Semua Bab The White Wolf: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Uncle Harris was tired this morning. Almost too tired to drive me to school. “I can take the bus both ways if you want.”“No, darlin’. I can contribute something to helping you out. I feel bad you have to take the bus at all. How about we get you a car or small truck?”“Room and board is a great help. Cars cost money, including gas, insurance, and upkeep. I need to save money for tuition. Plus, I never learned how to drive.”“Really? Why not?”“What’s that sarcasm?”“Didn’t Grams leave you some money?”“No. I don’t think so.”“Fuck. I’m pretty sure she did. Your mother must have taken it.”“It’s fine. I’m doing okay. Thanks, though.” Challenging my mother would never be on my to-do list. Buried hurt is best left undisturbed. He pulled into the campus lot just as Gunnar was parking his bike.“Have a good day, Esmerelda.” His farewell sounded rehearsed while he was still thinking about our conversation. “Thanks, you too, Uncle Harris. See you tonight.”“Tacos! “ he yelled as he pulled

The job that took me far away from Huntsville was not an accident. I need solitude to process my relationship with Esmerelda. A human was not meant to be in a shifter’s community, not to mention a sick human.Once complete, the mating bond would make me miserable if it didn’t compel me to follow her into death. The fates had placed me in a no-win situation. Having tasted her scent and known her kind nature, I knew I was doomed. Her allure was irresistible.My wolf scolded me for my unnecessary adventure. Magnus’s interest in her was a constant threat. My wolf wanted to challenge him and fight my pack brother to the death. Knowing our life would be incomplete without Esmerelda, I had to accept that the deal was done. Now, I needed to overcome my fears and bury my hesitations.I thought I could fool the Fates and only had to keep my little human safe to satisfy the bond. Following her undetected was odd behavior, and a waste of time. My wolf was going mad in her presence. The war betwee

Very few people from out of town visited Diablerie. On occasion, a few tourists or a group from the university braved the ominous atmosphere. The bar catered to the regulars. This Friday night was an exception. Several businessmen from town came in after work, still wearing their fancy suits. Their smug looks never lessened as they claimed a table and approached the bar.“The name’s Dale, doll face. We’ll start a tab.” He handed me his fancy platinum card while his arrogant eyes scanned my body. “What are you doing hiding way out here, my beauty?”“What can I get you and your friends?”“Grey Goose dirty martini...”“For named brands, we have the five J’s: Jim, Jack, Jonnie, Jose, and Jägermeister—no fancy city glasses, just shot, highball, and beer.”“What do you recommend?”“For you? The Tunnel Bar in the City.”“Cute. Send a tray over. There are five of us.” I nodded, but Uncle Harris shot me a dirty look. He didn’t want me moving from behind the bar. I loaded my tray with five shot

With Clara’s help, Uncle Harris finally hung his head in defeat and agreed to give me a night off. Her bright eyes were filled with excitement, making him second-guess his decision.“Don’t put down your drinks. Guys can roofie you and then take advantage. Be home by eleven.”“Eleven?” We both screeched.“The party doesn’t get really going until eleven.”“Exactly.”“Isn’t Esmerelda twenty-five?”“You’re point, missy. My roof. My rules.” He tried to shoo us away. “Now get going and have fun.”“Who’s having fun?” Magnus stood in the doorway to the bar.“Clara and I are going to a college party.”“Really?” He mocked. “Which one?”“The Harvest Festival at …” Clara began, and I put my hand over her mouth.“He’s not interested. Bye Magnus. Have a good night.”“Yeah, you too, Esmerelda.” He snickered as if on an inside joke.“Who was that?” She mumbled. Drool dripped from the corner of her mouth onto my hand. “Why can’t he know? Maybe we should invite him.”“Magnus wouldn’t let me go. He alway

“Dude, Esme’s not in class. Something’s wrong, she wouldn’t miss.” Gunnar’s anxiety sparked mine. Thankfully, I had just gotten back to town. The job was not far over the border in Ohio. Three days away seemed like forever.“Right, I’ll check in at the apartment.” When I dialed Harris’s number, the phone went to voicemail. Fuck. If I had marked her, I would have already been able to understand the state she was in. Not knowing was driving me crazy.It was less than five miles from the clubhouse to Diablerie —five miles of scenic, slow roads that I usually relished. Now, I was cursing the winding turns, slowing my progress. I pushed my Dune around the bends and opened her up on any straightaway, but I seemed suspended in time. Harris’s phone was still going to voicemail.My wolf was unsettled, which made me more anxious. He genuinely loved her. Fated mate or not, he would have pushed me to be with Esme. She was amazing—kind and caring to everyone and a hard worker. The motorcycle skidd