Chapter 12
Elara’s POV
“You’re seriously asking me to explain myself?” I leaned forward, hands resting calmly on the polished table, eyes locked on Garron. “That’s cute.”
He puffed out his chest like a rooster, trying to save face. “I think I deserve to know why our pack was picked.”
I chuckled coldly. “You?” I tilted my head. “Since when does Direstone Keep let its Gamma make high–level decisions? Or have you started running the
show behind Thorne’s back?”
His face flushed an ugly shade of purple. “You-”
He looked ready to erupt, but Justin reached across and tugged his sleeve. That’s when I saw it–Thorne’s cold stare fixed on Garron like a silent command. And just like that, the man shrank back into his seat, muttering under his breath.
Smart move.
Eden cleared his throat. “Alpha Thorne, shall we consider Elara’s proposal?”
Thorne kept his gaze on me for a few long seconds before giving a curt nod. “We’ll host it.”
With that, the meeting adjourned, and the room began to clear. I moved
“Excellent,” Cael cut in, rising to his feet with a satisfied grin. “We’ll move our soldiers into Direstone Keep in two weeks. Until then, feel fr Blood Moon hospitality.”
to
the hall to get some air, only to find myself cornered–gently-
“I must say, your pack’s landscape is breathtaking,” Alaric said, his eyes sweeping the corridor like he owned it. “First time here, and I’m already regretting not visiting sooner.”
“We’re known for our lakes,” I said politely. “Waterfalls too. Gets a lot of
“Well, now i see why,” he said with a boyish grin. “You from here
origi Sts in the summer.”
“Yes.”
“So… you and Cael?” His brows lifted. “Or maybe Thorne?
I snorted. “I’m single, Alaric. Sorry to ruin the fantasy.”
He smiled wider. “Even better.”
Or
you
ing both sides?”
“Look at that,” Cael’s voice rang out, playful and cutting. “You’ve
fan
club now, Elara.”
enjoy.
I turned to see him approaching with Thorne trailing close behind–though Thorne looked anything but amused.
“I mean, can you blame the guy?” Cael added with a grin. “You’re hard to resist.”
Alaric turned to me with a charming tilt of his head. “Well, if no one would object… maybe you could show me one of those famous waterfalls?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but Thorne was suddenly between us, blocking the space like a brick wall.
“Ask someone else,” Thorne said, eyes locked on Alaric. “There are maps in the lobby. You don’t need a tour guide.”
Alaric raised a brow. “Didn’t realize Blood Moon had personal chaperones.”
“I’m just saving you from wasting your time.”
1/3
ha Alaric.
Chapter 12
stepped around Thorne, brushing past his arm. “Alpha Alaric, I’d love to show you around. Tomorrow morning, seven o’clock. We’ll start with the Great Waterfall.”
“Perfect,” Alaric grinned. “It’s a date.”
“Absolutely not,” Thorne growled, spinning to face me. “You know what he’s like–he flirts, charms, then moves on. Are you really that desperate to be rejected again?”
The hallway fell dead silent.
My expression hardened. But before I could respond, Alaric laughed softly, shaking his head.
“Rejected? Who in their right mind would reject her?”
He reached for my wrist, gently tugging me away from Thorne. “And maybe don’t use your ‘Alpha dominance‘ on women next time.”
Cael stepped in, clapping his hands. “Alright, lovebirds. I’m not missing this scenic hike. Count me in!”
I smiled and nodded. “Then it’s settled.”
The three of us walked off together, leaving Thorne behind, brooding in the shadows.
By morning, I was up early and ready–hair pulled into a high ponytail, sports bra and leggings snug, hiking pack over my shoulder. Downstairs in the hotel lobby, Vessa was already waiting, arms crossed and glaring at the clock like it had insulted her.
She’d practically demanded to join when she heard about the hike. I didn’t mind. In fact, I’d been hoping to get her and Cael in the s
brother
while. My best friend had been crushing on my
As we waited, I filled her in on the hallway drama.
for
Months
snow, and it was starting to get tragic.
for a
She did not take it well.
“That arrogant bastard!” she barked, earning
a
v startled glances from passing staff. “So he can
toss
s you aside, but the moment someone else looks
your way, he turns into a raging caveman?”
I shrugged. “He’s always been like that. Hot one moment, cold the next.”
“Ugh. I swear, if he wasn’t an Alpha-”
“You’d still punch him in the face?”
“Exactly!” She huffed, then narrowed her eyes behind me. “Speaking of the devil…”
I turned.
Thorne had just walked in.
Dressed in a fitted hiking tee and joggers, bag slung over one shoulder, calm as ever–like he belonged here.
Which he didn’t.
I crossed my arms. “You’re kidding.”
“Why?” he asked, completely unfazed. “Only you get to see the waterfall?”
Vessa groaned beside me. “Great, Just great, Can we throw him off the mountain and call it a day?”
I sighed, already regretting every decision that led to this point. Between Alaric’s charm, Cael’s meddling, and now Thorne’s looming presence, this hike was going to be anything but peaceful.
2/3
15:09 Mon, 28 July Ge
Chapter 12
“Fine,” I muttered. “You want to hike with us? Don’t talk to me. Don’t walk beside me. And if you fall off a cliff, I won’t come looking.”
He smirked. “Noted.”
The worst part?
He was still gorgeous when he smiled.
B
AD
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