Braila’s Chains - Trapped Between Them.

The Scent I Can't Forget.

Eira likes guns and silver. She’s known as the diva of the pack. Without her guns and silver at her side, Eira feels naked in front of others. Though she’s a werewolf, she has an unusual love for weapons, especially the very things that could kill her. To Eira, guns and silver aren’t threats… They're the keys to survival.

Who was she? I tried to remember last night. I shut my eyes to recall the scene. After Monica, Fred and I got into the club. We danced to our heart’s content.

I left the dance floor because Monica and Fred were kissing so passionately, and I didn’t want to interrupt.

I joined some alphas sitting on a couch.

I find it hard to recall how the couch looked. I felt uneasy and got up to go use the bathroom.

Then…what happened after that? I shut my eyes once more, and all I could recall was darkness.

“Your eyes are purple, Ezra,” Eira said as she stepped closer, arms crossed under her chest.

“Shut up,” I muttered, almost snapping. “I’m trying to remember something.”

“If you keep forcing it, it won’t come back,” she replied. “Go back to the club. That’ll help. A werewolf doesn’t just forget things.”

“I know.” I sighed. She was right. I needed to return there. Who the hell was I in bed with? And why do I care so much? This scent on me… it’s way too familiar.

“This Omega smells nice,” Eira added. “Like warm bread fresh from the oven. Soft. Clean.”

I sensed my mother moving from the bed toward the door. Her steps were light but sharp.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” I asked.

She stopped.

“Mom.”

She switched her attention to me. “I thought you already found your mate. But it seems like you had a one-night stand instead.”

Is it just me, or has my mom’s aura stiffened somehow?

“Mom, he didn’t go to the ceremony yesterday. How is he supposed to find a mate?!”

“It’s not only the pack that finds your mate. You can find your mate somewhere else.”

“Talking as if you went for the ceremony,” I gulped the bowl of soup since it was getting cold.

“I’m not like you. I’m not interested in fated mates.” She tapped what was on her left side on her belt. “My guns are my fated mates.”

“I can’t believe you wear that.”

“That’s none of your business.” She rolled her eyes. “Guns are my specialty.” She danced a little. “You will never understand how thrilling it is to use a gun. No idea, really.”

No matter how much I try to understand her, she’s always unpredictable.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” I waved her off. “That’s enough.”

“I’ll shut up when I want to,” Eira snapped. “You’re the one who got drunk and ended up with a hangover after a one-night stand.”

“What’s your problem?” I growled. “Just leave. Get out of my room.”

My head was pounding. Her voice wasn’t helping.

“Eira,” my mom’s voice came from the hallway. “Give him some space.”

“Space?” Eira scoffed. “He’s always acting like a spoiled brat.”

“A brat?” I laughed bitterly. “Says the girl who follows Dad around like a lost pet. Actually, no offense to dogs, they’ve got more pride than you.”

Her face froze for a second. She clenched her jaw but didn’t speak.

“Enough,” Mom said again, stepping into the room this time. “Both of you.”

I looked away, jaw tight.

Eira gave me one last distant look, then turned and walked out without another word. The door closed behind her. I set aside the tray. I let out a breath and sank deeper into the bed, the ache in my head still throbs. And for once… I was grateful for the silence.

When I woke up, the pain in my head was gone, but I still felt heavy inside. I stood up, stretched, and went straight to the bathroom. The cold water helped me feel awake. I changed into clean clothes and picked up a small black bag I had packed before.

I looked out the window, tossed the bag outside, and stripped off my clothes. There was no point in getting dressed, I was going to shift, anyway.

Standing naked, I rolled my neck until it cracked on both sides. My arms stretched wide, every joint popping into place. I took a few steps back, steadying my breath.

Then I ran—fast. My body curled inward like a coiled spring before I launched myself out the window, shifting mid-air.

I landed on all fours. I bit down gently on the bag, gripping it between my teeth.

My fur was thick and smooth, a deep silver-black that shimmered slightly in the sunlight, like brushed metal. Pale moonlight streaked along my spine and tail, giving the illusion of smoke rippling through shadows.

My paws were darker, dipped in charcoal. My eyes, still glowing violet, burned like quiet fire.

I snuck out this way because it was easier. I didn’t want to run into any of my family. Not now.

I needed to figure out who the Omega was. The one I’d slept with. I wasn’t sure why I cared so much. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe more.

Eira said she smelled like warm bread. But the girl I remembered from that night… She smelled like rain and old books.

I couldn’t get her out of my head.

I didn’t even know her face. Just flashes, warmth curling in my gut, a soft touch across my abs, a wet tongue running up my back.

I raced out of the clan territory. Then stopped near Fred’s place, checking for guards. Lucky me, Fred stepped out of his house right then. I shifted back, opened my bag, and threw on my clothes.

I mind-linked him.

“Stop. Over here.”

He paused, turned toward the bush I was hiding behind, and gave me a half-smile. Then he walked over.

“What are you doing there?”

“Just changed back.” I bent to tie my shoes and slung my bag over my shoulder. Fred stepped back so I could step out.

“I came to see you,” I said, eyeing his clothes, still the same as yesterday.

“Yeah, I was about to come see you too.”

I didn’t waste time.

“After I got drunk that night… Did you see me with an Omega?”

Fred frowned. “I’m not sure. But…”

“But what?” I asked quickly.

“Monica and I kissed. Then we went to a nearby room and, well, you know…” He scratched the back of his neck. “When I came out to grab her some water, I saw you. You were drunk as hell. You were… with an Omega.”

My eyes widened.

“You saw me?”

“Yeah,” he said, lowering his voice. “You were behind her. It looked intense. I didn’t recognize her, and I didn’t stick around long, her pheromones were overwhelming, and you looked like you were deep in a rut. When I got close, you glared at me and growled. I backed off. I wasn’t trying to cause anything. But you—”

“Stop.” I put a hand to my face, groaning. “Please stop.”