SHADOW
“Oh, Shadow. You look amazing.” I wanted to roll my eyes, but it came from Elder Eleanor. Califf took much of her look. They had high cheekbones and expressive eyes.
I realized she had hidden something behind them. She didn’t look so much happy.
“Thank you. You are beautiful tonight, Elder Eleanor.” I felt like I dressed like a slut tonight because the dress was handpicked by my asshole Alpha. I mean, who watched someone sleep? It was creepy, and not to mention, I had an intense, mortifying dream of us having sex in the wild grass.
“Thank you, dear.” Then she looked around. “Where’s the host for tonight?”
“Right here, Mom.”
His mother looked so proud of him. Who wouldn’t? Despite being an asshole, werewolves respected and feared him, not because he could tear someone apart if they defied his order, but because he was trustworthy and reliable. It was hard to rule a pack with more than one hundred fifty werewolves, and he still put food on the tables.
“You look handsome, honey.”
“Where’s Dad?”
“He’s not feeling well. He’s sorry he couldn’t attend.” Oh, so hence the sadness in her eyes.
“I would like to see him, Mom.”
Her mother sighed. “Of course.”
I discreetly slipped out of the conversation and walked away.
“So you met Elder Eleanor?”
“She’s beautiful.” I turned my head to Kindra. She was curvy with Cupid’s bow lips. A tousled lob hairdo looked fabulous on her. “And you are beautiful, Kindra.”
But Duke had a smell all around her. It was normal for someone who had a mate. It was something territorial to keep other werewolves away. Well, aside from the mark on her neck.
“Yeah. She is the best Luna when Cal’s father was still an Alpha.”
“Did he challenge his father?”
“No. Elder Waylon became ill. Some people said it was witchcraft, and others said a rogue wolf bit him, but medically speaking, he has a rare blood disease, but don’t worry, it’s not inherited.”
“Why would I?” Surprised, I looked at her.
She smiled meaningfully, but I pretended I didn’t know what she was talking about. She tipped her chin to Califf, who I knew had been looking at me because I felt the intentional searing gaze that could burn a hole in my chest.
“Don’t get me wrong. Our Alpha is handsome, but I’m not up for high-ranking-with-benefits. I won’t be that woman who would be thrown away when he’s done.”
“You’re speaking of Everlee?”
“Not just her, every woman he took in his bed.”
“Because she’s not his mate.”
“So do I.” I was not liking where this conversation was going, so I needed an excuse. “I’ll go get us a drink.”
“You look lovely tonight, Shadow.” Tor wore a white shirt with a few buttons open, showing off his broad chest, and black pants snugging his muscly thighs.
“So do you.” I picked up finger food, shoved it into my mouth, and grabbed a drink. “Hey. Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Um, I was wondering if there’s a vacancy in the enforcers?”
“Really?” He looked surprised. “You wanna be an enforcer? Lyon is looking for a scout.”
“What are the requirements?”
“You talk to Lyon in the morning. There could be a few candidates, but you will ace it, Shadow.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
I was about to leave when I almost bumped into someone in a white dress. “Sorry.”
“So, you’re the infamous Shadow.”
I drew a deep breath, but all I inhaled was her perfume and something else. She had Califf’s scent all around her. My inner wolf howled.
“Not that infamous.” In all fairness, Everlee would be a good trophy wife. She and Alpha Califf would be great together ruling the Night Stalker Pack.
“Don’t hurt yourself,” my wolf just said to me.
She sniffed me. “I don’t smell Califf on you, but you’re already sleeping in his mate’s quarter. Can’t you make him hard?”
“Wait a sec. What?” I blinked in surprise.
“Oh, you don’t know?” She did a little laugh that was so annoying because she thought it was cute.
“Know what?”
“He broke up with me because he found a new toy, but why did he keep you there if he hasn’t been sleeping with you?” She waved her well-manicured finger on my face.
“I wish I knew, but I have no idea. I should be leaving that room. I don’t belong there.”
“You don’t belong here, everywhere, Shadow. You should have stayed rogue. I promise you this. Cal will be mine again. I’m good at everything you’re not. You don’t know him or what he likes, and I do. I know him well since we’re just cubs.”
I remained calm enough that I was still comfortable asking. “So it’s okay he used you but not mark you? Haven’t you thought you could have a mate out there, or he has a mate somewhere?”
“He doesn’t believe in mates. Otherwise, why would he sleep with me and other women before me?”
“I don’t envy you, but I believe in mates. I’m sure I will meet half of my soul, and I’m not so in a hurry to sleep with my Alpha. He’s all yours, and I hope this is the last time you will bother me.” I manifested a low growl coming from my wolf, and I sensed something else-a fit of anger wafting in the air as I walked away from her.
Kindra was still waiting for me when I came back.
“Here.” I have her the Champagne. “Sorry I got stuck up with-”
“With the bitch. I saw that. She’s so clingy even if Alpha was over with her. She keeps coming.”
“Why doesn’t he just ban her or something?”
“Her father is an Alpha of one of the alliances’ packs. And she is delusional, thinking that by spreading her legs, Alpha will take her as his Luna.”
“A girl can dream. She’s beautiful.” It was painfully difficult to admit, but Everlee was a catch. “They could be perfect for ruling the pack together with cute little cubs running around the pack house, and it’s a good strategy for a strong alliance.”
“Well, look at you.” Kindra smiled. “You’re already talking politics.”