Chapter 23
The wolf lies dead in front of me, eyes still open, the blood nowing from the mape of his neck, dripping slowly on the leaves below. The blood is still fresh, still bright crimson, and coagulating quickly with the cool air
it his
“I told you, didin’t I? Nowas gleats behind me. I can sense in als words and the way he speaks to me
I step away from the dead woll and run to han “Yes, you have?”
“You will have to return the land, he says, walking along with me as we move away from the perimeter. “The alpha of the nighthow is demanding for it to be reused. And while we aren’t sure what killed this wolf, we are certain that it is from their pack. Someone made their way here and attas kes him in the middle of the agr
Tcould tell, very easily.
And I could even tell that the wolf hadn’t seen it coming. The way it was killed, it was rasy and quick–there was no fight. The wolf didn’t sense the other one.
“Arrange more wolves at the borders, at all times, I hiss to Liam who’s walking behind us “Nomeone dared to kill within our territory, to attack a BloodClaw directly. This is an act of war. And I intend of making that perfectly clear to whoever stands
behind this
“Yes, Alpha”
Let the Nighthowl come for the piece of land I say to Kovas without a slither of doubts. “We’ll settle it with them and all of their pack the day they come here. But, they won’t be getting anything until I want to give it to them”
It’s just a land-”
“And they are too desperate for it.” I cut Kovas off and say.
It takes a minute for him to get it, get the fact that the Nightowl Alpla, Jericho, wants it and he’s willing to go to a war for it. It seems so ridiculous, especially over a piece of land that holds barely any value–unless it holds something neither of us
are aware of
“What do you think is so important about it?”
I shrug, heading back to the car to return. “It could be anything. Therefore, it’s staying under my possession until I deem it
useless
He hesitates a moment before sliding into the car alongside me. Liam slips into the driver’s seat before hitting the gas, speeding down through the windy, narrow roads.
I shift my body to his side of the seat, glancing at him. “Our packs are too close. Jericho could’ve easily send one his men to kill the patrolling wolf to send a message to me. He’ll be bolder if I let this go easily.”
Kovas is beginning to understand, little by little. “And you’re not going to
“No, I’m not. I won’t.”
Liam glances into the rear–view mirror, “Should we visit the land, Alpha? Perhaps take a look?”
I nod, “Perhaps we can someday and see what all this fuss is about. But not today.”
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Chapter 23
“Why not?” Kovas turns away from the window “It’s still early in the day. Unless of course you’ve some prior engagements to attend to
I do and you’re accompanying me to it.”
“To what exactly?” He crosses his leg and furrows his brows at me
I glance outside, seeing the pines and oaks and all the greens fade as we speed down the black roads. “A mating ball” 1 say under my breath.
Even without his face, I can tell the shock on it. “A what Where! And why? He pauses, “There’s no reason for you to attend a mating ball unless- His eyes become big as saucers as if they could roll out from his head. “Aron D’oro, are you seeking for a mate yourself?”
“Not exactly”
“Then! Why would there be a need to go to a mating ball? And where would this be ball ar
“Blackfang territory
Kovas is speechless, his jaw drops.
I wonder if he understands how serious this is, why I’m suddenly thinking of going here on the very last minute. I received invitations last week and I had no intentions of going until I was edged with silence from the other end and no responses to the letters I wrote. It infuriated me to the point where I found myself heading straight down there and taking my mate myself.
“The Blackfangs! You would–you would go there, Alpha Liam queries, staring deep into my eyes through the mirror.
I sigh at the back of my throat.
“Well they’ve never had a mating ball in the history, as far I’m aware,” Rovas adds, “Who told you they were having one? And why would you go! It’s a strong pack, but do you really want to mate with one of their females? And bring her to ours!”
I stay silent as Liam rolls up into the driveway of my house. When I step, Kovas follows me instantly, wanting to know more.
And I tell him as soon as I’m away from Liam.
Tm not going there looking for a mate,” I clear my throat and say while closing the door of my office. “I’m going there to see
male.”
“You found a mate?”
Technically speaking. I begin as I walk toward the windows at the far end of the room. “I did. But she’s more reluctant than I thought she would be. She’s denying it and she doesn’t seem very interested in acknowledging me.”
Kovas gives me a complete surprising look with a hint of betrayal. “When was this, Aron? And why didn’t you tell me?”
“Settle down,” I narrow my eyes at him. “I just didn’t want anyone to know yet. You understand pack’s affairs and unless I don’t have her, I cannot tell anyone and neither can you. Do you understand that?”
“Of course. You know I wouldn’t say a word.”
“Good-”
“But she doesn’t want you?” Kovas frowns and appears to understand the gravity of the situation I’m in. “Why wouldn’t she? You’re a strong and powerful Alpha. Something that every female would want and seek”
“Yes. I’m aware of that,” I clasp my fingers behind my back, remembering how she looked at me the last time I saw her, like
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Chapter 23
she had never wanted to meet me. Tve been writing to her past week or two. But for some reason I don refusing to respond back. She’s refusing to receive me.‘
“Ah Kovas clicks his tongue and smirks “So that is who you’ve been writing to all these days. Here I thought you were exchanging threats with a pack. Well, that is a significant improvement from you
My lips twitch at him, “Quite. Yes”
“Well, we should prepare to that mating ball then over at Blackfang territory, I shall accompany you and see how i for myself. Perhaps learn a thing or two about your mate I hope this plan won’t end up being catastrophot
“It won’t if everything works out well
“And what if she isn’t interested?”
“That’s not the possibility I think of right now,” I admit to him the possibility that I know will not come be interested and why wouldn’t she? I am her mate, fated one. We are made for one another”
Even as I try and assure Kovas of that. I also want to reassure myself of that
She’s mine. I know she is
We’ll leave by five. It’ll be a few hours of travel”
Kovas nods. “Done”
