4. ARTEMIS

CHAPTER 4- ARTEMIS

“Alpha Silvercrest,”

Killian turned in surprise to look at the woman— no, the she-wolf who had called his name.

He was late for a werewolf council meeting— something that rarely happened.

But that was because one of his wolves had been attacked by the Curers— a faction of Werewolf hunters who saw the wolf’s curse as a threat and sought to destroy everyone who had been affected.

And now the she-wolf was going to take up more of his time.

“What is it?” He barked harshly.

The wolves standing with him looked on, feeling sorry for the she-wolf who had approached the Alpha at such a bad time.

The wolf, a redhead with striking green eyes and a tall, slender frame met the Alpha’s gaze, not looking the least bit intimidated. “I am Artemis Landon, Kendra sent me here for you, but I see now that you are busy so I shall call on you another time.”

Killian was impressed.           

The wolf was not from his pack, so maybe that explained her brazen nature. But even then, her head was slightly bent in recognition of his position as Alpha. Most wolves could barely meet his gaze.

And she was beautiful.

But why would Kendra ask her to come and see him?

He had a hunch as to why, but he wasn’t going to think about that now.

“Very well. Make yourself at home.” He said curtly, gesturing to one of the wolves beside him. “Dante here will show you around and keep you company until I’m done.” He walked off without another word, his entourage close on his heels.

Artemis sighed deeply.

The Alpha was handsome.

Kendra didn’t mention that in her letter?

Turning to Dante, she said, “Can we skip the tour? Please take me to Kendra Sullivan instead.”

She had a lot to tell that friend of hers.

****

Kendra Sullivan was in the sparring room overseeing a couple of pack warriors train when she saw her friend waltz in, capturing everyone’s attention with her feminine elegance and grace.

The female-beta grinned albeit painfully.

She would never be that kind of woman.

Killian needed someone who was a silent pillar… not a crazy bulldozer like her.

Someone who was content with playing house and bearing children and taking care of the pack like a mother should.

Kendra wasn’t that type?

She liked freedom.

For her, marriage was a chain… a chain that would hinder the freedom she so loved. She was glad Aphrodite hadn’t granted her love yet.

She had more time to make more name for herself.

“Beta Sullivan,” Artemis teased.

Kendra snapped out of her thoughts at that, brushing her friend’s acknowledgement off with a flip of a hand along with an accompanying grin. “You sly dog, I didn’t know you were coming?”

The red-head chuckled. “Well, I wanted to surprise you,” Her gaze shifted to the man who had brought her to her friend. “Thank you, Dante. I think Beta Sullivan will take it from here.”  

The wolf nodded at the two she-wolves and left.

“So, Beta huh? I really can’t believe you managed to achieve such mighty feat.”

Kendra shrugged. “It doesn’t feel so mighty to me.”

Artemis chuckled mirthfully.

Trust Kendra to get to the very top and still want more.

They had known each other for quite a long time, having hit it off instantly when they had bumped into each other in a market square in Kreiway.

“So…”

Kendra grinned. “So?”

“You didn’t tell me the Alpha was such a snack!”

Kendra blushed. Something she rarely did. “I-I-He looks normal to me.” She finished lamely, the words causing a fit of giggles to attack Artemis.

“Now either you’re blind or you’re lying. I mean have you seen him? Those cheekbones, and those lips...”

Kendra was feeling hot all of a sudden.

Her brain replayed how his nose had brushed against her jaw, how his breath had been hot against her skin, how she had wanted so desperately for him to claim her lips…

“Kendra!”

The she-wolf jumped up with a start.

“Wow, you should have told me I was boring you with my fan-girling.” Artemis pouted. “You really don’t see him in that way at all?” She asked curiously.

He’s honestly all I can think about.

Kendra didn’t say that though.

Instead she said, “He’s just my Alpha and a friend.”

“Oh, good!” The redhead declared gleefully.

Kendra took Artemis to her chambers, and the female changed out of her travelling gown into breeches and a fitting shirt. Then they went back to the sparring room to train for a while.

Kendra was really enjoying the female companionship.

It was just right.

She honestly couldn’t relate with the women in her pack. They were all about the male wolves, and marriage and gossip. They didn’t share the same interests she did and she didn’t theirs.

But Artemis was an assortment of both, and so she could fit in both worlds.

Kendra wished she was like that sometimes.

Sometime later in the day, Killian stormed the sparring room, looking for Kendra.

He had forgotten all about the red-head, wanting to see his Beta’s beautiful face and spar with her.

He liked their sparring sessions, as he got to see her in more fitting clothes instead of the bulky gowns she wore when she wasn’t training.

He also loved the feel of her pressing against him as she struggled to dominate him.

It always made his wolf roar in pleasure.

The Alpha snapped out of his thoughts and approached the women, his attention on Artemis this time as he tried to think of an excuse to give her for forgetting all about her.

“Miss…” His tone was enquiring.

“Landon, my Lord. Artemis Landon.”

“Right, right. My apologies for not seeking you out sooner.” He apologized. His attention shifted to Kendra, and they held each other’s gaze for what seemed like eternity until it was ruined by Artemis.

“That’s fine, my Lord. I understand that you do have other commitments. You can make it up to me by showing me around though, if you aren’t busy, that is.” She declared coyly, her eyes shining, hinting that it was just an act.

Killian ran his hand through his hair as he gave her suggestion thought. This woman was interesting, nothing like the women he had courted so far. He was sure that if nothing at all, they’d have a very nice conversation.

Plus, Kendra had gone through the whole process of setting this up. He couldn’t quit on her now?

“Alright, Miss Artemis. Come along then. I believe I have a few minutes to spare.” He bent his elbow and she slipped her arm through, turning to shoot her friend a discreet wink. “Call me Artemis, my Lord.”

Killian nodded. “In that case, it’s only fair you call me Killian.” He chuckled.

He fucking chuckled.

Kendra felt a pang she couldn’t really explain.

Killian never laughed at her jokes. And there was nothing in the least bit funny in the conversation he was having with Artemis.

So what the fuck was that?

Killian gaze finally sought her out.

“I’ll come see you after this, Beta Sullivan,” He told her, “We really have to talk about something important.”

Kendra nodded, but didn’t say a word.

She watched her friend and the Alpha walk off after saying their goodbyes. In the proper ton, Artemis would have had to change into a gown before going out, but the werewolf community didn’t mind so much.

Kendra moved on to other activities, her eyes keenly following the sun’s movement as she ticked task after task off her list.

What was keeping them so long?

Kendra retired to her chambers when nightfall came. She took her bath and dressed in a blue fitting gown that really complimented her eyes.

She wanted to look nice for Killian.

As she combed and untangled her waist length kinky curls, she felt that pang again, but this time she knew what it was…

Pure, unbridled jealousy.

That night, she waited and waited for Killian to show up at her doorstep,

But he never came.