Semua Bab MATED TO THE ENEMY ALPHA: Bab 21 - Bab 30

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

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

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

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.

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