"Because wolves rarely trust other species. Because you weren't raised as a wolf, you don't have that thought process ingrained in you." Reaching forward, I rub her shoulder reassuringly, hoping she understands the necessity.
"Oh, okay." Her eyes widen as she looks down into her lap. The discomfort she feels is palpable, and I offer a supportive smile to settle her unease.
"They will accept Torben with you, so he can go in with you. Hopefully, they have cottages we can rent." I look to Diaval for confirmation.
He reaches into his suit jacket and hands Feray a bag that jingles with coins. "Use this to pay for us." She reluctantly takes the coin purse.
Once inside the town limits,we exit the SUV and gather outside. The mountain air is crisp and invigorating. The town of Blackmore lies before us, concealed within the embrace of the mountains.
Feray, accompanied by Torben, leads the way through the wolf stronghold, her unease masked by determination. The dirt roadbeneath our feet gives way to cobblestone as we approach the main part of town. The scent of pine and earth fills the air. The architecture, a blend of rustic charm and practicality, reflects the nature of the stronghold. Wooden cottages with sturdy shutters line the streets, and the inhabitants, clad in fur and leather, cast curious glances our way.
Feray navigates the unfamiliar terrain with Torben at her side. The wolf stronghold, with its tight-knit community, radiates unity and shared purpose. We follow at a respectful distance. Diaval leads me aside for a brief conversation. "Keep an eye on Feray. This is all new to her, and wolves can be territorial."
I nod, understanding the delicate nature of our entry.
As we approach the center of town, Feray and Torben secure a suite for us. The wolf's den, as they call it, is a spacious lodging that can accommodate our group. Feray, guided by unfamiliar intricacies of wolf etiquette, manages the transaction with a blend of hesitance and determination.
Inside the den, the rustic charm continues—wooden furniture and furs creating a cozy atmosphere. We settle in, each finding a place to rest and regroup. Feray, visibly relieved to be indoors, looks around with curiosity and trepidation.
"Thank you for doing this," I say to Diaval, expressing gratitude for his foresight.
He smiles, reassurance and affection in his gaze. "We're in this together. Always."
As the sun sets over Blackmore, casting a warm glow through the den's windows, I can't help but feel anticipation. The mountains, with their hidden secrets, loom outside, and our journey to uncover Feray's past is just beginning.
Torben receivesword that the dinner we were supposed to have with the alpha has been postponed due to unforeseen reasons. Diaval nods, acknowledging earlier information about others trying to take over as alpha. More than likely, that's the business requiring attention. Feray paces anxiously around the interior of the den. Even in her human form, I watch her nose working overtime as she sniffs everything.
"You need to relax," I state.
Easton slides up behind her, his eyes glowing. "Yes, you definitely need to relax."
Torben hears the change in Easton's tone and shoves a tonic in Feray's hand. She glances down at it and nods before popping the cork and swallowing the elixir in one gulp. "Sorry, with everything going on, I almost forgot to take my tonic." She shrugs and mouths thanks to Torben.
"What's in that tonic?" I take the bottle from her and look it over.
"Birth control. Well, it stops me from getting pregnant going into heat." She rolls her eyes and sighs. "I want a family." She makes sure to make eye contact with each of us.
"Until we know who I really am and where I came from—most importantly, why I was hidden—it's not safe for me to be pregnant." We fall silent and nod. Her logic is flawless. It would be damn near impossible to keep her and a newborn safe. The thought of her carrying my child, round and glowing,flashes through my mind. Soon. When she's safe. When we've eliminated every threat.
There's a knock at the door, and Feray goes to answer it. Several tilts of her head later, she reaches over to the side table, scrolls a quick note, and passes it to whoever is on the other side. She closes the door and turns around, looking at us. "Alpha Roman heard of our arrival and has invited us to meet with him and the council." Her tone is cold and calculating. Clinical.
"You don't like something about it?" I tilt my head like she does and wait for her answer.
"Last I heard, Roman was still in the archive." She paces the room—a clear sign something is bothering her.
"So why is he here? Maybe it's just because of the young alphas trying to take over?" Diaval questions, moving to look out the den window.
"Perhaps the sphinx told him what we revealed in the archives." Feray stops and stares at me openly. I see the pulsing of her wolf's eyes behind her human ones. A chill runs down my spine. Not from fear—from recognition. That's power looking back at me.
"Feray, I can feel your wolf over here. It's almost as if she's gained your intimidation power, Diaval." Easton mentions, and that makes the dragon take notice.
Diaval closes the distance between him and Feray, gently gripping her jaw and looking into her eyes. "Oh, this is going to be fun." A sadistic grin crosses his lips as he turns to face the group. The dark version of Diaval I'd heard stories of stands before me. There's a hard edge to him now. His features seem sharper, and his eyes hold the slitted pupils of his dragon.
"What's going to be fun?" Feray looks up at him innocently, her fiery mane flowing in gentle curls down her back.
A deep chuckle escapes Diaval's lips, and his canines have shifted to those of his dragon. "Watching you, my eternal, stand toe to toe with the elder Alpha." A serene smile slips across his lips, and it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
"You are no longer the delicate flower he met a few months ago. Dare I say, you've become a force to be reckoned with. All you have to do is believe in yourself. Be the Luna you were always meant to be." He presses a kiss to her forehead, then looks over at me.
