Elara’s POV
“Do you want me to ride a corpse chopper next time too?”
That was the first thing I heard Miela whisper as she clung to Thorne’s arm like a trophy. Her smile was sugar–sweet, but her tone? Absolutely venomous.
I rolled my eyes and walked past them.
It was departure day.
Soldiers from Blood Moon Pack stood lined up along the southern border just as the first light broke across the horizon. Armor polished, weapons strapped, heads high. They looked like a wall of steel–and every single one of them dipped their head when I passed by.
I wasn’t tall, not like the men around me. But when I walked, they made room.
Miela stood near the rear of the caravan, practically vibrating with jealousy.
She hated it. Hated how they acknowledged me. How they followed my orders without question. Hated that my name meant something now- something hers never would.
I could feel her eyes burning holes into my back as I checked over the ranks.
But I didn’t flinch. She had power once, in Direstone Keep. And now? We were heading back to her turf, but I wasn’t the sa silence. She’d have to find a new way to bury her fear.
She used to mock in
“Leaving already?” Alaric leaned against one of the armored transports, arms folded lazily across his chest. His white shirt contrasted beautifully with his sun–kissed skin. “You sure you’ll survive a week without my charm?”
“I’ve made it this far.” I smirked, adjusting the strap on my shoulder. “I’m sure I’ll manage.”
He laughed. “That hurts.”
“I’ll send flowers.”
He leaned in suddenly, his face inches from mine. “Just don’t fall in love with anyone before I get back.”
I arched a brow. “Didn’t realize I was on a timer.”
“Call it hopeful anticipation.” Alaric winked.
Then, just like that, he wrapped me into a hug–firm, familiar, warm. My body tensed for half a second, but I didn’t push him away. He wasn’t overstepping. Not really.
Until his lips brushed my cheek.
Soft. Intentional.
And very, very public.
I didn’t have to look to know Thorne was watching.
“Safe travels, Gamma,” Alaric murmured in my ear. “See you soon.”
He walked off like it meant nothing.
I turned around, half–expecting a storm–and found it waiting in Thorne’s stare.
1/3
Chapter 17
“Alpha Thorne,” I said calmly as I approached, voice even. “Will you be riding separately or with the convoy?”
He crossed his arms. His jaw ticked once. “You’re riding with me.”
I blinked. “That’s not what I asked.”
“We’ll be driving for several hours. It’s the perfect time to discuss training logistics.”
Miela’s voice piped up beside him, shrill and whiny, “Alpha, I really don’t think it’s appropriate for her to be in the same car-”
“No one asked you, Miela,” he snapped without looking at her.
Her mouth fell open, stunned silent.
I was about to politely decline when Cael strolled over, his arm casually draping across my shoulder.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said with a grin, “but my Gamma’s been working nonstop. She deserves a rest. So she’s riding with me.”
Thorne’s eyes narrowed. “She can speak for herself.”
Cael smiled wider. “And she will. But until then–maybe keep your claws sheathed.”
They stared each other down like two wolves circling the same kill.
“Alright,” I sighed, stepping slightly away from Cael’s arm. “Enough testosterone. I’ll ride with Alpha Thorne if it means we can all breathe easier.”
Thorne’s posture eased just a little. Cael, of course, couldn’t resist one last parting shot.
He leaned down, pressed a kiss to my forehead, and said, “I’ll be right behind you, princess. Try not to miss me.”
The entire plaza went still.
Miela looked like she’d swallowed a bee. Vessa nearly wheezed from laughing too hard.
“Oh,” she called loudly, waving at Miela. “We’ve got a paramedic on standby, just in case your… delicate condition acts up again during the drive. Try not to sue the Pack this time!”
Snickers rippled through the soldiers.
Miela’s cheeks went crimson.
I turned toward Thorne, whose fists were clenched so tight I could see the veins running up his arms.
“How many guys are you planning to kiss before we even leave the damn border?” he hissed, eyes blazing.
I gave him a flat look. “It’s called courtesy. But I guess that concept didn’t make it past the wall up north.”
He looked like he might punch his own car.
But I didn’t wait for a response. I climbed into the passenger seat of his vehicle and shut the door behind me.
This ride was going to be long.
And if he started again about Alaric, Cael, or “northern savages,” I swore I’d roll down the window and leap out mid–drive.
2/3
