Shane I’m woken with a kick to the chest. The wind is knocked out of me and I’m gasping for breath as hands come for me in different directions. It isn’t until they touch me and pull me to my feet that I realize I’m leaving this cell. The thought should give me a sense of relief but it doesn’t. Today is the day of the celebration and I’m too worried about her to care about myself. “Where are we going?” I grunt. I barely get the words out through great gulps of air. They don’t answer me, of course. I’ve lost so much blood the world is spinning. I can’t walk straight and fall until their hands hold me up. They drag me from the cell, my arms slide, and I suck in a breath as a burning sensation has me jerking away. Only to hit my other arm on the bars near it. “Fuck,” I hiss. “Stay still,” the guard demanded. “Where are you taking me?” I asked. “Alpha requested we move you to the Meeting Hall,” he answered. “Where the celebration is?” I asked. My eyes go wide as I realize they’re
It’s like I’m having an out-of-body experience as I make my way down the stairs. An oversized cloak wrapped around my shoulders and fell to the floor. Two guards followed me but I paid them no mind. I already know that Ethan will be waiting for me either at the bottom or outside the packhouse. I hope it’s the latter but. Dread makes its way up my body with every step I take.The handmaidens had been waiting for me in the bathroom down the hall. As much as I wanted to run screaming, I walked inside and they helped me undress. I had spent the last hour being washed and wiped down. Powdered and prepped for the second time today, I was thankful for the break from Ava.I was on the ground floor now and Ethan was nowhere in sight. I wouldn’t let myself hope, I knew he was somewhere around here. I walked to the front of the packhouse, the door opening as I grew closer, and Ava stood outside. One of our carriages was waiting at the bottom of the stairs.For someone who had spent hours bad-mou
The room had gone quiet as the visiting Alpha made his way down to me. He searched my gaze and when he saw the obedient partner he wanted he smiled. I could feel the frustration and jealousy coming off of Ava in waves. Based on the way she had dressed I knew she had expected a reaction from him. She huffed when he continued to stare at me.I hate him.I do too, Korra.Can you remind me why we’re being obedient?Because they have Shane, Korra, and… I can’t… I couldn’t live with myself if something happens to him.I couldn’t either, Adea.So work with me, please. We can’t do anything wrong tonight.“Greetings,” I murmured.“You look beautiful, My Queen,” Ethan said.He lowered his hand from my chin and I let my gaze trail down the length of his body. He wore a navy blue tailcoat trimmed with a black velvet collar and cuffs. The gold buttons twinkled and winked at me. The white shirt beneath had ruffles and was tight around the neck. Matching slacks with gold buttons were tight around hi
Shane Every step I took was painful. I could barely think, my thoughts weren’t forming. The only thing that kept me moving was Adea. The need to see her forced me forward. Two young guards ran up to me with worried expressions. The guards I killed must not have been found yet. This was the calm before the storm. No one knew I escaped yet, no one was aware that I was on my way to the celebration. I didn’t hesitate when they reached out to check on me. I snapped one’s neck and the other started to scream as I reached for him and snapped his too. Their crumpled forms lay on the ground as I stepped past them and into the hall. It’s packed but I don’t bother looking at anyone, I look forward to the area meant for the ranked members. I watch as the love of my life locks arms with another. I take a deep breath to keep myself from falling over. I reach out and grab the nearest thing to steady myself. A gasp alerts me to the fact that I’ve used a person to hold myself up. I let go as muffled
He takes another step closer and my world threatens to implode. I want nothing more than to scratch Ethan’s eyes out and run to Shane. I hate knowing that he could be misunderstanding this whole situation. When have I ever wanted Ethan? When have I ever wanted to be with him? A union? Anger bubbles and threatens to spill over as I wonder if Shane could even know me if he thinks that this is what I could want. I turn from him and Ethan follows me back to my seat. When I’m seated, I search for him in the crowd. My shoulders sag slightly. I don’t know if I should be worried or thankful that I can’t find him. Nevertheless, I let out a deep breath of relief when I don’t find him.My father grabs the goblet from the platter a servant offers him. He lifts it in the air and waits until cups are raised. He goes on about unions, daughters, and the future of the pack but I block him out.Ethan reaches over and grabs my hand. He leans back in his seat, his thumb swiping over my skin until I look
ShaneMy breathing sped up and my mouth dried up as she pressed her chest up against his. Pain stabbed my chest as she let him pull her closer. Jealousy chewed at me as she smiled at him the way she smiled at me. They danced and he was the envy of every man in attendance. Everything from his broad shoulders to her small frame as he contently held her in his arms. Someone commented on how great they looked together. I hated how perfectly they fit. I could give her what he could, I could give her what she deserved. He wasn’t the only one who could give her everything.I was attracting too much attention and had to do something about it. I made sure no one saw me as I sneaked into one of the empty rooms. I waited for my chance, I waited for a moment where I could talk to her. I ripped a curtain off of the nearest window. I was on the verge of passing out. This was going to hurt but I held my breath and moved before I could think and stop myself. I gritted my teeth as I dabbed at the bloo
I slipped in and closed the door behind me as quietly as possible. This was the ladies parlor, a space where women could safely step away if they needed. The first thing I saw was a large seat in the middle of the room. A mirror hung on the wall to the right and a sink in front of it. A slight movement caught my eye on the seat and I cautiously made my way closer to her. Dark hair lay on the corner of the seat. I could make out smooth skin as I made my way further into the room.I could only hope it was her. As if sensing me, she sat up and turned toward the door. Her beautiful brown eyes widened as she realized she wasn’t alone. She jumped to her feet and when she saw the color of my hair, she dipped her chin. She raised her eyes and she cocked her head slightly to the side as our eyes met. Her forehead wrinkled as she took in my clothing. She gasped as I rounded the seat. She ran toward me and I grabbed her up in my arms.Adea didn’t say anything as she wrapped her arms around my ne
I knew what would happen when he took her home, if he fucking waited that long. I couldn’t stand the thought of actually leaving her here tonight. Maximus wanted us to take her home when I left. He told me over and over again as if it hadn’t already crossed my mind a dozen times today. I’m confident in my abilities, I know I can take back my throne and my pack. What’s stopping me from taking her back with me? I fight the urge to break shit. I don’t want to risk her, I’ll never risk her. That alone is enough reason for me to leave her here. My choice drives me insane and I want to devour every inch of her.What he will do to her when he gets back to his territory has me close to running out there and challenging him. That would be the right thing to do, that’s what I’m going to do. I can’t do it now. I hate to admit it but deep down I know that I’ll lose if I challenge him tonight. I’m weak, without my pack, and just a bastard in name. I want to tear him to shreds and feed him to the r