Howling Bonds

13

Some city noises rang out in the distance. “Come here...” I said, taking her into my arms. She complied, smelling like nuts, grass growing in the dirt, and the aroma of the sun on an old street—something distant, fresh and unique that would never fade. A shiver ran through my body and my cerebral cortex, like a flash of light, and I knew the barrier keeping her from resisting. “It’s not about packs and traditions. It’s not about our covenants and saving the world and all that s**t. We’re free.” I kept my hands around her waist.

“I never considered dating a werewolf.” She pulled away a bit, and that’s when I realized she’d been clutching my back, and I heard my heart beating. “This is just... so crazy.”

“Now you’ve done it.” I pulled her close, and she dropped a kiss on my lips. The moment our lips met, electricity blanked my mind, and I gave myself over to it. The way her tongue graced mine as I kissed her was like she was trying to convey her entire soul to me and it lit a fire in my chest. Then this kiss became long and drawn-out, like a hot summer night, an endless war, or a noisy, rushing river. She looked up at me with those half-lidded eyes, tinged with desire and anticipation, and I knew she was ready for me to take the lead.

She moaned when I ran my hands along her spine. Our breaths came fast and heavy now, fueled by passionate caresses. We moved together until we were both so close that nothing separated us—not even air. The only sound I could hear was the rushing blood in my ears and the pulse in my head. I felt her heart racing against mine, sending a delicious warmth spreading through my veins as we tangled together like two wild animals.

The sun set, casting an orange hue across the sky while we kissed. Nothing existed beyond us and the river of passion that swirled between. Her eyes took on an unusual gray, like a muddy pond, or the way a sunset touches the clouds. Her hands tugged at the fabric of my shirt, desperate for more contact.

Without breaking the kiss, I lifted her up by her waist and carried her to the nearest tree, pressing her back against it. She wrapped her legs around me, drawing me closer as I ravished her neck with kisses. That’s when I heard the horn—long and distant—the sound coming from beyond the meadows, and the edge of the jungle. Our pack’s distinct alert signified that someone was being attacked.

“f**k ......” I cursed, thinking maybe it was just Shelton knocking over his teapot. But I had to go. I had no choice. That’s the worst part of being the alpha wolf. The sun was dropping, the heat of the day was fading, and swarms of mosquitoes were buzzing around the woods. I burrowed out of the wood line with her in my arms, covered in dead leaves and mud on my T-shirt.

Our faces were shiny and wet, and I imagined we looked a little lousy.

We reached the forester’s hut to find a waif-like figure crouched in the corner, her pink hair matted and wild. Anne glanced up with fear and desperation filling her wide eyes.

“Leighton’s found the Fevre Claws!” Anne cried, her face pale like death. “The hunters of the Scarlet Council fought with those rogue wolves. It’s awful. The rogue wolves have magic, and Leighton got caught up in it too.” The open door drove in the night breeze, causing her to shiver.

“Where is he now?” I demanded, my heart hammering in my chest. “Can he move?”

“He’s not badly hurt and Shelton’s being treated.” Anne gripped her hair with a furrowed brow. “But he received some bad news, Nell. Andrew got out of the moldy lair of the Scarlet Council himself and sits in Tacoma right now. He was the one who attacked Leighton and brought an army with him. He’s coming for you.”

My fists balled up in rage, and I struggled to keep it from bubbling over. “He’ll have his war,” I said, my voice hard and cold.

“Damn it, Nell, I knew this would happen!” Anne cried out. “Nobody can beat Andrew… he’s a tyrant! Not even La Bête du Gévaudan! Who do you think you are?”

I tried to retort, but Emilia beat me to it. “Leaving Andrew to get around in Tacoma is a mistake. He’s almost as dangerous as the Fevre Claw.”

Anne tightened her eyes into slits. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re not on Andrew’s side.” She huffed, crossing her arms. “But Nell’s got a human as a destined mate, and the pack demands him to face off against Andrew who, may I add, is notorious and the most frightening hunter. Geez.” Her fists clenched as she paced the cabin in frustration.

I got to my feet, feeling the tension rising. “I don’t like this, Anne. You should trust me more.” I attempted a plea, but it only made her scoff harder.

She yanked out her e-cigarette and inhaled before exhaling out a plume of smoke. “You already know what to do. Get out of Tacoma for a while, leave the pack to Shelton. Leighton and I will stay with you, at least that way Andrew won’t be able to find us. You lead the pack, yes, but she’s human with nothing to do.”

Emilia sighed, a long, heavy breath. “I cannot change your mind through words, but I’ll show you,” Emilia said, shrugging. The injustice she had suffered triggered a fierce rage in me, and I looked around, desperate to take it out on something.

Various drums, tapestries, and dream catchers embellished with feathers adorned the walls of the cabin. They were all gorgeous, but what was the point? Tradition clung to my pack like a spider’s web, even for the youngest members.

“If I were you, I’d create a feud between the Fevre Claw and Andrew. Both would suffer severe injuries regardless of who wins, but by then, you guys could sit back and reap the benefits. It’ll all get easier,” Emilia said, tilting her head.

“The Fevre Claw are already gone.” Anne’s voice sounded dry. “Leighton said they’ve left for Seattle after their battle with the hunters today. Their executioner, Fae, and the infamous Lotus have all gathered there. They’re gonna f**k it up in Seattle, right here in Pike Place Market. Hundreds are gonna die. They’re taking that blood as a sacrifice to Kleon.”

The atmosphere was turning bleak, and I examined the map beside the tapestry on the wall, where my target used to be with Andrew’s photograph. I’d been gathering parts of him for years: his eyes, his throat, his whole body. And I knew it all. “Well, it looks like we should get away for a while,” I whispered, feeling my chest fill with air as it escaped. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”

Anne marched into her room dragging a massive suitcase full of necessities that was chock-full. “Excellent decision, Nell. We could go to Olympia or Portland. There should be enough supplies to last us all a while.”

“Portland?” Emilia asked.

We shared an awkward look before I grinned. “No, not that far. We’re going to Seattle.”