On the end, a frame contains the image of what looks to be an older version of Dominik wrapping his tan arms around a woman’s waist. A timeless beauty with cool brown hair, a long slender frame, and eyes of sapphire blue.
Curiosity nudges me to turn the next doorknob. Taking my first step, the aroma of leather and mahogany fills my senses, Axe’s bedroom revealed before me.
Under the first of two vertical windows accentuated with burgundy curtains is a desk littered with folders and a round bottle of bourbon. Two bronze sconces are mounted beside a colossal bed. The low light casts a gleam over charcoal silk sheets, neatly folded. Facing the mattress is a herringbone brick fireplace with a breathtaking painting to serve as its focal point.
A bronze frame encapsulates the familiar image of the aurora sky as it watches over two wolves curled around each other. One is black with green eyes, the smaller wolf having a slate coatoffset by cobalt eyes. A tribute to his parents. Perhaps this is what Axe thinks of when he sees the magical colors at night. The beaming heavens where his loved ones are at peace.
I could admire the painting for hours, though technically I was never invited in here to begin with. Checking the time on the clock that sits on his dresser, I swear under my breath. Quickly, I dash downstairs to retrieve my coat, praying that my scent isn't still lingering in his room when we return.
Axe
“You mean to tell me”—my sister’s voice lowers—“you’ve had an unmarked human female roaming the territory for three days now?”
To be frank, I had no intention of going to Lupercalia. Demi, who is constantly sticking her nose in other people’s business, had me registered. Three weeks later, I found out that I was being forced to take some mandatory time off.Mandatory.Her favorite word, as it is for all stringent rule followers. As a kid, some days I wanted to punch her lights out more than I did my jerkoff superior officers.
Although for some reason, I didn't feel like objecting to her nagging this time. When Demi handed me the Alpha title, that came with the obligation to find a partner. A duty that I have sorely neglected.
Wedging my cell phone between my jaw and shoulder, I ignore the exasperated protests of my inner beast. “I’ve assigned chaperones to look after her, Demitrya.”
“I would hardly call the bimbo magnet a qualified chaperone.”
Huffing at the nickname she coined for our smug little brother, I’m inclined to agree. “He wasn’t my first choice.”
Demi continues. “I’m surprised you let him within ten feet of her.”
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t. If my wolf had it his way, I wouldn’t permit any unmated male to breathe the same air as Vessa, let alone occupy the same room until my mark is there for all to see. That’s how ridiculously mouthwatering her pheromones are.
“How are the others handling the big news?”
I clench my jaw. Yesterday’s assembly hadn’t been a productive one. Most of the elders and warriors just stood there, gawking at me like I had sprouted a second head. I knew the announcement would be divisive, but I didn’t anticipate that I would stun the advisors into baffled silence.
“Could be worse,” I sigh, tossing my tool bag behind the passenger seat. Yikes. It’s a shit show back there. Not to mention the right side of the truck is spattered in dried mud. If I hadn’t spent an extra thirty minutes running inventory in the armory, maybe I would’ve had the decency to wipe the doors down a bit or at least?—
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Vessa shut the side door. As she approaches the carport, I grin into the phone. “Hey Demi, I’ve gotta let you go.” She barks in protest, only to be cut off when I tap the red button to end the call.
Vessa looks me over with rosy cheeks. “You sure are attached to that phone of yours.”
I open the passenger door for her. “One of the downsides of the job, I’m afraid.”
She raises a leg as she prepares to fling herself, but I stop her by quickly swooping her up and placing her in the seat. It’s really just an excuse to touch her. To breathe her in for a moment.
“Thanks,” she mutters, adjusting her furry earmuffs.
“I could always get a stool for you,” I offer, immediately regretting the words.
Smooth,my wolf groans.
Like our first ride together, she keeps to herself, eyes widening at everything that passes outside the window. Eagles flying overhead. The delay of a moose family crossing the road, led by a broad male with an impressive beard and bulbous nose.
Eventually, the sloping terrain opens to the harbor where our central business district resides. The sky casts a cool grey shadow over the murky waters. Two fishing vessels have just pulled into dock, their captains waving at me as I pull my truck into the designated lot for pedestrians. Vessa wrinkles her nose at the pungent smell of fish pulled from the sea. I smother a laugh, deciding not to inform her that the two fishermen probably smell a lot worse.
The two of us walk side by side as we pass the local establishments. First is an art gallery and the fresh market, followed by a tackle and hardware store. I make an effort to slow my pace so her shorter legs don’t fall behind. She doesn’t say anything about our drastic difference in height, though it doesn’t stop people from staring. Most know who I am, but no one off the Tilaak reservation is privy to the Skornokovy family secret.
On the next block, I point out a few of the businesses owned by my family along with the automotive shop where I work. Across the street, Vessa’s eyes lock on the window of a boutique where a row of busts are adorned with spring décor and bright floral prints.
My memory jogs.Right. Flowers.
“There’s a quick stop I need to make. It’s just around the corner.”
