Shadow of the Eclipse

Chapter 9.

"This never happened." Van's words made River's heart ache. How did it go so bad so quickly?

"Van..." He tried again. But she cut him off with a harsh look.

"I'm serious, River." Van sighed heavily. Her eyes pleaded with him. She began pacing around the room. "If anyone ever found out, it could destroy the alliance your father is counting on from your union to -" This time, River cut her off.

"I don't care, Van. Would you just listen to me?" he grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards him. Just then, the door swung open. Rei stopped in her tracks and gave the two of them a quizzical look.

"I was going to ask if you guys were coming to dinner. But now I'm more curious about all of this. What's going on?" She motioned to the two of them. Van yanked her hand away from River's grasp.

"Nothing." Van gave River a look full of warning.

"Yeah...nothing." He grunted and stormed past Rei, leaving the two girls alone.

"You guys fighting?" Rei nodded her head in the direction River had gone.

"Leave it." Van huffed.

"Don't have to tell me twice. Come on, grumpy. " Rei nudged her friend towards the door. Van reluctantly allowed herself to be led to the dining hall. She wasn't in the mood to eat. What was she thinking? Van mentally scolded herself for what had happened. Ugh, stupid kiss. Yet, that one stupid kiss that made her heart beat faster and her knees weak. She knew River felt it, too. But, no! She couldn't think like that. It was a mistake, that was all.

River had been betrothed to Anya the moment he was born. Their marriage would signify the alliance between the Moonstone pack and the Blue River pack. However, there was a problem. River and Anya had been forced to spend time getting to know each other over the years as they grew up; in the hopes that they would form a bond that would one day lead to love. After all, they would be chosen mates and not fated.

But in all that time, River only grew to dislike Anya. Or rather despise her. The same could not be said about Anya. She was smitten with him. Which made the whole situation all the more awkward. River hated being reminded of his political duty, as he called it. As the day drew nearer, he avoided his parents more. He wanted no part of this union or their planning of it. But he was trapped. His pack needed the alliance. But his heart wanted something else.

Van entered the dining hall with Rei by her side. She noticed River watching her and quickly glanced away. Van grabbed a seat on the far end of the long table. Pack members filed in around them and took their places. The table was large, but it was in no way big enough to accommodate the entire pack at once. Everyone ate in shifts. The Alpha and Luna typically took the first shift with the higher ranking members and their families. Then, the guards and warriors with their mates and children. And so on.

The omegas began setting out dishes of delicious smelling food. Van felt a twinge of guilt as she snuck a glance at River while filling her plate. He was clearly distraught. His eyes were distant as though he was deep in thought.

She began mindlessly moving the food around her plate. Not really wanting to take a bite. Van heard the person across from her loudly clear his throat. She looked up, and her eyes met Jax's. He arrogantly arched a brow at her, and she narrowed her eyes in response. Trying her best to look annoyed but the tingles flooding her body were hard to ignore. She rolled her eyes and looked away, hoping no one would notice the color rushing to her cheeks.

Jax sat watching Van. She hadn't noticed him sit down across from her. She played with her vegetables but never took a bite. He had been trying to find the words to say to her, knowing at the very least, he owed her a thank you for saving his life. But there were...other things he needed to tell her. He just hadn't been able to put them into a coherent thought. He cleared his throat, wanting to get her attention. It worked. But the words caught in his throat as her eyes held his. How had he never noticed her beauty before? He arched a brow as he inwardly questioned himself. Van scowled at him and rolled her eyes, averting her gaze. But she couldn't hide the redness that flushed her cheeks. A new wave of sensations rippled through Jax's body. This was....different. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he turned his attention back to his meal.

Van felt Rei trying to mindlink her. And River was looking at her again. And Jax was being....Jax. Frustrated, she stood up and abruptly left the dining area. She stopped in the hallway and leaned against the cool wall. Her mind was racing. She needed to be alone, to run free. She was about to make a break for it. To hell with Silas' order. Right now, she needed freedom and to clear her mind.

Van felt a strong presence come up behind her, and Jax's scent filled her nose.

"I wouldn't if I were you." Jax said casually and crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall. Van spun around and put her hands on her hips.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Jax took a step towards her. "You want to shift. To run. Feel the earth beneath your paws." another step. Van held her ground. "Again. I don't recommend it." Jax stood toe to toe with her now. Van hated how he seemed to dwarf her with his height. He peered down at her.

"And why is that?" She crossed her arms over her chest, straightening her posture in an attempt to be eye level with him.

"It's excruciating if you're not fully healed. Thanks to that poison." He said matter of factly.

"And you know this firsthand...?" Van raised a brow.

"Unfortunately." Jax replied, nodding slightly. "While normally shifting helps us to heal faster, whatever is in that stuff ..." He shook his head.

"Noted. Now if you'll excuse me." Van prepared to leave when Jax reached for her arm.

"Wait." He said. "Can we... talk?"

Van's body erupted in tingles. She looked up at him. His expression was soft. She had never seen him like this before. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Or the way her body was responding to him.

Jax knew Van had no reason to hear him out. He hadn't exactly made the last 15 years easy on her.

"About?" she questioned. He was surprised when she didn't immediately recoil from his touch.

"I just wanted to say...thank you." Jax said almost sheepishly.

Van was taken aback. Who was this and what did they do with Jax? "For what?" she asked.

"Saving me. I owe you my life." He stepped closer, and her back touched the wall. She felt the heat of his body next to hers. This was strange. Not only the way her body was reacting to his, but his demeanor overall. Had he hit his head that hard? Why was he looking at her like that?

"Uh...you're welcome." She tried to scoot around him, but he wasn't budging. Van huffed. Kita was going wild inside. She had never acted this way before. "Look, I would have done it for anyone. You were a pack mate in trouble. I did what I had too." She looked around for anyone else in the hallway she could divert attention to, but they were alone.

Jax chuckled. He admired her spunk. Rafe was going crazy. Howling and acting like Jax had never seen before.

"Do I make you nervous, little cat?" he crooned.

"Pfft. You wish." Van said defiantly. She was about to put him in his place when he suddenly leaned in and captured her lips with his. She was stunned for only a moment before her vitriol faded away and she allowed herself to melt into him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her tighter against himself while his other hand rested on the wall behind her. Her lips parted, inviting more of him as her hands trailed over his admittedly impressive muscles. Their breath became heavy and ragged as they gave themselves over to the moment. Van was surprised when a small moan escaped her, feeling his hardness against her core. Her entire body was begging for more of him as he began trailing warm, masterful kisses down her neck. His hot breath awakened a thirst inside of her that demanded to be quenched.

Jax was trying hard to restrain himself as Rafe clawed desperately trying to take control. Her body against his, her soft lips pressed into his and her intoxicating scent were making it hard for him to contain the wolf. His entire being wanted more and more of her. He greedily began moving down her slender neck, trailing his tongue slowly over the spot that would one day display a mate's mark. A wave of sensations rippled through him as he heard her moan softly, her hands now digging into his back. He had to have her, all of her. He crashed his lips into hers again, his tongue delving into her mouth. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her hands intwined in his hair. His hand trailed up her body, under her shirt and cupped her breast. He felt her grind against his unmistakable bulge and his control wavered as desire washed over him. Goddess he wanted her, needed her. He moved slowly down her neck again, while he softly teased her n****e between his large fingers. She leaned her head back, granting him more access.

Van panted, this was torture in the best way. Goddess every fiber of her being was aching for more of him as wave after wave of tingles erupted inside of her. Suddenly, she felt his canines graze her neck. Right over her marking spot. She forcefully shoved him back and looked at him for a moment before racing away.

Jax stood there confused. "Van!" he called after her but she did not stop. Goddess what had he done?