LIKE
<SHARE
The weight of Frost’s sacrifice hit me hard. He had given up any chance of finding his true mate, forever tied to Kaluss emotions instead. His loyalty ran deeper than I could have imagined..
Kaius continued, his gaze dropping for a moment, a flicker of raw self–reproach tightening his features. Il never forgive myself for being so weak, forcing him to risk his very own life for me.”
I wanted to touch him, to offer some comfort, but something in his sture warned against it.
A question occurred to me, seemingly unrelated but suddenly important. “Your pack doesn’t have a gamma. Why?”
A shadow passed over his face. “I hadn’t found the right person. At time, Lysandra was my first choice, but then do I really need a gamma?”
My heart stuttered at the mention of Lysandra. I’d been meaning to tell him about our encounter, and this seemed as good an opening as any,
“I have something to tell you about Lysandra,” I said cautiously. “She spoke to me earlier, she didn’t seem convinced that we were mates; she’s convinced I’m blackmailing you into doing all these.”
His expression sharpened instantly. “And when did you discover this?
It had been a while ago…” I admitted, suddenly unsure why I hadn’t mentioned it sooner.
His expression changed suddenly. The openness s was gone, replaced by the guarded look I knew better. “A while ago? And you said nothing?”
Before I could respond, he stood up suddenly, creating a clear gap between us again, both in space and feeling. intimacy was gone, and I wasn’t sure what I’d done to end it.
“It’s late,” he said, his voice once again the cool, measured tone of the Alpha. “You should sleep.”
The moment of
Without another word or glance in my direction, he left the room, closing the door with a soft but definitive click behind him.
For the next two days, Kaius kept his distance. I caught glimpses of him across the pack house, always engaged in conversation with others, always with a reason to be elsewhere. Frost, too, was scarce, though whether by coincidence or design I couldn’t tell.
By the third morning, the walls of our rooms felt like they were closing in on me. I needed air, space, movement. I dressed in simple clothes suitable for walking and headed toward the door, intending to explore the grounds.
A sharp knock interrupted my preparations. I opened the door, half–pecting–hoping, perhaps–to see Kaius. Instead, Lysandra stood in the hallway, her hair vibrant even in the dim corridor light,
“What do you want?” I asked, not bothering to hide my displeasure.
She smiled, the expression not reaching her eyes. “You seem a bit disappointed, expecting someone else….maybe Kaias?”
I didn’t take the bait. “We have nothing to talk about. Or maybe you do like being close to me; for some reason I cannot fathom why you can’t seem to stay away from me.”
me to visit my Luna?” She emphasized the title with just enough sarcasm to make it clear what
I stepped into the corridor, pulling the door closed behind me. “Yes, or a peaceful walk, and I really
ly want to enjoy this alone.”
Her eyes flickered with something–calculation, perhaps, or anticipation. I had wanted to show you something”
And what is that? I couldn’t help the curiosity that crept into my vice.
“You would like it, she replied, her tone softening into something dienst friendly.
I started walking, determined not to let her detain me. “I don’t think will; maybe some other time.”
She fell into step beside me, unperturbed by my dismissal. “I guess you’ve been curious to know more about your mate, this is a little secret I want to reveal to you; I promise you it would interest you.”
My steps faltered despite myself. What could Lysandra know about Kaius that I didn’t? Given their past connection, potentially quite a lot. I shouldn’t trust her–every instinct warned against it–and yet..
“I see what you are doing, Lysandra; I won’t follow you down there, I said, realizing she’d been guiding me toward an elevator in a corner I hadn’t noticed before, rusty and abandoned.
She reached into her jacket and pulled out a small, elegant pistol. My breath caught as she flipped it in her hand and offered it to me, grip first.
“Why are you giving me this?” I asked, not reaching for it.
very powerful–one of the best and my personal favorite. I take it anywhere I go. Do you know
“This little object in your hands is very powerfu why?”
I shook my head, still wary, still not touching the weapon.
hoot if I make
“This is loaded with silver bullet, but with the added benefit of being completely weightless, it is also very fatal; one shot to the right spot is all that is required,” she explained, still holding it out to me. I’ll go ahead of you, and you re free any wrong move. Okay?”
After a moment’s hesitation, I took the gun. It was indeed surprisingly light for its size, fitting my hand as if designed for it. The metal was cool against my palm, somehow reassuring despite the circumstances.
Okay,” I agreed finally.
e amusement crossing her face. “Gentle there, Luna,” she cautioned as I adjusted my grip on t
the
She grinned, a flash of genuine pistol.
“Just wanted to be ready,” I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.
Chapter Comments
