b
Valene
The fall moon was full, and the night’s breeze was just lively enough to sing through the night air, my favorite type of weather, next to the rain. Pinching the collar of my jacket to cover my neck, I approached my place of work in the cab I caught to reach my destination once securely out of Shadow Veil City.
“Thank you!” I tipped the driver and headed toward the bar when suddenly that feeling gripped me again-that same feeling that I’d had in my room a night ago; someone was watching me. Again.
I paused when I reached the sidewalk staring ahead of me. In the distance-about, thirty feet away, there was a small forest area, and I…could…have sworn I saw some luminescent eyes peering through them. Needless to say, I did not enjoy the idea of someone
ValeneWe approached the rear of the Wade estate. With darkness surrounding us, I was almost sure that we weren’t followed by…whatever Master Wade and Slaughter were trying to protect me from.I noticed Kilder take stock of his surroundings before gently gesturing for me to dismount. I did and started for the door before turning around to ask, “Will you be joining us inside?”Master Slaughter’s beast did a little gesture with his head and removed himself from my company and into the forest area a few feet away. I had assumed by this point that while turning into the beast did not display much skin, transforming back may have. I started to open the door when I heard subtle movement behind me. I assumed it was a small animal until I heard a voice.
AlastairAfter William Holden departed, I realized that I had a great deal more on my plate than before. I called everyone who was in the house together; there was no need to hide anything from them. No doubt, Harlyn had heard part or more of the conversation that was had between Elder Holden and me in the first place.It was evident that whatever this favor was that he would call for, I’d have to pay a lofty price for it. And as I stood there, staring at Valene, I had a distinct feeling that she may be the price to be paid.Because Valene was gold blood, there were certain clothes and even lotions that had to be specifically made to mask her scent. It was the only way to keep those around her from going crazy with bloodlust, though one could always sense that her blood was differ
AlastairIt was three in the morning, two nights after Elder Holden’s visit as well as my conversation with Harlyn and her idea of being politically correct. It had also been two nights since I found that John Minken was roaming around outside of my home…near Valene.My plan was to immediately confront him with this, but then I came to realize that I physically did not have the time to do it. Keeping Shadow Veil and Virginia clear as a whole was my first priority. And it seemed that the Moon mother’s luck had shown upon the Shadow Veil pack as there hadn’t been an attack in the last forty-eight hours.I wasted no time in setting up a meeting with my Delta to see not only where his loyalties lie but his intent with Valene.“We both know wh
ValeneA full week had come and gone since the evening that the council member made his stop by Master Wade’s home.Harlyn had spoken to me since, but our conversations were hardly long enough to glance at before she’d go on about her business. It was evident that her acknowledgment of me at this point was something more along the lines of obligation than anything else.I should have been alright with this, but I wasn’t. I never did particularly find favor in discord and confusion, especially where my family was concerned.Although I do not know from where it stemmed, Harlyn seemed to have an ought against me of late. She didn’t say as much, but I could sense it, and I just didn’t know why. It was because of this that I had begun walking
ValeneEarly Sunday morning and the conversation that I’d had with Harlyn the night before still weighed heavily on my mind.I couldn’t stop thinking about Delta Minken’s vassal, Harold, and whether he was alright. Sure, Harlyn had said that he was fine, but her version of fine was nothing compared to mine.I was so lost in my own thoughts and feelings that I found it hard to get ahead of it all. It was then that I found myself staring blankly into my mirror, sitting half limp in my chair as the dread of being…lost suddenly took over.With such conflicted feelings plaguing me, I couldn’t help the harsh chuckle that escaped my lips. Staring at the mirror, I simply looked at my reflection and sighed.
Valene:Everyone began to arrive in short order, looking exquisite, their vassals close behind displayed in their required attire of black tops and matching bottoms. We weren’t necessarily allowed to get too dressy though some vassals managed to sneak in a piece of jewelry or two. We weren’t worthy of inhuman’s attention, so most times we did not garner it, but sometimes…rare times, a vassal would catch the eye of one, and if the price was right…well, things could be arranged though not openly; this was a taboo practice after all. At least, that was the rumor. It was mainly those who pledged their lives to the inhumans that most tried to attract them.I, along with the beta, Delta, and the Omega’s head vassals, was required to wear colors with our black to specify our Keeper’s position in the pack. It was unfortunate th
Valene: Mistress Harlyn suggested that we go outside on the landing. There was hardly anyone outside if anyone at all. Everyone was entirely too excited about the infamous lycan Alpha’s presence. I knew when Harlyn wanted to isolate us that, she wanted to speak candidly. Whatever the reason behind the tension between her and Master Wade, I was sure I was about to be privy to it. She walked ahead of me, inhaling the air, I reluctantly proceeded to follow. “Isn’t the night air exhilarating?” Harlyn expressed. “It is, Mistress,” I replied with a small smile. Harlyn whirled around and leaned against the balcony. “You can drop the act, Vali. No one’s around to catch you slipping.” I didn’t respond to her because I didn’t know how to. Not looking directly her way, I saw from my peripheral that she smirked. “Fine, let’s ease into this then. I brought you something.” She said and handed me a small side plate full of my favorite sweets. I thought they were meant for her when she picked the
When I turned around, I saw that Penny’s aunt was staring daggers at me. She quickly followed after her niece. “Don’t worry, Vali,” Harlyn said without a smile. “I’ll save you from the lashing deserving of a misbehaving vassal.” She walked past me. “I think more of you than that.” “Don’t bother,” I retorted, forcing her to stop in her tracks. “It’s clear that you think very little of me, Mistress,” I said. “I’ll take my lashing as a misbehaving vassal should.” Shortly after this, Master Wade came rushing outside along with a crowd of others. It was no surprise that Penny exaggerated what she’d seen judging by the look on the faces of those staring. “She blatantly stared Harlyn in the eye…she was boldly speaking with complete condescension.” “Don’t be so overdramatic, Penny.” Harlyn hissed. “It was a disagreement, plain and simple.” “Disagreement?” Penny’s aunt interjected. “No vassal should have an opinion contrary to their Keeper-no matter how plain or simple it may be. Alpha?”