Blood and Ice

Chapter One

Arabella's POV

The sound of dead leaves rustling and snow crunching was enough to make my lips pull into a sly smile as I raced out the door. I stood on the balcony of my cabin with the night air wrapping around me in a cold breeze. I leaned against the deck, watching as two men walked up with a large buck on top of their shoulders. "This should hold you over for awhile, Leech," one of them scoffed as he dropped the deer with a thud on the pavement. I rolled my eyes at Rhys' words, watching as he ran off into the woods, transforming into his wolf phase just before he disappeared into the darkness of the wilderness. "Such a show off," I mused as I walked forward and studied the bloodied deer.

"It's not poisoned, I promise." CJ said as he walked towards me, his smile making me weak at the knees. "I know that," I replied quickly as he pulled the deer over his shoulder. I could hear the rhythmic sound of his heart racing as he placed the buck on my little blood draining bench. The wolves would bring me my meals, and I would keep to myself. It kept me from hunting on their territory and also as far away from any sort of civilization as possible. Just the way I intended.

He leaned against the doorframe with a playful grin on his face, and his shirtless body curved when he outstretched his arm above his head. I couldn't help but lick my lips at the sight of his perfect abs, the tattoos that designed his tan skin, and the way he knew how to taunt me when it was just the two of us alone. "Well, are you gonna thank me for this special cuisine or what?" he asked, making my eyes quickly focus on his face and not his body.

Within a minute, we were entwined in each other's arms. I managed to yank open the door to my luxurious cabin, and he led us into the kitchen. The warmth of his lips against mine ignited a spark inside of my body. CJ scooped me up and set me on the countertop, his lips now parting to welcome my tongue inside of his mouth. His warm hands roamed my body, slipping off my bra and cupping my breast with his rough hands. "Christian..." I moaned against his lips, making him smirk. He loved it when I said his name, and I loved the way he made me feel alive again.

He pressed himself against me, and I could feel the bulge growing inside of his pants. He pulled back from me, his green eyes staring deep into my eyes while his fingertips brushed away strands of my dark brown hair.

"How bad do you want it?" he asked, his other hand now rubbing my upper thighs. He slowly moved his hands upward until he found my sweet spot. His deep voice alone made me wet, and right now, I was feeling completely unhinged with desire. "So bad," I whispered sweetly as I spread my legs on the countertop while he rubbed me through my black shorts. I moaned and nibbled on my lower lip, my eyes pleading for another kiss.

His lips met mine again but only for a split second before he gently kissed down my chin and towards my neck. My hand squeezed his shoulder when he came too close to my bite mark. I wouldn't allow the past to ruin this moment, though.

A loud banging sound made both of us jump back and stare at each other in confusion. Had Rhys came back? Or had the Alpha come to drag CJ back to the Pack House? I quickly fixed myself, not even bothering to pick up the black bra that was now lying on the floor. The banging continued until I yanked open the front door with an obviously aggravated look on my face. "Can I help you?" I nearly yelled until I realized what was standing in front of me.

"Miss Arabella, your presence has been requested at Copperton Manor for the Winter Ball." I wanted to slam the door shut, but I knew this was a mandated request. I had avoided returning to the Manor for the last 30 years by not showing up whenever they sent invitations via mail. This time, however, they sent someone to my f*****g home.

I could feel CJ's presence hovering behind me, which made the woman stare in utter confusion. His scent was strong, clearly strong enough to the point I couldn't smell the vampire at my doorstep. "The elders would not consent to wolves being in their home," she hissed. The way she stared at CJ in disgust was unnecessary, but I knew how our kind looked at everyone as if they were beneath us. "Well, luckily, they aren't here," CJ muttered sarcastically.

"I'll be there this time." I said quickly before the two of them started an all-out brawl on my front porch. The woman reluctantly smiled and handed me an envelope with the Copperton family crest stamped on the back. "A car will be here to fetch you tomorrow evening." She glanced at CJ, clearly making a pun that he didn't even acknowledge. "I'll uh... I'll be ready." I managed to say. "One more thing," She said quickly and handed me a white rose from her bag. She then gracefully made her way to the white car that sat in the driveway and took off down the long dirt road.

CJ and I made our way back into the cabin in silence. Once the door was shut, I ripped open the envelope to see an invitation and a hand written note:

My Sweet Arabella,

I know you've been avoiding coming home, but please come and celebrate with us again. I desire to see your face as does everyone in the Coven. We miss you dearly, and cannot wait to see you for the Winter Ball. Hopefully, you don't say no this time. Do it for me.

Love - L

I felt a pain in my chest seeing the initial. CJ's hand rested on my back, making me jump slightly. "Everything okay?" he asked, his lips pressing against my shoulder. "Yeah," I said softly. Honestly nothing was okay and I knew CJ could sense I was lying through my teeth. Before he could push any further, his head perked up and a loud howl echoed through the window. "Ugh, I have to go. I guess I'll see you when you get back." his voice sounded defeated, and his face made it clear he was in deep thought. "Make sure you feed yourself, Ara." he added before quietly making his way out the backdoor. I watched as he leaped off the deck and phased into his beautiful black wolf form.

The two of us were not dating, but a part of me felt guilty about not explaining things to him. I adored CJ, but I knew love between us was certainly not in our cards. We had kept our relations under wraps for the most part, well besides Rhys knowing. He had accidently walked in on us one time, and since then, he's been extremely short with me and avoided eye contact at all costs. I didn't blame him.

I sighed to myself, still holding the handwritten letter in my hands. I could smell her scent, like she had done it on purpose to draw me back in. I hated her still for making me into this monster, but God, how I loved her for making me find the beauty in this life. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to seeing Lila again.