"Don't you dare lie to me. I can feel your emotions…. Did you try to leave again?" Arric asked, feeling his heart constrict at the possibility. Eirika jerked up, pulling away from him. She sat up in her beautiful naked glory, looking like a sculpture sculpted to perfection. The shock and confused gleam in her eyes made his heart constrict with emotions. "What, no! Why would I do that?" She said with feeling. "Tell me what happened then," Arric said as he sat up too, using his two hands to frame her face. He watched as her eyes darkened with concern and the lovely gems danced in their sockets as she struggled to form words. "Arric I-I know I haven't particularly acted like I had thought most things through since we met. And there were times I was outrightly childish and .. and an asshole to you right from when I first left but…" "Who is it? Who are you protecting?" Arric asked. Eirika grew agitated. "Eirika?" "Let me tell you. Okay? Please, remain calm. I'm begging you," she
Arric woke up to a gentle knock on the door. His eyes fluttered open and he fixed his gaze on the high ceiling and then lowered it to Eirika’s face that was tucked just at the nook of his neck. Craning his neck, he studied her features for about a minute, adoring her sunkissed skin, small nose, full lips, and long thick eyelashes, before pressing a kiss to her forehead. Gently withdrawing from her. He stood up and gathered her into his arms to carry her to the bed. Pulling the covers over her and up to her shoulders. 'I'll join you downstairs,' Arric said via mind-link and went into the bathroom. 'Yes, boss,' Bishop replied in his head. Arric quickly took a hot shower, threw something on, and left the room. Silently noting how the house now smelt of cleaning products and antiseptic. He followed the smell of the latter to the foyer. "Alpha," the medical personnel greeted him when they saw him. "Hey, thank you, guys," Arric replied, "how is everyone… and York? Jarom?" "I
Eirika followed Toby out of the kitchen and up to the room he was sharing with Nina. When they entered, Nina jerked up from the bed looking anxious. When she saw it was them, she let out a sigh of relief and threw Toby a glare then met Eirika's gaze. "You must hate us," she said. "I seriously doubt that," Eirika said with a smile. Nina took a shaky breath and her eyes moistened with tears. "Heavens, we could all have died," she said. "But we didn't," Eirika said and joined her friend on the bed to draw her into a hug. "We are safe. And as long as I draw breath, I will make sure you both stay safe too," Eirika said. "How can you be so calm? And bare to look at him after what he'd done?!" "Because I know about fear. I understand his fears. And if Arric can stand to look at me after what I did to his family…" "Don't forget what his father did to you!" "Yeah… yet, the two of us are still here… together," she replied. Nina directed her eyes from her to Toby who was still standi
A few hours later Arric shook Eirika awake and whispered into her ear, "Let's go home, babe." "Okay," she mumbled and turned in his arms to face him. Searching his gaze with a loving glint in her eyes. "You know you can tell me anything you want to, right?" he rasped. Eirika lowered her gaze. "Hey," he said, putting a finger under her chin to make her look at him. "I mean it," he added when she met his gaze. Eirika nodded with the memory of him choking her replaying in her head. She swallowed. Her eyes moistened. Arric sighed and pulled back, getting off the bed, he offered her his hand, and she took it. A few minutes later they both exited the room and headed downstairs and as if on cue everyone started to mill out. Eirika looked around for Toby and Nina. Arric noticed and said, "they are gone. I wanted them out of here before we head out." Eirika nodded, not pleased that she didn't get to say goodbye to her friends but understanding it was all for security. "Ready?" Arric a
"I'm… sorry about that Alpha… Luna," she said. Her voice was low and sultry. Eirika could see she was trying very hard not to look in Nigel’s direction. Her fists were tightly clenched by her sides. "It's okay, Zenesha. I want you to meet Nigel Hartwell – a friend," Arric said. Nigel stood still and waited for her to meet his gaze. But she didn't. She merely nodded in his direction with her head bowed. "Poor bastard," Craineghis chuckled. Eirika looked from Nigel to Zenesha with a subtle smile. "I'm sorry I … you know, you attacked him. He is my friend." Eirika said with a helpless shrug. The girl nodded and raised her eyes to look into hers. Eirika returned her keen scrutiny and could sense a subtle hint of concern from the girl at her claim and even jealousy. "He touched me…" Zenesha said with gritted teeth. "I was trying to get your attention…" Nigel tried to explain. "You touched me," she repeated and glared at him. Eirika's heart clenched at that statement. It was evident
Arric cupped her face and said, "As I said, Bishop will watch him. Okay?" he said. She hesitated, searching his gaze, and then nodded. He kissed her forehead and then ushered her inside the room. Eirika drew in a deep breath and released it slowly as she took in the familiar room. Scenes of the last time she was there, replayed in her head. It made her heart constrict, remembering her pain and fears, and wanting to hold on to Arric at the same time. She was amazed she made it back here. She hadn't thought you would ever return. Arric watched the play of emotions on her face, taking off his clothes. He went to stand behind her to wrap his arms around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. "I'm sorry I didn't trust you to help me… I was scared… terrified, " she whispered. "I could say I was sorry for keeping my identity secret. But I am not sorry," he said. Eirika turned in the circle of his arms to hold his gaze. "I wanted you to get to know me. To trust me…" "
She felt a hot flush all over her face and neck. Clearing her throat, she got off the bed and went to get one of his shirts to wear. He reached out his hand to her and she hurried forward to take it. He drew her close to his side and led her to a short hallway carved into a corner of the room. He pushed the door open and they walked into a sleek and modern kitchenette that featured state-of-the-art appliances, including a stainless steel refrigerator, a glass cooktop, and a convection oven. The cabinetry was made of rich, dark wood that complemented the natural stone countertops. Adjacent to the kitchenette was a stylish dining table for two, with comfortable, plush chairs. The table was made of gleaming, polished wood, and was set with sparkling crystal glasses and elegant silverware. In the sitting area, a luxurious two-seater leather couch was the centerpiece of the space and was positioned to take full advantage of the stunning views from the side windows, which look out over th
Eirika woke up early, excitement and nerves coursing through her veins as she realized a knock had woken her. Arric was gone as expected yet she still felt a pang of disappointment. "Luna?" Bishop called. "A minute," she called back and quickly got up, running into the bathroom to take her bath and get dressed. Five minutes later she pulled the door open fully dressed and breathing heavily. Bishop gave her a warm smile and with a slight bow said, "I have come to take you to the pack house." "Do I need to pack anything?" "No. Everything you need is already there, Luna," he replied. "Arric?" "He is um… making himself scarce, Luna," he said. She nodded. "Okay, I'm ready," she said in resignation. He smiled and gestured for her to follow him. When Eirika stepped outside she saw that Zenesha was one of her aides. "Hey, good morning," Eirika greeted with a smile. "Good morning, Luna," she replied. "Good morning, Luna," the other three standing with her greeted as well.