Priscilla stirred slightly once her consciousness returned. Something was holding her tightly without giving her freedom of movement. Even though it was cold, there was also warmth, a warm and welcoming one that made her feel protected… loved.
She opened her eyes with a start.
Feeling?
Protected, dear?
That was… strange.
Memories of recent events assaulted her and she closed her eyes tightly against the throbbing that whipped through her head. Litus’ kiss, the pain in her chest, when she fell on Layan and then it all became a blur. She made a sound with her throat at the discomfort she was now aware of and was squeezed.
-You’re awake– a deep voice she soon recognized caressed her head.
She raised her gaze and despite the darkness there were slight glimmers that allowed her to see those two blue orbs. Priscilla felt her heart pound in her chest and a very distant reflection of some emotion she didn’t recognize enveloped her. She had gone so long without feeling something that she could barely identify what was really going on.
-Layan’s fingers caressed her cheek.
Priscilla didn’t know. She was too overwhelmed and couldn’t take her eyes off Layan. Even though their bodies were covered in dried blood and the smell was pungent, she was fascinated by the wolf. Was that what was defined as liking someone?
Weird.
Layan pulled her closer to him and nuzzled her temple with his nose and then licked her. His arms wrapped around the wolf in his lap enveloping her with his scent. He smiled slightly as he noticed that the bond was in effect again. Priscilla was back.
-Talk to me Priscilla,- he kissed her cheek, -I want to know how you are,- his voice was low and it made her tremble slightly.
-What are you doing to me,- her voice was also very hoarse. It didn’t hurt but it felt dry.
Layan stopped kissing her cheek and brought his face closer to hers.
-What do you mean,- he kissed her chin and ran his hands down her spine and thigh.
Priscilla, who at that moment was in a tide of feelings, thoughts and who couldn’t concentrate with Layan’s touches put one hand over his mouth and with the other stopped his hand that was dancing on her thigh dangerously.
-Stop for a moment,- she gasped. God, she was exhausted.
Layan raised an eyebrow and licked the hand over her mouth. Still Priscilla didn’t pull her away, rather she frowned at him and the wolf calmed down. He would let her speak as he wished, but he was eager to touch her, to know that she really was by his side, that she was alive and breathing. He felt like completing the bond and making her completely his.
-What do I make you feel my wolf?- he grabbed her palm and placed it over her face to cradle her cheek.
Priscilla bit her lip.
-Why does my heart beat like this? Why does my chest ache now that I’m looking at you? Why do I tremble when I hear your voice? Why…?- a few fingers fell to her lips.
Layan’s face was serious. Deadly serious and his eyes were narrowed.
-Priscilla? Are your emotions back,- his tone dropped an octave.
She held herself stiffly against his body and seconds later, and bluntly nodded her head. Layan opened his eyes and growled. He glued his forehead to hers and concentrated on her half-formed link. It wasn’t that strong but he could feel it. It wasn’t normal, there wasn’t the same coldness as before. Now it was intense, as if Priscilla’s body was full of life.
And that terrified him.
If Priscilla had regained her emotions… that meant her life was in danger. In grave danger. She was too young to be able to withstand her powers. They were destroying her from the inside. That was the reason she was frozen and her emotions shut down.
She didn’t realize she was trembling until Priscilla’s hand on her cheek moved.
-What’s wrong?- she looked confused.
The alpha took a breath and hugged her, burying his face in her neck. How long would he have to live with the fear of her leaving him. It was a terrifying feeling that was driving him crazy and the one that made him speak.
-Priscilla, let me finish the link. Be mine-
Her body petrified in his arms. Not again. If he asked her that now she would fall apart and more as she was now. Her chest tightened more than before and tears ran down her cheeks. Tears she didn’t understand. She couldn’t. Her head was total madness right now.
When the hot drops fell on Layan’s skin he straightened her up and studied her face with an alarmed expression.
-Are you crying because you hate me now or because you’re happy,- he wiped her wet cheeks with his thumbs.
-You’re stupid,- she reproached him, beating his chest with her fist without much force.
The wolf grabbed her wrist and kissed her knuckles.
-Yes, I know, I’m stupid for not realizing the good things I have around me. But I’m good at rectifying-
She looked away only to receive a kiss on the curve of his neck.
-So Priscilla, become mine. I promise I will make you the happiest she-wolf in this pack. Even your father will be envious,- he bit her lobe, grabbing her waist when she wanted to pull away. He had no intention of letting her go and let her know it. His fangs pricked the tender skin.
Priscilla knew she had to refuse. Otherwise Layan would be in danger. Her emotions were already released or so she thought. Now she had to focus on finding Layan and destroying him and since her powers were stronger she could surely take care of him. So…
-Wait for my jealousy- she gasped leaning back against his shoulder. She didn’t want to look at him. She didn’t want to know what was waiting for her to find in those two blue orbs.
Arms around her clutched her and Layan’s scent grew intense.
-Are you going to give me your first rut?- it was useless, she had to raise her head finding that the alpha’s eyes were golden and his fangs visible.
Priscilla swallowed dryly though she kept her composure as best she could.
-That’s what I said-
A growl came from the alpha’s chest and he brought his face so close to hers that their lips brushed.
-You will be mine after your rut, you cannot take it back,- there was a dangerous gleam in those orbs and Priscilla became immersed in them.
-Have I ever lied to you,- she blinked slowly.
Layan bared his fangs and snarled.
-Many,- and he kissed her hard.
***
Victore paced back and forth, stressed. None of the guards dared to speak to him. He was a wolf that might have looked small but if tempted he could slit their throats with just one of his paws.
-Commander,- one of the guards came toward him, -The alpha has already left.
The wolf smiled and ran off to meet Layan heading for his room. He was carrying Priscilla in his arms and she was burying her head in the gland of his neck. She looked… calm even though their naked bodies were full of dried blood everywhere, including her hair.
-Alpha called out to him. Layan turned to him slowly.
-Has everything been quiet in my absence?- he asked walking back into the room. Both he and his she-wolf needed a bath urgently.
-Yes alpha. Everything went smoothly. No new attacks or anything like that.
Layan nodded his head.
-I’ll join you in a little while to catch up on pack business. Where is Kei?
Victore scratched his cheek.
-I don’t know,- he said sincerely, -I’ll send for him. He’s been checking on the status of the herd during his absence.
-The alpha came to the door of his room where Victore hurried and opened it.
The Commander took a step back at the crude tone of his superior and lowered his head.
-He has been quiet in his room. He told us he was sure you wanted to talk to him when he came out.
Layan frowned.
-Good thing he knows who he’s dealing with,- and went inside.
Victore closed the door, leaving his alpha and his confident queen in privacy, and turned. He had to find Kei. He was a wolf with responsibilities and had things to do, though he could have fun teasing the beta first, after all his alpha looked like he was going to be busy a little while longer.
Layan went straight to the bathroom and let the shower water run. Preparing hot water and such would take a long time. He gently stepped in over the stream of water and let their bodies get wet dragging the grime away.
-Can you stand up?- he spoke to Priscilla. She nodded with a sound from her throat.
Layan lowered her back against his body until she could vaguely steady herself. Even then he had to grab her waist.
-You are still very weak,- he lifted her chin with his fingers and sought her mouth, kissing it.
Priscilla’s surprise gave her no time to refuse. Only to assimilate that tongue that tangled with hers. But why did she refuse? As long as she didn’t have sex with Layan, Liam couldn’t access his mental barriers through the link. Therefore, as long as she didn’t fall into heat, she still had time to destroy him.
Too bad her heat was streaked. She had to hurry.