All Chapters of Pandora: Hunted by the Two Alphas She Abandoned: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Voices pulled me from the edge of sleep. It was soft and familiar, careful in the way people spoke when they believed the wounded could not hear them."She frightened herself," Faolan murmured."She frightened us as well," Asterion answered.I remained still. Warmth surrounded me. A fire cracked somewhere nearby, carrying the scent of pine through a room I did not recognize. My cheek rested against Faolan's chest. One of his arms curved around my waist while the other supported my shoulders, holding me securely across his lap.Asterion knelt before us. His fingers encircled my left wrist with impossible care. Something cool moved across my palm, followed by the faint sting of ointment sinking into the skin I had torn beside the lake.I should have opened my eyes. Instead, I listened."For one moment inside the quarry," Faolan said, "I thought we were boys again."Asterion's thumb stopped near the base of my palm. "So did I."The fire shifted. Neither bond allowed them to hide what the

Winter did not leave Crescent Ice all at once. It retreated like a defeated army, surrendering the kingdom one piece at a time.Snow loosened its hold upon the rooftops. The frozen river began moving underneath a thinning layer of ice. Water dripped from the eaves during the afternoon only to freeze again before darkness settled over the mountains.For weeks, winter and spring fought over the same ground. By the time the first white flowers pushed through the soil beyond the fortress walls, the wounds upon my palms had become pale scars.Other things had changed as well. After Frostmere, I no longer slept with a dagger beneath my pillow. I kept one in the drawer beside the bed.Progress did not require stupidity. The first night I moved it, Asterion noticed. He said nothing. He merely settled behind me and curved one arm around my waist while Faolan took his usual place facing me.Neither congratulated me, and I was grateful.The following night, a dream returned me to the quarry. Dar

Faolan continued protesting until we reached the outer gate. By then, he had accused us of betrayal, cruelty, abandonment, and conspiring to destroy his faith in love.I endured all four accusations without remorse. Even I had to roll my eyes repeatedly. This man never changed, even after five years had passed. Only when he attempted to mount the third horse did I catch the reins and pull them out of his reach. "You may accompany us," I said, "on one condition."Faolan's expression brightened instantly. "Anything, little tyrant.""Remain silent for the entire journey."He placed one hand solemnly over his heart. "You shall not hear a single—""You have already failed.""That condition was unreasonable."Beside me, Asterion mounted his horse with an ease that made the movement seem effortless. His face had returned to its usual cold composure, but satisfaction continued to warm our bond.The traitor was proud of himself.I released Faolan's reins and approached my mare.Asterion leane

I did not care.That was the first thing I decided as I stared at the woman who had once requested permission to court my mate.Lady Elowen was merely the leader of a southern trade envoy. Whatever interest she had held in Faolan belonged to three years ago, when the world believed me dead and my mates had every right to seek comfort elsewhere.It was irrelevant.Entirely insignificant.So insignificant that I could not stop looking at the collar she had touched."Lady Pandora?" Elowen said.I dragged my attention back to her face. "You said it was an honor to meet me. Why?"The blunt question startled her, but she recovered quickly. "Your survival has become a source of great discussion throughout the southern territories. Many believed the Goddess of War had returned to reclaim Crescent Ice.""And are you disappointed to discover I have not?""Relieved," she answered without hesitation. "The reforms introduced by Alpha Asterion and Alpha Faolan have benefited every pack along our tr

Faolan placed Father's diary beside his plate. I watched it throughout the first course while he watched me.Asterion behaved as though nothing unusual was occurring while he served roasted chicken, vegetables, and a bowl of soup I had no intention of touching."Return my diary," I said.Faolan reached for his wine instead. "After you eat.""That was not a request.""Neither was dinner."My eyes narrowed. "Give it to me before I decide to remove the hand holding it.""Threatening the person responsible for feeding you seems unwise.""Asterion prepared my plate.""Then, I am responsible for protecting the person feeding you."I reached across the table. This bastard really was testing my patience...Faolan caught the diary first and passed it to Asterion. Without pausing, Asterion placed it beside his own plate and moved my soup closer."One bowl," he said. "Then, you may have it."I stared at him. "You are attempting to bargain with the Goddess of War.""I am attempting to feed my mat