Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 15

Cara POV

“You're back early. I assumed you would come in the early evening.” Abby came looking for me. We were in the pack's garden. Nobody comes here except the two of us.

“Yeah. We didn't have much to discuss.” My voice came out sharper than I intended. She continued walking towards me until she was by my side.

We watched as the sunset dipped below the horizon.

“It's a beautiful sight.”

“It is beautiful.” I acknowledged it, my eyes taking on the orange glow as I breathed in the fresh lilies mixed with the cool breeze laying on my exposed skin.

“Are you ready to tell me what the issue is?” Abby said, her voice gentle but her eyes looking at the sight in front of us.

I shifted my weight from my right leg to the left before maintaining a balance. I didn't want to talk about the events of today.

“What did he do this time? You never had a problem telling me, why is it so difficult now?” She turned, her eyes on me giving me utmost attention. I looked away immediately.

“Telling you is not the problem.” I whispered but she caught on to it.

“Then say it.” She demanded, looking at my face for answers.

“I saw Tessa and Draven on each other and I got upset and said I wouldn't marry him and left.” I rushed the words out of my mouth and closed my eyes immediately, not wanting to see her reaction.

Even with my eyes closed, I saw them, her hands gripping him, his mouth claiming hers like I never existed.

I sighed, I didn't want to think about it but the scene lived in my head rent free.

A soft laugher filled my eyes, I opened my eyes and my view settled on Abby laughing so heartily. I turned my head left and right looking for her source of amusement until the realization hit me.

“Are you…you laughing at me?” I couldn't help but ask, rolling my eyes.

“Sorry for the laugh but if you were in my shoes, you would find it funny too.”

“Cara,” her laughter died down.

“You've never cared who he touched before. Why does it bother you now?” I stiffened.

“It…it doesn't bother me” I shrugged my shoulders and looked away.

“Sureee, keep telling yourself that.” Her voice teasing.

“You out of everyone should not be saying this. Why would it bother me?” I sighed.

She nodded “I'll take your words. So…what did you do or say?” I sighed recounting the events of what happened.

“We were supposed to discuss how to bypass this traditional wedding thing. I hadn't made up my mind yet but immediately I saw that sight, I gave an answer in a hurry. I said no to everything.” I expected to hear her call me childish but she just chuckled.

“That's okay. Go and see him tomorrow. When auntie said you should stick with him, she had her reasons.” I turned to her again.

“So you think I should go ahead with the wedding? My wolf hasn't shown up yet. How would it work?” She held my hand softly.

“There are other ways to do this without your wolf being present.” I nodded but I hadn't made up my mind yet.

“Whatever you decide, I will stand by you.” She exclaimed with confidence and assurance and I could only nod.

“Alpha, Alpha…” we turned to the entrance of the garden and there stood my Gamma, sweating dripping from his forehead, breathing heavily.

“What's chasing you?” I couldn't help but ask as the sight in front of me left me perplexed.

“No one, Alpha. I am sorry if I have intruded on your quiet moment but Elder Henry sent for you. He said it's urgent.” I raised a brow as my head processed the information.

“Can't it wait?” Abby beat me to speak. Her shoulders straightened and her voice serious.

“Apparently it can't. Alpha Draven and his Beta are here too. The elders called a meeting and it's imperative that you attend.” I gasped at the unfolding information. Draven being here so suddenly. My stomach turned slightly as the thought of him betraying me left a bad taste in my mouth.

“Tell Henry I will be there.” He nodded but paused to say something.

“Henry said you should go to your office before heading to the council room. He would be waiting.” I nodded and dismissed him.

“What do you think is going on?” I shook my head slightly at her question.

“I am not sure but I am convinced it has to do with tradition. Apparently, without it done, we won't be recognized as mates in our packs, especially by the elders.” Abby only nodded. Nothing more could be said due to the urgency of the matter so we headed to my office to see Henry.

“Thank goodness you're here.” Henry said upon seeing me. We bridged the distance between us.

“You too, Abby. Your presence is required at the council right now. I had mentioned that I would talk to the elders.”

“Yes you said so. Did they agree to let it go? No traditional wedding?” Henry's face faced down as he let out a heavy sigh and shook his head.

“They refused to see reasons with me. The tradition has been in existence for years and it couldn't be bargained out temporarily. I'm sorry, Cara.” He looked away from me still keeping his head down.

“It's okay Henry. I will convince them. Just tell me what the situation is. Why is Draven here so suddenly?” That part of the information bugged me.

“Our pack elders are holding this meeting so Draven had to be here. The elders of the blood veil pack are present. The matter is of serious importance.” My eyes widened. Anger coursed through my veins at Draven. He could have said he was coming when I went to see him.

“That's not all. I had managed to convince them to hold the meeting here but the issue pays with you.” I gave a curt nod.

“So..why is he here?” The silence stretching.

“He withdrew,” Henry said quietly.

The words didn’t register at first.

“Withdrew? Who?”

“Draven. He told the elders he would not force you.”

Something sharp lodged itself beneath my ribs.

“Due to your refusal to go through with the wedding, Draven reached out to all the elders including myself and backed out.” he sighed.

“And we would have it, the elders refused.”

“They called for a joint meeting. That's the situation we're in.” By now my hands were shaking with rage. Couldn't he have found a better way to relay my refusal to the elders.

“I believe if we head there now, something can be done. From your words Henry, they don't sound happy.”. Abby reasoned as her hand rested on my shoulder.

“Let's go. It would be best to address the matter now rather than keep them waiting.”

“I won't be coming.” I halted my steps and turned to her.

“Why? You know how important your presence is for me there.” She sighed but continued.

“I know Cara but this is a serious matter. Two packs who hate each other are in the same territory. Anything can happen. I will arrange our warriors so nothing takes us unaware.

“ When everything is set up, I will meet you up.” She muttered before leaving.

“Okay. I understand but come as soon as you're done.” She nodded, removing her hands from my shoulder as she walked out.

My legs carried me straight to the council room and my mind wandered to Stella's words. If she could come all the way just to warn me, whatever happens after this wedding won't be good for me.