Chapter 14: Hi, I’m Avery
Dominic
Fucking Julian. That asshole! When we get back to training later, I’m going to make him regret running his mouth. What the hell is wrong with everyone today? Can nobody keep their damn wrong thoughts to themselves?
The atmosphere in the car was suffocating. I could tell Avery was barely breathing, like she was afraid to make a sound.
She sat frozen in the back seat, her eyes wide and watchful. I stood outside the car for a moment, taking a deep breath before climbing in beside her.
I leaned toward her, one arm braced against the back of her seat, creating a loose circle around her without actually touching her.
Beads of sweat formed on her pale face as I moved closer. Her eyelids fluttered closed, eyebrows knitted together in what looked like resignation. Her lips pursed slightly, like she was bracing for something.
Wait. Did she think I was going to kiss her? That expression–like she was steeling herself for an unpleasant but inevitable experience. Of course. She’d just heard about my ten previous brides. Who would want to give themselves to an Alpha who’d burned through that many mates?
I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “I just wanted to remind you that you can breathe,” I said, keeping my voice low and steady.
Her eyes snapped open as color rushed into her cheeks. I reached behind her seat and pulled out a blanket I kept there, carefully draping it over her exposed skin. The leather seats were cold against her bare legs–she had to be freezing.
‘Look at our Alpha King being so thoughtful,” Julian quipped from the driver’s seat.
“Shut up!” Ethan snapped, climbing into the passenger seat.
‘Both of you close your mouths before you say something you’ll regret,” I growled. ‘Julian, you never learn, do you?”
She’s scared enough without them fighting, Luca observed in my mind.
Julian and Ethan fell silent as I circled around to the other side of the car and slid in next to her. The engine rumbled to life, and we pulled away from Blood Moon territory.
I caught her stealing glances at my face. I’m in my thirties now and haven’t given much thought to my appearance in years. Do I look intimidating to her? Scary? The last thing I want is to frighten her more than she already js.
“Hello,” I said, deliberately softening my Alpha voice. “I’m Dominic. I hope today hasn’t been too terrifying for you.”
She gave a tiny shake of her head and forced a smile.
“The man in front is Ethan, my Beta,” I continued, nodding toward the passenger seat. “If you ever need anything and can’t find me, he’s the one to talk to.”
She responded with a quiet “Mmm,” her eyes still wary.
Ethan turned in his seat, offering her a warm smile. “We’re really glad to have you join us.”
She stared at him with those large green eyes, seemingly startled by his friendliness. She gave him a barely perceptible nod and the ghost of a smile–so faint I couldn’t even be sure it happened.
She’s more comfortable with Ethan than with us, Luca paced restlessly in my mind.
She’s just met us. Give her time, I replied silently, though I couldn’t deny the jealousy twisting in my gut.
I was genuinely happy to see her away from that hellhole, sitting in the warmth of the sunlight filtering through the car windows. The golden rays caught in her hair, highlighting strands of amber I hadn’t noticed before.
Just as the atmosphere began to relax, Julian’s voice cut through the moment: “Is your bride mute or something?”
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Chapter 14; HI, I’m Avery
Ethan’s expression darkened instantly. “Can you shut your mouth if you don’t have anything useful to say? You’re ruining everything!”
My jaw clenched. Julian being my biological brother and the pack’s Gamma didn’t give him a free pass to be disrespectful. I needed to have a serious conversation with him–soon.
Despite my irritation, I found myself making excuses for him. “Please don’t mind Julian. He’s also my biological brother. He’s… not great at expressing himself properly. He’s just curious about you, His mouth is mean, but his heart is in the right place.”
She kept her eyes fixed on the back of Ethan’s head, giving another slight nod.
Would you like to introduce yourself?” I asked gently. “If you’re not comfortable, that’s perfectly fine. Even just your name would be nice.”
I fought the urge to touch her–to brush a strand of hair from her face or place a reassuring hand on hers. The mating bond created natural physical impulses, but after what she’d said about Kevin trying to rape her…
I doubted she wanted anyone’s touch right now. I should have broken more than half of Kevin’s face. I should have killed the bastard.
Ethan turned again, his eyes encouraging her to speak.
Her long lashes fluttered as she took a small breath. “Hi, I’m Avery,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her voice! Luca practically howled in delight. Did you hear how beautiful it sounds?
“Hello, Avery,” I said, unable to keep the warmth from my voice.
“If you’re tired, feel free to rest against the seat. I’ll let you know when we’re close to pack. Then I’ll have someone look at your injuries and give you some basic treatment.”
I watched as she visibly relaxed, exhaling deeply before leaning back against the headrest. Her eyes closed, and her breathing gradually evened out.
As she dozed, my thoughts turned to Blood Moon. Something about that pack didn’t add up.
Ethan, I initiated our mind link. We need to investigate Blood Moon more thoroughly. Their Alpha’s behavior was erratic even for a desperate pack leader.
Agreed, Ethan responded. And did you notice how quickly he signed over his sister? No questions about her welfare or conditions.
You think they’re hiding something about the girl? He added.
I don’t know yet, I admitted, glancing at Avery’s sleeping form. But I intend to find out.
The road stretched ahead of us, leading back to Tempest Howlers territory–and to whatever secrets Blood Moon was trying to bury along with Avery’s wolf.
Chapter Comments
Katiemae2012
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im glad she was rescued early….I hope she doesn’t have to deal with a jealous woman who wants the king…..
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