Chapter 24
We stood in front of the house. The water from the damp grass pressed between my toes and I felt sting from the gras poking into my wounds.
Darian’s men had apparently parked the car further away from the others for some privacy and as they went to get it I saw the other Alphas walk out with their girls on their arm.
Some Alpha’s were walking ahead, wanting to get home to their packs where they were the strongest and most important- their chosen mates walked behind them, hurrying to keep up.
I felt for those girls, they were about to walk into a life of complete obedience. Every step would be monitored, and they would only be known as the Alphas ‘newest’.
But then there were the others, the Emanuel’s of leadership and it was evident in the way he held Iliana’s hand and guided her down the stairs. She may be one of many wives, but he will no doubt take care of her- I heard he took care of each wife as if she was the only one.
And then I looked at my own, he who’s mark would forever be scarred on my skin.
The mark was throbbing painfully still because of how hard he had bitten, and the poison was still burning away any remembrance of Emanuel’s.
Darian talked to Lady Hale, her fingers graced his arm seductively, Captain Tala moved behind her like a soldier, her eyes cold and calculating while the dagger hung on her hip.
In the corner of my eye I could see Iliana stopping by their car, she turned to me and waved her hand.
I smiled and pushed away from the car when a hand grabbed ahold of my arm and held me still.
“We’re under orders to keep you put.” The guard said coldly.
Darian turned around from where he stood and waved his hand dismissively.
“Let her go, it’s alright. She won’t be able to outrun me if she tries.” He spoke with amusement as though the thought alone brought him laughter.
The guard let go of my arm and I tried not to glare at Lady Hale who fought back a grin when I left. I hurried over to Iliana with open arms and embraced her for as long as I could.
Her chin rested on my shoulder and her arms tightly knit around my back.
It was weird, we had grown up together- we used to share a crib- all of us girls had known each other since we were babies but me and Iliana were different from the others. It was always the two of us, whether we were causing trouble going out past curfew, studied or partied at sixteen with the older boys of the pack, we were always together.
To think that now we’re being parted by something such as this was hard but I knew she would be taken care off. Unlike me, she believed in this Hunt and the traditions surrounding it- having dreamed of this day since she learned what it meant and now se had her Alpha.
I saw the tears forming in her eyes and the slight tremble of her lip when I pulled back.
“He’ll be good to you.” I promised her.
“It’s not me I’m worried about. Yours is a monster, Hazel.” She whispered. Her nose turned red and a teardrop fell from her eye.
I felt every bone in my body react to her words, they stiffened painfully as if agreeing with her.
“But you’re strong, and stubborn. Just don’t piss him off, I know you don’t like this but your best bet is to be a good mate and do what that entails without putting up a fight.”
I knew she meant well but getting down on the bed and bowing my head doesn’t come naturally to me. What even was a good wife?
“Take care of yourself.” I said wiped a stray tear away from her cheek while looking at her through my own blurry eyes.
1/2
Chapter 24
liana got in the car and waited for Emanuel who walked over to hug me.
He gave me a squeeze and I felt his lips press against my ear. His breath fanned my neck and he pulled me tighter to his body and dug his hands into me
with a rough squeeze. “You give him hell.” He whispered.
The Alpha’s Hunt
