The Mist Wolves

Chapter 5

Maeve

I was a bundle of nerves when I reached my room. Our tower was closest to the Mist and my room was on the top floor. Thankfully, the ancient, long, winding stairs had been replaced by modern lifts, providing a much-needed convenience. The moment I reached my room, I flopped on the bed.

The fire in my belly was burning higher. And if it hadn’t been for Evie, I would have turned to look at the werewolf who had been behind me at the shop properly, behind his mask.

With a ragged breath, I clenched my teeth hard. Why was it that my wolf, Vesta, was forcing me to go back? She was on the verge of shifting, and I found it difficult to suppress her. I got up and stared at the silver mask, wondering if I would meet him again. Goddess, had I missed my chance?

The door swung open and Kai sauntered into the room, his hands resting in his pockets. “Hey! How was your shopping?”

Startled that I hadn’t even heard the door opening, my eyes shot to him. “Unexpected,” I sighed.

“Why are you so flushed, Maeve?” he asked, touching my forehead. “It’s like you’re burning. Should I call the doctor?”

“No!” I replied. My scar was burning. I got up and made my way to the small kitchen. I grabbed some ice from the fridge, wrapped it in a cloth, and gently pressed it against my scar.

“Maeve, what happened?” Kai said, his voice laced with worry.

“It’s nothing. I slipped and bruised my arm. It’ll be fine in a few minutes.”

“Father got a call from Alpha Hendrick. They’ll be late tomorrow, so my parents will welcome the guests.”

I rolled my eyes. “They should’ve been here on time. They are the hosts.”

“Alpha Hendrick has asked me to keep a strict watch on you.”

“What? Why?”

He pursed his lips as he rested his head on my shoulder. “Something bad is going on, Maeve. The rumor is that House of Summer wants to stop trade with the House of Mallory until—” He paused and then flopped on my bed.

“Until what, Kai?” I asked impatiently.

“They want you to wed their future Alpha, Gavin Summer’s son, Chris Summer.”

“Are they f*****g mad?” I growled. “Chris is as old as you!”

Kai looked at me and exhaled roughly. “If you don’t marry Chris, the House of Summer will stop trade with us. If you marry Chris, then the House of Nestor will wage a war against us.”

“Ridiculous!” I spat. These days, I was constantly living on the edge.

“Not to mention the dagger of the Mist Elder hanging over your neck. I hope you find your mate and get out of this mess.”

*

The anticipation in the towers was tangible as the next evening drew near. I wore a navy-blue gown, crafted from luxurious silk. The bodice of the dress was adorned with silver beading and delicate embroidery depicting doves in flight. The waistline cinched in. From the waist, the skirt cascaded into a voluminous A-line silhouette, pooling around my ankles. The back had a low-cut design that dipped to reveal the middle of my back. Wearing the silver mask, I made my way through the main garden that led to the ballroom entrance.

“Maeve!” Evie shouted upon seeing me. I stifled a chuckle when I saw she was wearing a gaudy silver gown. “We’re not wearing matching gowns?” Her expression dipped in disappointment.

“I never said I’d wear silver, did I?” My gaze drifted to Evan, standing with his group of friends. He was playing with a mask in his hand, but once his gaze found mine, he straightened and smiled. In his navy pinstripe tux, he was looking as regal as one could be. He bowed slightly to me, with a smile, and I returned the greeting.

“Goddess, he’s so handsome!” Evie rasped beside me. “I wish he would dance with me, but I know he won’t.”

I didn’t want to encourage her, but inside I hoped he danced with Evie. My mind was still rapt with the vivid image of the wolf I’d encountered the day before, replaying the encounter over and over.

As I entered the ballroom, along with Evie, I noticed Kai’s parents standing at the entrance, welcoming all the guests.

“Maeve!” Aunt Gemma hugged me. “You look gorgeous!”

“Thanks, Aunt Gemma,” I chuckled. “You’re biased.”

“I’m not!” She grinned. Then she leaned over and whispered, “Evan’s been waiting for you for an hour.”

I should’ve felt excitement. Instead, dread knotted in my chest. I nodded with a tight smile and trudged into the ballroom, knowing full well that Evan was following me. To maintain a distance from him, I excused myself from Evie and rushed to the back of the hall where the bar was active. “Red wine,” I said to the bartender. “No, one vodka.”

I turned to see where Evan was and yelped in surprise, running smack into something very solid. Mist and pine smell washed over me as I focused my eyes on a huge looming wall. No, not a wall. It was him, standing at a towering height, with broad shoulders and a muscular frame. I had to crane my neck up to see him.

“And one whiskey, please,” he said in a deep baritone voice.

My jaw dropped as my breath hitched in my throat. His midnight blue hair streaked with silver fell to his neck in a carelessly tousled manner. His leather jacket was molded to his chest and back, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. His leather pants hugged his muscles, showing off his pillar-like thighs and indicating his raw strength. His square jaw, adorned with a day’s worth of stubble, gave him a rugged and dangerous appearance.

“Hello Maeve,” he said, his bow-shaped lips lifting into a smile. “Missed me?” He passed me the vodka as he took the whiskey tumbler from the bartender.

I swallowed, feeling the intensity of his gaze.

He lifted his finger and trailed down my jawline. Electricity zapped through me, making me shudder in the wake of his touch. “Such a lovely little dove. What a pity, a wolf will eat you up.”

The grip on my glass tightened as I stared at him, speechless.

“It appears Maeve has caught your attention,” Evie chuckled, appearing beside me.

A sinister smile spread across his face. “Of course she has,” he replied without looking at her.

“Why not ask her for a dance?” Evie suggested.

“Shut up, Evie!” I snapped feebly.

“Why not?” Evie nudged me with her elbow.

Before I could decline, he firmly grasped my hand, winked at Evie, and whisked me away to the dance floor, where a handful of couples were already swaying to the music. The orchestra was playing a classic Dmitri Shostakovich. Possessively, he placed one hand on the small of my back and clasped my hand in the other. Electricity zapped through my body upon his touch, making my toes curl. As the music swelled, we began to dance, my gown swirling around me.

While I had received dance training, as a royal, it was he who took the lead and guided me through all the turns. The heat from his body engulfed me. Our bodies were pressed together as we moved in perfect harmony. All my curves molded into his like I was… made for him. The connection was palpable as we continued to stare into each other’s eyes. I needed to get away from him and be with Evan. I think Evan was standing at the edge, glaring at us, at me. Was he with Evie?

Suddenly, I found myself by the door. “Come on, dove,” he whispered. “It’s time to leave.”

I frowned at his words, but he had lifted me up and was taking me out to the garden. “What are you doing?” I asked, bewildered.

He smirked. “Abducting you.”