Chapter 2
Most of my day was spent doing patrol routes around the border, away from the house. For obvious reasons I’m sure. Late in the evening I watch the dark charcoal gray wolf of my father stalk up. Surprised he even released his wolf. It’s a rare occasion for him. He shifts back to his human form and brushes miniscule dust from his blazer. “Adira, explain to me, what the fuck you were thinking? Talking to them under my nose.” It’s a struggle to keep my mouth shut as I stare Father down, my hands clenched behind my back in a position similar to parade rest. “What did you tell them?” Go to hell.
The snarl in his voice does little to intimidate me, Father likes to forget he isn’t the only one with Alpha blood in his veins. You breed me, you imbecile. “I told them nothing; they suspended my duties. They asked for your whereabouts and I told them you were in a meeting with Beta.” It’s all true. Anthony snarls and grabs a fistful of my hair before he kicks the back of my knee, forcing me to the ground. Nera snarls pushing against my skin, her need to shift feral at this point. Enough… their time will come soon enough.
“Why are they here?” Father snarls to no one in particular, he storms across the clearing, pacing with unease. Are you feeling the pressure yet? I want nothing more than to provoke him, break down the little patience he has. I keep my mouth shut even as Anthony wrenches my arm up, pleased he has the ability to push me around. Filthy prick.
“Someone must’ve talked to the stuck up bastards. Investigations don’t appear out of nowhere.” Anthony sneers as his grip tightens, on a mission to find who exposed them. Father’s eyes flicker red as his wolf appears.
“No shit! Someone got in contact with them! Who’s been watching the mail? Someone got something out, I demand to know!” Father snarls as he storms closer, crouching to get in my face. “Was it you? Did I trust you with the wrong duty? Have you betrayed me, daughter?” The warriors in the clearing glance wearily at one another, everyone on edge with the fate of the pack.
“Adira knows a lot, her wolf’s unruly on the best of days a bitch on the rest.” I can hear the smirk in his voice as he pulls my arm up higher. Nera snarls as I slam my free elbow into his groin, he releases a pained growl.
“Who are you calling a bitch?” My eyes flash gold a silver ring surrounding, her position clear to witness. Anthony snarls as he pulls my hair back and forces me to the ground and Fathers foot stomps on my throat, he snarls enraged.
“Enough! You’re already on rocky ground, don’t make me have to do more damage. We can’t afford for you to be too damaged.” The increasing pressure on my throat as Nera snarling more as I struggle to force her back. Let them play their game and show their hand. I push his foot up, a futile effort to keep pressure off my windpipe. I can’t die just yet. Anthony snarls as he kicks my hip.
“Bitch.” His eyes glow orange in his rage. I can’t wait to watch him die.
“Adira wouldn’t slip a message to those bastards; she knows the repercussions.” Father growls, his eyes flash a deep red in memory. You cold hearted bastard. “It has to be one of those damn peasants I let live under me.” I struggle to keep silent as Father rants about the pack. The only way we can win is if we survive the investigation Nera.
“How are we to handle it Alpha? Those idiots are going to question everyone; one of those idiots will share too much.” Anthony’s comment makes Father angrier he presses down on my throat, black dots swirl around my vision, my lungs burn head aches.
Father steps off of my throat and I inhale deeply as I watch him through a narrowed gaze. Don’t be stupid now, you can’t afford it. “I don’t care; we’ve been suspended from our duties.” He pauses as his eyes light up with cruel glee. “But we still have pack link. I can use their families against them.” I roll over to my stomach and cough, the dry brittle sounds harsh in the cool night air. “Adira can volunteer to be an example.” Father growls as his eyes glow eerily. You’re scared of what they can do to you.
“They’ve already requested Adira for their Guide.” Anthony turns his head to me and arches a brow. “Did you have anything to do with that bitch?” He growls, Father stares at me.
“I’m sure it’ll do her good to keep her mouth shut and obey orders.” I stare at Father, unwavering in my gaze. You’ll be in hell soon. “What do you plan on doing Adira?” He asks in a cynical voice.
“What they ask.” I answer honestly as he watches me, his brow flickers up. Your tyranny is over.
“I don’t think you should be spilling pack secrets, don’t you agree?” Father cocks his head in a condescending way as he watches me, I fight to keep a blank stare.
“They don’t need to be involved in pack business.” Anthony snarls as he narrows his eyes at me. I’m not bowing down to you anymore.
“Can she really be trusted? Wouldn’t it be better to have someone else escort them? Someone that can be trusted.” Bad move Anthony. Father snarls at him as he turns to look at him, his eyes dance with fire.
“You’re all dismissed. Adira, get your ass home and in bed. Do not test me.” He forces the image of my mothers body into my mind and I growl as I stare at him. You bastard, you have no right. Pure hatred fills my body as I turn on my heel as I give a tense nod. If they don’t take him in for punishment, I’ll be dead. I shift once I leave the clearing and start the run home. I need to be away from them.
My throat and lungs burn as the dull throbbing pain in my head lessens as fresh air calms my anger. I shake out my silver coat of fur, claws digging into the dirt as I slow down to a stroll. The time under the moon calms my mind, giving me enough time to plan my play. This is a chess game, if I’m not careful, things will end poorly. I shift into my human form and sigh as I head straight for my quarters. Thankfully away from Father.
I lock my door after I step in my room. I pull my shirt over my head and pause as I scent my room. There’s that smell again. A citrus sandalwood with notes of bourbon. All man. “Do you always disrobe in such a manner?” I turn my head to stare at the tall silhouette of Magnar, silently admiring his form. His eyes glow silver with a thick golden ring that pulsates with emotions.
You are something else aren’t you? He’s a powerful man, clear from his scent and eyes. A shiver dances down my spine at the intensity of his stare. “I wasn’t aware I was putting on a performance.” Nera stands with an aroused growl. Oh this is new. He releases a deep chuckle, the sound thick with a growl.
“I’d only ever allow you to perform for me.” My brow flickers up as I grow brazen and unbutton my jeans. I toss my shirt in my hamper.
“And why’s that?” I ask as I tilt my head as an inferno grows in my core. He’s lounged against the wall, arms crossed as he releases a guttural growl. Can he smell my arousal? He pushes from the wall to stalk me slowly.
“Because you’re mine.” The simple statement has my heart leaping into my throat in shock. He slowly stalks me and I feel a rush thrum through my veins as I back up, watching his eyes dilate in arousal. His scent deepens as his arm brace on either side of my head, trapping me to the wall. I’m yours? The thought makes my core clench in want, his nostrils flare as he smirks.
“I’m yours?” Aren’t I looking dumb. My brows pinch as I open my mouth and he practically purrs, the growl so smooth, has my body heating. He runs one finger down the center of my chest and sparks ignite my skin and any question I had to his claim flies out of my mind.
“So pretty, I think this may be my favorite color.” He growls as his finger tip barely dips beneath the trim of my bra. Goosebumps decorate my skin as my mind goes blank.
“Why… How didn’t I know sooner?” I gasp at the fire that licks my skin and he hums an easy sound that makes my heart skip a beat. His devilish features my insides churn as my mind feels overstimulated. Nera is on the verge of breaking free in want of her mate. He presses his head into my neck and licks my pulse. Holy crap this is a living wet dream. “Why?” My voice is breathless as I close my eyes and press against his hot chest. The rough fabric of his jeans rub against my skin.
“I’m a Council Enforcer, most members opt to leave their mate for another.” I groan as his teeth nip at my pulse, my thumbs hook into his belt loops as my eyes flutter closed.
“That seems a touch unfair.” He nips me harder, his canines elongated, his hips press into mine or maybe I pull him to me. It’s a delicious blur.
“Possibly.” He agrees as my hand threads into my hair, gripping my head in a secure hold, my tender scalp burns as his teasing distracts me more. “I need to know… Adira… Are you with your father?” I growl at that as his finger brushes over my erect nipple.
“That man is a cruel tyrant. He needs to face death, same as Anthony. They’ve ruined this pack in their greed.” I gasp as he presses his bulge into my hips.
“Ekon frets you’ll side with them.” He growls and delivers a punishing nip.
“I’d rather die than let them continue to kill this pack.” I assert as I open my eyes to meet his, my eyes burn with emotion. “The only side I’ll pick is that of my pack; they deserve better than that traitorous bastard. Roberto and Anthony need to be put to death.” He growls as his teeth scrape my throat, asserting his dominance.
“Good… I’d hate for you to be with them.” His hand teases my midriff to my thong. He tugs my thong up and rubs my clit making me groan at the fire that pulses. “Too bad I can’t bed you now.” His words send a rush of cold water over my head, my eyes open as I frown at him.
“And why’s that?” I growl as he teases me, my eyes close while my head falls back, soft pants leave my parted mouth. “Last I checked, I’m willing.” Nera grows frustrated between his words and his teasing. Would you just mount me already? Enough with your words.
Magnar growls deeply, the sound a rough purr as his thumbs connects with my clit, burning me with his claim. “The second I claim you, your scent changes and your father will try to use that against us.” He pauses as he shifts my leg over his hips, rolling his jeans against my heated core, distracting my body. “The council has been notified of this change, they’re willing to push this aside, as long as Ekon handles your interrogation.”
I growl feeling the hard length press against my body making me moan with want. “And how long must we wait for our mating?” I pant at the cool air that teases my womanhood, I’m only left craving friction for a moment before he sinks a long digit into my core. Less talking, more mating. Nera snarls in my head, urging my hips to roll, wanting to feel him deeper. He snarls, biting my neck in a domineering hold.
“It depends on how much cooperation we get from the pack members.” His tongue seers a path to my ear, his teeth pinch the delicate lobe as he growls. “The trial will be a different story; it all depends on what we are told.” His unspoken words hang in the air, on the tip of my tongue as adds another finger, making my mind explode.
“It better end in our favor and end soon; I’m bound to mount you myself.” My muscles clench wantonly around him, a silent plea for more. He growls as he pulls away, his eyes glow before they trail over my bra, his lips pull to a smirk.
“Darling, I’ll have you mounted and beneath me the moment you’ve been cleared from wrong doing.” He bites my lips before he claims them for a kiss, a searing claim as my body burst from the onslaught of pleasure. Mate is talented… Will we ever know how talented?