The way I look at it, my pack officials aren’t just a family, but a machine. One that runs on mutual trust and respect. No single position is more important than another—they are all necessary if Bleeding Sun is to stand against vampires as a cohesive unit. On the battlefield, we fight as one. We train to depend oneach other, no matter the circumstances. Egos have no place in our ranks. Which is exactly why I don’t condone arrogant and disruptive lycans like my brother, Dominik, who assume they can carry out roles with one foot in and one foot out.
Qinnu is all temper, making for a fairly simple explosive to defuse. Either you wrestle him into a headlock or bring up his angel of a mate.
“I just spoke to Cora. She’s on her way to see her,” I say. Beneath my skin, the feverish chafing of my wolf flares up again. I grind my teeth, shoving him under. “I’d appreciate it if you can keep all units occupied for the rest of the day. No one comes near the house, affirmative?”
Apart from Jabir, I don’t want any other males within a hundred yards of her.
His shoulders relax, though his expression remains skeptical. “I’ll see that it’s done.”
Vessa
While rummaging through my suitcase for my warmest garments, a polite knock sounds from the hall. A woman with porcelain skin and wavy russet hair enters, wearing a baggy yellow sweater. The smell of rose water clings to her as she hands me a tray stacked with an omelet and fresh fruit.
“Good morning,” she says. “I’m Cora, Bleeding Sun’s lead medic. I’d like to ask you a few questions about your head if you don’t mind.”
“Sure,” I oblige.
Cora and I shake hands, and I take a seat on the edge of the bed.
Unlike Nell, she appears to be only a year or two older than myself. I would be lying if I said I didn’t instantly envy her naturally striking features. Her brows knit as she intently listens to my story about being pursued in the forest of Shanoah. She interjects when appropriate, her crisp voice a comfort paired with a demure smile. The smile is full of promise, like the first hyacinth of spring. And yet, a subtle shadow in her hazel eyes suggests a haunting wound that indicates she is far wiser than she appears.
Once the assessment concludes, she pauses for a moment to contemplate. “The altitude up in these mountains is notorious. It can take a couple of weeks to acclimate.”
I didn’t even think of that. I just assumed my exhaustion was due to yesterday’s nightmarish chase through the forest.
“While I do believe you are minimally concussed, I don’t think we need you to remain in bed. Coupled with the new elevation, it likely exacerbated the throbbing. Feel free to explore the pack grounds today, but let’s continue to avoid anything that may overwhelm or overstimulate you. And please, do eat as much as you can.”
The medic’s eyes skim over me one last time, narrowing as if a new hypothesis is taking form. Perhaps something to do with my peculiar scent?
Shit. Before I go anywhere, I need to dig out my vial of lavender oil.
“It was wonderful to meet you, Vessa.” She bows her head. “Welcome to the pack.”
My first impressionof Axe’s territory is rather bleak; a brumous sky watches over the community sheltered by a lush emeraldforest. Imposing white mountain peaks loom in the distance. The gods’ way of making mankind feel insignificant.
Several groups of young men and women haul duffel bags and javelins across the snow dusted plains, while others stand around stretching or quietly conversing. Those who bother to look in my direction quickly avert their eyes.
Further out, a door from a log cabin is propped open, allowing a stream of two dozen lycans armed to the teeth to file out. The tallest of the women, a female with brown skin and an intricate braid, peers over to the courtyard, onyx eyes widening at the sight of me. She snaps out of whatever silent assessment is running through her mind when a hand grabs her shoulder. Though it belongs to a male with an imposing warrior’s build, he appears far more intimidated by her as they exchange glances.
“Do they know why I’m here?” I ask.
Jabir nods. “The pack has been informed not to approach you unless you are in the company of Axe, Nell, or myself. Or with the Alpha’s discreet approval. Just until you’ve had time to settle in.”
“Right.”
Jabir guides me across the large stone patio and pauses when a male of significant height wearing a spiffy trench coat strolls up to meet us at the bottom step. The swagger rolling off him is the first thing I take note of. White clouds of smoke emanate from the impeccably dressed stranger. His gaze sears into the Beta as he takes two more puffs from his cigarette. Jabir returns the man’s hostile expression with a scowl when he deliberately flicks the cigarette on the ground. A puddle of sloshy snow extinguishes the dull flame.
Two eyes of jade framed by prominent cheekbones roam up my body. The male smirks crookedly and I feel my breath hitch in response, practically hearing Maurleen’s bouncy voice warn me.
Not all predators are wolves, Vessa. Sometimes, the most beautiful shifters are snakes.
Axe’s second in command grits his teeth. “Vessa, this is the Alpha’s younger brother, Dominik Skornokovy.”
Dominik takes a step towards me, offering his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Vessa. I wasn’t told you were such a beauty. Though I can see why Axe would keep such valuable intel to himself.”
I hold Dominik’s unrelenting stare as he climbs another step closer, putting us at the same height. While most lycans have their hair grown out, this one sports a faded crop. Under my gaze, his right arm twitches.
He feigns a cough. “That’s some powerful perfume you’ve got there. Not sure it complements that lovely scent beneath, though.”
