, trying to figure out what went through his head.Such a wound wasn't a big deal. Although there was blood loss involved, Ashlyn didn't consider it a big deal. It will only cause her a short period of weakness.Leaning against the wall, Elijah stared at the door blankly, not sparing Ashlyn a glance. Although he seemed to be in a deep thought, they didn't translate on to his impassive face.Did he bring her here out of his instincts as a mate?Although that disheartened her, that conclusion did rip off all the budding expectations inside her chest. She might have done the same as well in his position.Once the doctor bandaged the wound, Ashlyn let her shirt loosely hang on her shoulders, over the tank top worn by her. The blood loss made her features pale.The doctor let them know of the precautions before they were dismissed. Silence was present be