Chapter Ten

ANNALISE

Cuddling my body pillow, I lay my head down and do my best to shut my mind off. We filled this evening with excitement and wonder. I can’t help but presume I am so close to connecting with my wolf. For, three months I’ve sweat and toiled. If Larissa would join me in this struggle against Jarek, my life would be so much simpler.

It’s crazy. I shouldn’t be, but beyond everything. I am concerned about Jarek. I don’t believe I’ll be able to relax until I confirm he is okay. He deserved every bit of what I gave him tonight. Wouldn’t feel bad doing it all over again if the opportunity presented itself. Nevertheless, I am aware Trex has left him, as he often does. I need to reach out to him and convince him to heal Jarek. Otherwise, there could be irreversible damage. I wasn't in my right mind when I booted him in the temple. His trachea was shattered. I have faith in Cadance, but still.

Sitting up with a groan, I throw my legs over the side of the bed and jump down. Putting on a pair of dark leggings and a charcoal spaghetti-strap shirt, I stride over and force my window open. I already caused a stir on the stairs to start some laundry, so I knew it would be best to climb the tree rather than going out the front door.

A pebble smacks me on the brow.

“Ouch.” Wincing and massaging the pain from my brow, I glanced down at Xillon.

“Shhhh,” he hisses and ascends the tree outside my window.

He lends me his hand and assists me as I ascend through the window. Signaling for me to mount his back. Against better judgment, I comply with his demands. Xillon’s demeanor has changed over the last years since obtaining his wolf, Xavier. I feel at this point I can rely on him, not to hurt me, and bring us down more securely than I could alone.

Jumping down, I rested my hands on my hips and scowled at Xillon.

“I appreciate it, Xillon. But what the hell are you doing here, and why did you throw a rock at my head?” I whisper.

“Stay close to the building and not talk until we distance ourselves enough that no one can hear us.”

There are motion detector lights around the perimeter of the house, as well as guards posted throughout the grounds. What’s crazier is that Xillon’s room is across from mine. I'm not sure how he managed to escape the dwelling without anyone noticing. It’s easier for me because of my trusty tree, but Xillon doesn’t have that luxury. How he left the house unnoticed is beyond me? But here we are.

We army-crawled our way through the thick grass until we reached the forest that surrounds the property. Once secure and out of hearing, Xillon extended me his hand and helped me up.

“Okay, spill. What is all of this about?”

“I could ask you the same question, Annalise.”

Something’s up. No one addresses me as Annalise around here apart from my parents, Cadence, Dante and the pack elders. I furrow my brows, gaging his reaction. As much as possible, since there isn’t a moon out tonight and it’s pitch black outside.

“We need to venture deeper into the forest so that we may utilize a flashlight.”

“Xillon. I'm not concerned right now. I was on my way to look in on Jarek. It's getting late. I haven't got time for this. Just tell me what’s going on, so I can get to him, okay?”

“Jarek isn't worthy of you as a sister. He treats you like shit and still you care for him. I am here to apologize for the last decade and a half of your life. I’m not good with words, but know I am being genuine. What we have done to you through time… It’s inexcusable. I want to better the situation. I wish for peace between you and me. Will you let me protect you from those idiots henceforth?”

“Zane’s out here somewhere, isn’t he? You guys trying to one up me, or what?”

“What? No, Annalise. I’m being serious.”

“Right, and how am I supposed to believe you? Just yesterday, you stood by while he chased me on his motorcycle. Suddenly, you care what happens to me. I don’t think so, Xillon.”

"I'll make it clear to you if you grant me that opportunity, Annalise. I apologize for all the wrong I have caused you. I'm here to look out for you and keep you safe. Jarek and Zane have conflicting opinions. They are hellbent on making your life miserable. Both want you gone, as soon as you come of age.”

“They may get their wish. Dante has asked for me to go to Scotland with him and his family when they return. He seems to think that even without a wolf, I would be a remarkable asset to their military forces over there.”

Xillon sighs softly and clasps my shoulders.

“His scent blanketed you tonight. Xavier wanted to rip him to shreds. Did you… I mean… Did he touch you?”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head and look away.

"No, absolutely not. If he did, what would it matter? None of you give two shits about me. We were late coming home, so he shifted and I rode on his back region. That’s why his scent was so strong. Don’t have a massive coronary on my account.”

No way in hell would I disclose our euphoric smooching session. If there is any veracity in what Xillon is claiming, as my defender, he would tear Dante apart. I don’t know if I can trust him as far as Dante's concerned. Wolves are dominant and possessive. Especially when their protective instincts are on full alert. I will need to be cautious while with him, as Cadance suggested.

Xillon traces my lupine ears with his fingers, then massages my cheek and a burst of heat streamed through my body to my center, dampening my underwear once more.

“You are so alluring, Annalise. I hope you understand that. Don’t grasp what the future holds, but I don’t mean to let you go anywhere. If you do, I will follow. Even if it means going to Scotland. You are at home here, Annalise. Things wouldn’t be the same around here if you were to leave.”

"I need to leave, Xillon. Jarek needs me. I'll grant you an opportunity to demonstrate to me what you are saying is accurate. If you hurt me, I’ll rip your member from your body and shove it down your throat. Do you understand? I'm so worn out by all the nonsense."

“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll follow you to Cadance’s making sure you arrive safely.”

“Thank you.”

XILLON

She doesn’t believe a single word that comes from my mouth, and I don’t blame her. If I were her, I wouldn’t either. Acquiring her trust will be difficult, yet I'm prepared to do anything necessary to get it.

I have only two years to convince her to stay. Due to my status as the future Beta of the pack, I am not authorized to leave. I can’t let her make a liar out of me. Can hardly believe I said I'll tag along with her. Come hell or high water, I would follow her, though. I would lose my wolf, but after everything I have done to her over the duration, that would be a small price to pay.

She had taken her contacts out. Thank the goddess for that. When I caressed her lupin ears with my fingertips, her gaze changed from blue to gold and held steady. A surge of electricity went straight to my cock and Xavier was prancing around like a horny canine wanting a piece.

The more I gazed into her eyes, the more I could detect an energy there. I attempted to figure out if it could be linked to a wolf. It’s almost as if there is something restraining her wolf. I know she must have one. Her ears and eyes demonstrate that her wolf is hiding within.

'Can you recognize her wolf, Xavier?’

‘Vaguely, but there’s an entity beyond her wolf. I am unable to tell you what it is.'

‘Hum. Okay. I’ll keep my mouth shut for now. I don’t want to alarm her.’

‘That would be best, yes.’

The silver glint in Annalise's eyes as she challenges my masculinity leaves me with a wave of inexplicable emotions. The sound of Annalise's voice shifted suddenly, and it was almost as if another person was talking through her. Then her voice returned to its usual state and her gaze glinted blue as she spoke.

‘Say nothing. Keep your mouth shut. We don’t want to alarm her. Just act natural.’