She was in front of the door again, Emberlynn mused. Her brows were furrowed, and she turned around. How had she gotten to the training center?She was just resting on the bed with Damien after their mating session, but here she was, standing in front of the door Roy had forbidden her to step into.The door was old and worn, with a sturdy wooden frame and a large iron knocker in the shape of a snarling wolf's head. The wood was weathered to a silvery gray, and the iron knocker was rusted in places, giving it a menacing appearance. Carved into the door were various symbols, each seemingly more intricate than the last.At the top of the door, a crescent moon shape was carved, with an arrow pointing towards the sky. Below it was a series of Celtic knot patterns weaved together, forming a complex design that seemed to shift and move in the light. On either side of the door, two large curved horns protrude, giving the door a fierce and primal appearance.In the center of the door, a large,
Raising herself slowly from the bed, she ran a hand through her disheveled hair, her gaze moving around the room to stay on the floor-length mirror that was side the bed.She looked like she had a fight the night before with a bird, and it had won using her hair as its nest as part of its reward.Her face was blotchy, and her gaze locked on the hickey-like mark on her neck. It was turning purple, and she didn't see any significant mate mark yet. And she wondered how long it would stay as a hickey.But she could feel it. She felt Damien's presence, and her neck tingled in the spot that he had marked.Emberlynn groaned, clasping her face as she noticed Damien's eyes on her, and her cheeks reddened."Were you in a dream?" he asked her, and Emberlynn nodded.There was no reason to state otherwise. He must have seen her twitching. But then, it wasn't a nightmare, and she wondered if she had twitched much."Was it about me?" he asked again, and she shook her head."Bummer, I'd have thought
It didn't take long for her to be ready. Also, it was because Betsy was, for some reason, fast in doing her job. Rather than sit and talk while picking around nonexistent dirt in the room, she had bathed Emberlynn, brought out the dress she'd be wearing for the day, and helped her into it.Also, Emberlynn believed her quickness was due to the fact that she didn't object to the dress she had brought.She didn't have any choice any longer. The least she could do was wear what was provided for her. And she did actually like the dress."Betsy," Emberlynn said, turning as they took another turn. They had long past the training center. Although Betsy had suggested they go by one of the cars parked in the garage, which would make their journey faster and less tiresome, Emberlynn had preferred to walk. She wanted to memorize every path she took."Oh, Roy," she said, frowning. "Where's Betsy? I thought she was with me, and you didn't announce your presence.""I'm sorry, Luna. You were lost in
Damien moved around the training ground. This was the main training ground as it was an open space, compared to the closed space where some of the training took place at times.The closed place was used in case of emergency. It was used to hide as many people as possible when there was a potential attack.The main training ground was situated on a large, open clearing, surrounded by a ring of tall trees that offered shade and protection. The area was marked by a sturdy wooden palisade adorned with the pack's emblem and symbols. It was the largest area in the pack house and was divided into several training sections."A good warrior knows when to hold back and when to strike," Damien said, standing in between two boys about the age of ten."You think you can take me down, boys? Let's see what you are made of!" Damien laughed, watching as the boys charged at him, wooden swords clashing as they tried to overpower him.Both attacked in unison, but Damien dodged and weaved, using his agili
"You know, I feel I should let you know this," Roy said as they continued walking around the pack house. They were closer to the main pack house.The sky above was a brilliant blue, with only a few wispy clouds drifting lazily across it, like cotton candy tufts carried on the breeze. The sun shone down on her, its rays warming her skin and casting a golden glow over the entire environment. It was a good day for a walk, and Emberlynn was enjoying every bit of it."What?" she asked him and smiled at a she-wolf who passed by her."These are some lovely blueberries, my Lady," she said, extending a box intricately designed to Emberlynn. "I handpicked them myself and made sure they were the best.""Uhm, you don't have to...""Thank you, Alma," Roy said, cutting Emberlynn off and taking the box from the woman."I hope you enjoy them, my lady," she rushed out and sped off.Roy glanced at the box for a brief minute before giving it to Emberlynn."You should always take things offered to you.
Emberlynn stepped into the room after Betsy left, and she stood by the door, trying to navigate her way through the darkness.For some reason, the room was in pitch darkness, and it wasn't in this state yesterday.How comfortable was Damien living in the room in the state? He must have been used to it. It was his room, after all.Emberlynn smelt him. But she couldn't pinpoint his exact location.Taking a step from the door, she halted, her hand stretched out to feel for the wall.She stilled as she heard heavy breathing and footstep approaching her."Damien?" she called out.But all she heard was more breathing and footsteps.After feeling the air for a while, she finally found the wall, and using her hand as guidance, she moved her body to the cool, rough wall.As if knowing what she was about to do, a hand tugged her back. Emberlynn yelped, and the hand slapped over her mouth before nudging her into the wall."D-Damien..." she stuttered, smelling him. Not only did his scent tease he
"I want you!" Damien growled, closing the distance between them and closing his lips over hers and in a sweet, slow kiss.Damien had intended only to kiss her, but she was so soft and felt so good in his arms that he couldn't bring himself to stop.With a groan, he slid his hands up her back and cupped her neck, his fingers twining through her hair.The taste of her was driving him mad with need. His mouth roamed her face, her throat, and her neck. They slid down her body to caress her breasts and her thighs, her stomach and her back, and then down to cup her bottom."Damien." Her voice was a whisper, and she clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders, her breasts pressing against his chest in the fabric she wore.He pulled her to him, holding her body to his, and she melted into him."I want you," he whispered again.Emberlynn moaned and buried her face against his neck. Hastily stripping her off her dress, he lifted her in his arms, kissing her lips as he carried her over
A WEEK LATERThe Silverstone Archive was a grand, high-ceiling room with walls lined with towering bookshelves. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and leather-bound tomes. Soft, golden light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting a warm glow over the room and despite the many pack members that were present on the room, it was silent.Emberlynn hurried towards Damien as he strode to the shelf that was at the farthestmost part of the room.Emberlynn had been invited to the library by Damien. Although she had declined at first and desired to visit the embroidery's den, she had thought against it.Lately, he had been seeking her presence even more.Emberlynn didn't want to read too much meaning into all that was happening, but she couldn't help it. Damien's presence next to her, how soft he acted, and the way he looked at her as if she was the only she-wolf in the pack left a familiar sensation in her heart."What are we here to do again?" Damien asked, turning