All Chapters of MATED TO THE ENEMY ALPHA: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

132 Chapters

Vale’s Breath

ElaraThe fog moved first, sliding low across the forest floor before coiling around our boots and then rising in thin, before clearing. We were in another part of the vale.The air thickened with a damp, metallic taste that settled on my tongue. Twigs start curling up our hands.These are hollowed vines.“Don’t let them cut you or draw the tiniest of blood,” I said sharply as I used my spelled pocket knife to cut them.Too late.One of the guards had been cut, he coughed, staggered, and dropped to a knee.“Cut them,” I commanded. “They’re illusion-bearers.”Draven moved instantly, pulling the guard back by his collar as Torin wrapped a cloth around the man’s cut.“What are illusions bearers?” Draven asked.“They show you what the forest wants you to see.”“And what’s that?” I swallowed. “Some of your darkest fears.”“Will I die?” The infected guard asked.“Hopefully not,” I caressed as I tore a piece of the guard’s shirt. “This will stop the venom from spreading," I said, bending do

The Vale’s First Test

DravenThe earth closed over me with much violence as fog thickened everywhere.I landed on solid ground, my boots sank slightly into damp soil, the air thick and unmoving. Above me, roots twisted like ribs, arching into a hollow chamber lit by a dim, colorless glow.I straightened slowly, I didn’t reach for my blade. I’d learned that some threats didn’t respond to steel.The hollowed vale was one.I looked around and then the Vale attacked. Huge vines stronger than the one that pulled me held me down to my knees.“So,” I said, straining to break free, “this is your test.”Then a slim long vine forest came in front and bit into my arm, opening memories I’d long shut out.Fire roaring through a village.Blood slick beneath my hands and face as father held my mother.A child’s scream—cut short.My jaw clenched.The Vale did not show me what I feared, rather It showed me what I’d endured.It pressed deeper, peeling back years and years of command, of restraint, of controlled brutality. I

Thornshade’s Teeth

ElaraI felt it before we clearly saw the Bloodbloom.I think we all felt it. The Vale thinned. It withdrew as we edged closer to the Bloodbloom.I slowed, “There,” I said quietly.Trees opened into a circular clearing as we approached. At the center, a single plant bloomed— petals unfurling in deep crimson layers that glistened wetly.“The Bloodbloom,” one of the guards whispered.Its petals pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat.Amazing.Torin swore under his breath. “That thing’s alive.”“Yes,” Draven replied. “And it smells like blood too.” Then he turns to me, “What do we do?”I didn’t look at him right away.“The Bloodbloom cures the First Mark,” I said carefully. “It will stop the rash. Cure Lior, but—“ I look at him. “It’ll need to feed until it comes off its roots.”“What do you mean feed?” Torin asked, fear evident in his tone.Holding Draven’s gaze, “It feeds in blood. We’ll have to feed it blood until it comes off its roots.” The petals shuddered, as if in approval.Draven st

A Little Soft Spot

DravenThornshade was quiet as we quickly head over to my house. By the time we arrived, the rash had already spread.“Took you guys long enough,” Kyra said.“Maybe you should come along next time,” Draven answered before I could say anything.“That’s my wife, Alpha Draven.” Mateo said, coming closer.“It’s fine, love.” Kyra said, touching Mateo’s arm.I didn’t have time for this. I needed to heal my son.My mother had done everything right. Lior cradled against her chest, his small body still. I saw the gentle star-shaped charms she had hung over his head, the cooling salves, still, the red had spread rapidly along his skin, He stirred, causing me to hold him immediately and Draven coming close and finally seeing it.He didn’t speak, but I felt him tense from the way his jaw tightened so hard I thought it might crack and his hands curled into fists at his sides. His eyes tracked every mark, every tremor in Lior’s body. Lior whimpered softly, fingers clutching at me as though it serv

Blades And Bruises

ElaraI hit the ground—hard.Again.For the ninth time.“Ouch!”My back met the earth with a sound that sounded like I’d crack something.“I think I broke a bone.” I grunted as I stared up at the sky, blinking against the sun, and seriously considered staying there forever.“Well, on the bright side,” Sia said cheerfully, peering down at me, “you’re very consistent and have good reflexes.”“I hate you.” I groaned.“No, you don’t,” she replied.“You know you owe me. I saved your life,” I said, breathing hard and sitting up while rubbing my tailbone.“That was one time,” she muttered, “And you were really pleased you helped me.” She extended a hand to help me up.“A technicality,” I took it—and immediately wobbled.“Up you go, warrior.” Sia said, patting my back and handing me my practice sword.A month ago, after I’d healed her wounds from the Diremanes. She had gone there out of boredom and it'd gotten a little out of hand. I went to check on her until she was totally fine. Coinciden

Lines Not Drawn

DravenAerin Blackmoor was a friend and great ally. Occasionally he drops by but he was here for three days because Volkava had attacked near his pack borders.That was why he was here.He had arrived under the guise of camaraderie to throw off any scent as to his real reason which was what to do against Volkava. “I can’t wait for the day I get to to see your mate,” Aerin said slapping my shoulder as we hug.I laughed, “Soon friend.”“Hopefully the goddess smiles on you.”As I welcomed him, I asked Kael to get Elara. What was I going to introduce her as?I didn’t know but Aerin didn’t know I’d married and a Thornshade woman at that.“Rumors said, you rejected your mate.” He said, as they pour wine into his cup.And I married her.“The council aren't really doing anything about this,” I quickly change the subject. Not wanting to admit or lie.“I doubt they even know what to do. Even if they have any information on this reckless wolf, I doubt they’ll tell us about.” Aerin said, “I fea

The Scent Of Another

ElaraBy Morning Aerin was already on the Training grounds. The air is sharp, cool and clean. When he sees me, he waves for me and Sia to come forward.“Fancy seeing you hear, Alpha?” Sia said as we both bowed.“Yes. Wanted to give Elara here some tips seeing as you were wiping her ass clean yesterday,” Aerin said laughing as Sia joined.My neck reddened in embarrassment.Even Alpha Aerin can see I’m a failure at this thing so why do I still try?“Oh! I hope you’re not offended?” He asked, concerned.I shake my head immediately. “No, I’m not. I’d be happy to receive these lessons, Alpha.”“Please, Aerin.” He says.I smile.As bad as I am, Aerin is patient with me but relentless. He corrects my stance, adjusts my grip, and lets not forget him circling me like a predator testing prey.When I try to strike against Sia, he tells me, “Strength isn’t always about force, Elara—“ “It’s about balance.” I completed it.I see the look of surprise on both Sia and his face. Sia was more surpris

Denial

DravenAfter Elara left I laid down thinking of what was wrong with me as I put my hand through Lior’s hair. I just couldn't control the anger I felt seeing her and Aerin.A knock came. I knew it wasn’t Elara. Recently, her scent has been hijacking my senses more than anyone.It’s Kael.He enters. He does not bow and he does not look pleased.I don’t blame him. I just couldn’t stop at the training grounds. All I could see was Aerin holding Elara. I just kept hitting. I should apologize.“I’m sorry, Kael,” I said, pouring drinks.Blood has dried along the edge of his shoulder where my blade had cut through him.“Apology accepted. What was that out there? Scratch that…You’re distracted,” he says flatly.I frown, “By what?”He raised a brow. He’s talking about Elara.“I am not.”“You nearly gutted me, Draven.” He insisted, sipping his drink.“You were slow.”He stares harder as he chuckles. “I have never been slow. And you know that. This is something else.”Silence settles between us.

Bitterroot And Warnings

DravenThe scent of crushed mint and wild thyme clings to my fingers and arms.I was in the infirmary with Astra. I’ve learnt a lot from her and I know her from me. Sometimes she acts like she hates me but times like this… when she requests I work with her.They make my heart feel light. I look at her as she works in silence beside me, her movements are precise as she grinds dried leaves into powder.“What, young one?” She asks, quietly.I almost laughed. Young one, that’s what she calls me.“Nothing,” I whispered.We were making potions and herbs with food items. The Winter Ember Festival.A festival that Ironfang always does every year— so I’m told. And somehow the pack doesn’t feel brutal today.Outside, laughter drifts in waves. Children ran.It is said that every year, Astra prepares herb-infused tonics and spiced mixtures for the entire pack— some for stamina, some for healing, some for celebration, for the warriors, for the kids. She distributes them as though they are offer

Winter Embers

ElaraThornshade was warmer than Ironfang. But earlier I had felt just as warm. Now, I feel the coldness of this place in me.Was I physically cold? No! I’m already getting used to it and fires have been lit so it’s warm, very warm but this coldness I feel…since I encountered Zuri.Winter here in Ironfang is never quiet from what I’ve observed. But tonight it roars as torches lined the courtyard, flames danced against frostbitten stone. The drums pulsed low and steady as wolves began to gather.“Come help me, Elara.” Astra said.“Coming,” I said waving at Sia to come help.The Winter Ember Festival has begun. While we lined the herbs carefully and Astra yells at Sia to be careful and of course everything is fun to Sia.Sia and I had brought all the herbs out with some girls I’m just noticing for the first time. But I cannot focus.Not on the music.Not on the scent of roasted stag that Sia keeps eyeing.The girl eats like a stallion.My attention immediately drifts to Draven as he fi

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