Kalaril flanked Keegan as they approached the assembled horses and Warrior Hounds. There were fifty Warrior Hounds and each had a horse and weapon to themselves. Of course, they could run faster than the horses if they were in their wolf form. But the journey ahead of them was a long one. Eventually, they'll need to shift and rest at nights. Their clothes would be torn by the time they've shifted back to human form, leaving them to roam naked - which wasn't a thing a lot of them appreciated. Unless there was an emergency. That was the reason horses were their trip partners. Kalaril had a little discussion going on with the Alpha even as they reached the horses and warriors. The Warrior Hounds - like their name - were highly trained and skilled fighters of the pack, meant and always ready to go to war. They always received special treatment in the pack while spending most of their time training. And they were never bothered for any reason until it was war time. Keegan had hundreds
"Greetings, Mistress Thessaly," she curtsied.Thessaly met her bow with a stony silence, her jade eyes assessing Sheera with cool indifference. She had a delicate fragrance clinging to her clothes - one that Sheera loved. And the lady was really pretty - much pretty than Odessa, if Sheera had a say. "Um...how are you doing, my lady?"Thessaly's response was a sharp retort, laced with impatience. "What do you want?""Oh. Nothing really. I just... I wanted to thank you for standing up for me the other day. You know, when Mistress Odessa had been trying to intimidate me before we went hunting."Thessaly gave her a puzzled look. She threw back her head and laughed. "I stood up for you?" Her eyes held amusement. "Do you even realize who you are talking to? I barely even noticed you, girl. All I did was try to get under Odessa's skin, and you were just the available tool. Listen, I do not care about you. The only person I care about is Odessa and that is trying to hurt her as much as I c
Keegan went over to the spared humans who were on their knees with their hands behind their heads. Simply because they were allowed to live didn't mean they were in a better shape. They had cuts and bruises all over their faces and bodies."Who is your leader?" He crouched in front of the first man and asked. They'd made sure to kill those who seemed 'ordinary' enough, and leave out the ones with the tendency of being in charge. The average - aged man hesitated, grounding his teeth. His rebellion was quickly doused by a surge of pain as Keegan's claws sank into his gut. He threw back his head and groaned in pains. "You better make use of those teeth and start talking. My patience wears thin as a cobweb," Keegan leaned closer, his breath hot and fetid against the man's ear. He didn't withdraw his claws from the man's stomach. "He...He is gone!" The man cried at last. "I.... I swear it! You are two days late. He already left.""Who is 'he'?" Keegan sent his claws a little deeper.
Keegan didn't leave the hamlet the same. His heartbeat morphed into an ear drum, pounding a relentless rhythm of fury against his ribs. By the moon, he wanted to crush something. Someone. But there was no enemy in sight. He'd assigned some of the warrior Hounds to go on with the mission. Few of them stayed behind at the hamlet, waiting and hoping the accursed man would return. While few others journeyed in search of him and the rest of the wolves he held. They had nothing to go on and would have to look for their own clues. Keegan instructed them to report even the slightest findings to him. As for the wolves they'd been able to rescue, they rode with the Hounds. Keegan got to learn that while majority of them were from his Pack, others weren't. Still, he took every one of them along, leaving it to Kalaril to ensure their families are reached out to later on. Of course, none of the humans back at the hamlet was spared. After giving him all the information they could, he killed eve
Keegan, Kalaril and his Hounds had dismounted their horses when Sheera and Ulric rode into the courtyard.Instantly, the small joy that had blossomed in her chest over the past week withered and died. Now, cold dread coiled in her stomach.She and Ulric reined in their horses a good distance away from the Alpha and his entourage. But the distance didn't hinder her eyes and that of the Alpha's from interlocking. An icy tendril of dread snaked up her spine in that fleeting moment when their eyes locked. Her nightmare was back. Her tormentor. Just before he turned away, Keegan's gaze flickered to Ulric. Sheera couldn't tell if the last expression she saw on his face was displeasure just before he walked away. "Well, well, look who is back," Ulric teased, alighting his horse. Sheera dismounted as well, her legs feeling like lead. Ulric offered a reassuring pat on her shoulder. "Fret not. I'm certain you shall survive this phase."****†****†Keegan indulged in a long, steaming bath,
Tabitha had been sent on an errand to get some vegetables from one of the Pack's farms. Sheera insisted on going with her. And well, Tabitha was more than happy to have some company. It was a long interesting walk to the farm. They talked and laughed the whole time, got what they wanted and headed back to the Fortress, both holding a basket containing the vegetables. Reaching the Fortress, Sheera noticed Tabitha stiffen when she saw the Beta coming. Her steps unconsciously faltered, and Sheera could notice her cheeks losing their flush, turning a sickly white. He was flanged by four keepers and moved with a deliberate arrogance and superiority. The man sure had his charms. It turned out that Kalaril was headed their direction as he stopped in front of them. Sheera and Tabitha inclined their heads. "Greetings, Beta."There was a temporary silence before Kalaril spoke. "The Alpha wants you in his chambers. Now." He punctuated the last word and left. While Sheera's skin prickled wi
"Good," came Keegan's curt reply as he withdrew his hand from her chin. A smear of blood clung to the nail that'd gone into her skin. He regarded her for some seconds before stepping away, headed back to his table."Undress." It was an order. Releasing a deep shaky breath, Sheera did as she was told. The chill air seeped into her exposed form, leaving her feeling raw and vulnerable. Keegan leaned on his table before her and watched her as if she were a piece of art, his gaze more an evaluation than an invitation. Sheera kept her gaze glued to the floor as he did. His predatory gaze on her was more than intimidating. And shame began to claw at her neck at a point. What Sheera didn't know was that Keegan wasn't looking at her bare form because he wanted to be 'entertained'. Or because she was his for the time being and he wanted to exert that superiority on her. He studied her because he was trying to understand 'how' she was different. What was it about her that got him aching fo
Odessa blindly walked into her room, her fingers brushing instinctively. Everything around her didn't seem to exist, including her mother who was knitting."Where have you been? I have been here a while now," Nailah said casually, not really looking at her. Odessa hardly heard her question. All she could hear were the pleasure moans that had emanated from the Alpha's chamber.She was on her way to see him but hadn't even gotten close to the door when the pleasure moans filled the air. It tortured her when she heard the Alpha's grunts. It tortured her because she's never heard him grunt that way on her. She stood, facing the window, her gaze vacant as it traced the blurry shapes outside."Mother, once, you made mention of my great-grandparents being fated mates. What was it like?" She asked.Nailah paused in her knitting, her brow furrowing in surprise. Then, a knowing smile curved her lips."Yes. My grandparents were fated. Oh, dear! Being fated is the best thing that can happen to
Sheera never expected a visit from Kalaril the following day.When he appeared at her door, she assumed he was there to summon her to Keegan's chambers, not until he requested to come in."Is there something you need, Beta?" She asked, clearing the table of her books, trying to make the room look less clustered.Kalaril was strikingly similar to Keegan - Sheera thought. Broad-shouldered, strong, handsome, and cold, with a gaze that could pierce through steel.He took his time, scanning the room, as though searching for something hidden before fixing his eyes on her."I only have a question," he leaned casually against the table. "I am aware you're fated mates with the Alpha. What I do not understand is why you're rejecting him."Sheera's heart stuttered, her gaze falling to the floor. Had the Alpha confided in him?"He didn't need to say it directly for me to know you rejected him," he said the words like he could read her mind.He picked up a small figurine from the table, turning it
Coating her hand with his, he gently lowered it from his shoulder. "You should get some sleep."Just as he released her hand the door burst open. His scent wafted through her nose even before she laid eyes on him, and her throat ran dry in an instant.Her hands instinctively moved behind her back as she stepped away, her heart begining to hammer in her chest.Keegan took his time entering the room, his eyes fixed on Ulric. He wore no heavy regalia, appearing as he often did when preparing for bed. It was a simpler look, and in truth, it was the one Sheera loved most on him."Alpha," Ulric dipped his head.Keegan was silent, his demeanor more guarded than usual. Sheera noticed he didn't just look cold, but quiet. He seemed different tonight.Praying he stays quiet, Ulric nodded at Sheera before leaving.As the door closed behind Ulric, Sheera's heart sank into the pit of her stomach. She kept her gaze glued to the floor, until she heard him walk toward her.A small gasp slipped from he
Sheera never thought it was possible to feel her heart seize beating, but in that moment, she did. The world around her seemed to stop.For a full minute, she couldn't breath, couldn't think, and simply stared at Keegan like he held her very life in his hands.Her freedom...It was the one thing she's always craved. If he could truly free her, she and her family could go away to a place where her kind was accepted. She could finally live the life she's always wanted.Yet...why did it hurt so much thinking about it? How could she leave him now?But how could she also stay? He couldn't be serious about wanting to accept her. Gods, no...Tears welled up in her eyes.Oh, if only it wasn't so complicated! She'd have said yes to him without blinking. But how could she now, when she was different? When he'd kill her if he
Keegan's words came as a shock to Sheera. The thought of walking with him, side by side, was something she'd never dared to imagine. Keegan, one he other hand, felt a twinge of pain. He'd promised to reject her after the Peace Festival. And he didn't know if that was the reason he had kept his distance, avoiding her for the past two days. Keegan was not one to go back on his words. And now that she was before him, the time had come. he was going to do it. He was going to reject her. They walked out of the Fortress. The path they took wound down to the outskirts, where the wilderness stretched out in a vast, untamed expanse. Eamon and Wulfric tailed behind them, keeping a long distance. Sheera's heart fluttered nervously within her chest, thumping in an unsteady rhythm. She was walking with Keegan! Like she was someone.... important. The whole experience felt surreal, almost dreamlike, but also undeniably lovely. For the first time, she didn't see him as the cold-hearted monster w
Malkar and Ulric reached the woods a day after they set out on the journey. While Ulric was completely disturbed by Malkar's plan, he didn't have a choice. And neither did his brother care.He blew the rhythmic whistle, but she didn't step out. Ulric knew she was around but was still in hiding after seeing Malkar."She won't come out. Not when she's seen you," he turned to Malkar and said, frustration lining his voice.Malkar grinned. He knew he needed to be careful around her. It was just one of him, so it'd be easier for her to harm him if she wanted."Hello, witch. You can come out, I mean no harm. I simply want us to talk." He announced.Suddenly, the ground stirred beneath his feet. It took him by surprise, making him frown. But it only lasted for some seconds."Okay... message received," he lifted his hand in mock surrender. "I know you are angry. But h
Keegan rubbed his brow. Zandov wasn't giving him what he'd hoped for. Nothing was working to his advantage. "Do you think it's possible to miss a scent?" Kalaril asked, his eyes trained on Zandov. A frown marred the witch hunter's face. "Do you think it's possible you can walk past a corpse and not smell its rot? Would you fail to sense death when it stands before you? There - you have your answer." His voice was laced with scorn, as if insulted by the mere suggestion of failure. "Recall the last time I spoke to you," he continued, turning to Keegan. "I told you I had caught a whiff, but it vanished as quickly as it came. This time, I sensed nothing. So, if this witch possesses something that shields her from me, she didn't need to rid herself of it to use her powers."Keegan's jaw tightened. "Now, how is it possible? Is there something strong enough to render a witch completely invisible to you, Zandov?""I wish I had answers. But something serious is at work here.""Do you think
A storm of panic crackled through the Fortress. Heart-wrenching cries ripped through the air, Bara's family being inconsolable.The festive drums had sputtered and died. Where laughters had danced on the breeze, only howling echoes remained.They were gathered in Bara's room where his corpse laid, already ashen and stenchy. His mother rolled and wailed on him, willing him to come back. His father, tho not shedding a tear, boiled with grief and rage.Keegan's heart ached from the sight before him. It was the first time in decades that something had truly shaken him to the core."Who did this!?" Alpha Sebastian turned on Keegan, his eyes blazing with fury. "My son went to bed a healthy man, Keegan. What is this madness!?"Keegan remained still, but his face exposed the deep pain he felt.His eyes studied the body ok the floor
When Ulric returned to his room that night - after spending some time with Sheera - he was caught off guard to find Malkar already inside.Although, his brother paying him visits wasn't entirely strange, it was peculiar for him to wait around in his absence. Stranger still, Malkar stood right in front of Ulric's dresser, his back turned."Brother?" Ulric called, trying to mask his surprise. Malkar didn't move."Do you need..." his words faltered as Malkar finally turned around, revealing what he was holding.Ulric's eyes dilated when he recognized what Malkar held. No... By the good moon, it couldn't be.Calmly, Malkar looked at the bracelet in his hand, the one Ulric had foolishly left on his dresser before leaving."What is this?" Malkar questioned, his voice thick and stern.Ulric forced himself to maintain composure. No one knew it was gifted to him by Zytha. And no one had to know. To everyone else, it was just a simple bracelet, nothing more.He plastered on a smile. "It's a bra
At dawn, Keegan and the visiting Alphas went hunting. The Festival was happening the next day, and the air was already thick with the spirit of celebration.Keegan thought it'd be nice exploring the woods with them. And they did have fun.By the time they returned to the Fortress at midday, they'd amassed a bounty of six games in total.It was noon by the time they returned to the Fortress. They'd been able to get over six games in total. The Alphas of the West chatted blissfully about it."The woods surrounding my Pack have nearly withered away. I might have to move in here with you, Keegan," Sebastian jested."Do not be such a betrayer, Sebastian. I already have that plan in mind," Cyrus added with a grin, adjusting hjs leather braces.Keegan was a man that was hardly humoured by others, but he allowed himself the briefest of smiles at their remarks, his us