Athindrya

Chapter 17

“Where the hell have you been?”

Ivy jumped at the sudden deep voice coming from behind her. She turned around to be met with Azai’s enraged face right up close.

“Woah. You can back the hell up if you’re gonna talk to me like that.” Ivy began standing firmly in place. His eyebrows were raised in shock at her eruption, but his stony look was soon back.

Though Azai was obviously cross he still took a step back; but it did nothing to lessen the furious aura radiating off him. Anger was quickly building up inside her.

Who does he think he is talking to us like that?

I don’t care who he thinks he is. Lilka interjected. He is HOT when he’s pissed. Look at those cheekbones. And his biceps? Damm! They’re almost ripping out of his top. Lilka was swooning. So she was of no use, Ivy thought.

Seconds passed as Ivy and Azai stood still, glaring at each other; neither one of them willing to be the first to speak. The tension in the air was palpable. Ivy was becoming more and more frustrated. He was the one to start the yelling but then he was too proud to explain why?

“Are you going to explain your outburst or are you just gonna keep standing there like a pup?” Ivy seethed.

Azai growled lowly. Well that got his attention.

“You didn’t answer my question, and you want me to explain?” He answered almost incredulous, while his eyes narrowed.

“Sorry Alpha.” Ivy replied, sarcasm dripping from her lips. “I didn’t think I was a prisoner here. So I went for a walk to explore. Is that not allowed?” Ivy mirrored his angry stance, crossing her arms over her chest.

“You aren’t a prisoner here. But you aren’t to go out in the pack lands alone. We cannot allow that.” Azai’s voice was raising again. Ivy could sense he was getting close to using his Alpha force. Not like it would work on her anyway. But she was supposed to be his equal. A small part of her heart ached at the thought. Refusing to cave into the weakness of the mate bond, Ivy doubled in anger.

“How could I have known that a future Luna couldn’t even wonder around her own pack?” Ivy knew full well she was playing on his desire for her to be his Luna. And she didn’t intend on stopping there.

“I thought you trusted me as your mate.” She spat. “But I apologise for the disturbance… Alpha.” She even added a little curtsey to antagonise him further.

Azai fell right into her trap. His eyes were pure black, it felt as though she was staring into the abyss. He took an intimidating step forward, but Ivy refused to back down. She stood strong, looking up into his changed eyes, daring him to try something.

Lilka was whining at the back of her head, distraught by the rage filled exchange.

“You will do as you’re told here. You are not Luna yet.” Azai’s voice had dropped about an octave. His head inching closer to hers, the beginning of a snarl on his lips.

“You’re right. I am not Luna yet.” Ivy announced, head held high. “Or ever.” She threatened before slamming and locking the door in his face.

She could hear Azai growl in anger on the other side of the door before the sound of his loud footsteps faded.

Ivy was still fuming as she paced around her room in an attempt to calm herself down. She was not some rogue mutt he could command. She was an Alpha from a strong bloodline for f**k sake! She was a huntress! She had fought and killed far worse than him!

What the hell do you want?! Ivy screamed as she opened the link Lilka had been clawing at.

I know you’re hurting Ivy. Don’t shut me out. Let me help. Lilka pleaded in her soft, reassuring tone.

I don’t need your help! You were too busy thinking about Azai’s ‘hotness’ when I could’ve used your help. Ivy pointed out harshly. She heard Lilka sigh.

You think that when things got bad, I didn’t want to help? But you had already blocked me out. She paused. Ivy I’m hurting too. I need this just as much as you do. Please.

Deep down Ivy knew Lilka was right. Knowing Azai and Alden didn’t trust them hurt, but it would’ve been worse for Lilka.

Out of nowhere the weight of what just happened fell onto Ivy like a ton of bricks. She slid onto the floor, frantically trying to keep the tears at bay. She felt Lilka’s comfort seeping through her, as she curled, hugging herself, into a tight ball. Her tears spilled out of her eyes with no mercy. She didn’t know how long she stayed in that same position, reaping the benefits of Lilka’s consolation.

When she got up her heart felt heavy, her limbs were weak and her eyes sore, but she needed to get stuff done. Specifically, the f*****g job she was sent to do.

Right, Ivy though as she took a deep breath. She wiped herself down, straightened herself and splashed some cold water on her face.

“Ok. There has to be some Fire Paper here somewhere.” She thought out loud as she went rummaging through everything in her room. The Alpha wings of pack houses were used to accommodate visiting Alphas and their families. So there had to be some Fire Paper, in case the Alphas wanted to send a message home. So where on earth was it?

Finally, Ivy was done looking around. She had even checked the floorboards; in case one of them was a trap door. A sigh of frustration escaped her lips. She slumped down onto her bed, spread out like a starfish. She twisted her head to the side. Then her eyes landed on the bedside table. Seriously? She hadn’t checked the bedside table?

Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she opened the little drawer. Sat inside was a Fire Paper set staring up at her. She was an i***t of epic proportions.

Agreed. Lilka sniggered.

Ivy rolled her eyes. Placing the set on the mini desk, she got to work. With the extra sharp ink pen, she pricked her finger, letting the blood flow up into the intricately twisted crystal handle.

Once the pen was full, she removed her finger letting it heal. She began writing the Council’s address. She hesitated. Why didn’t she want to tell them? This was her job; and the sooner it was done the sooner she could have her freedom.

Because, dipshit, you’ve become attached to this place. Even if you wont admit it. Lilka was smiling from ear to ear.

I have not! Ivy denied.

Ivy. As much as you hate it, this place isn’t the horror we had imagined it to be. I know it would have been easier if it was, but it isn’t.

Then if I’m so attached, why am I sending this note to the Council telling them about the pups with abilities? Ivy said cynically.  

No you’re not. Lilka assured. You knew the second you saw that pup that we weren’t going to denounce them. Ivy groaned, knowing Lilka was right.

She then proceeded to write the letter to the council, explaining that she had overheard a conversation which alluded to wolves having abilities, but that it was too vague to be sure. She confirmed to them that she needed more time to investigate; and that when she was sure about the intel, she would contact them again.

Lilka nodded approvingly. Ivy folded the letter in two before setting it aflame with the Fire Paper kit’s matches. She watched it drift up into the air and break away into tiny floating embers.

Lilka? Ivy asked quietly.

Yeah? What’s up?

I think I need to apologise to Azai, for being such a b***h. Will you help me come up with a way to make it up to him?

Lilka howled in happiness. OF COURSE I WILL!!!! What did you have in mind?