Freya
The cold steel of the gun pressed against my ribs as the scent of blood filled my nostrils. Selene growled internally, protective instincts warring with survival sense. This man was injured—the tallic sll growing stronger by the minute.
I started the engine, keeping my voice steady. "Where to?"
"Straight ahead, to Santa Pier," he instructed, his voice tight with what I recognized as pain. "I’ll tell you how to get there."
"No need, I know the way."
The car filled with silence as I drove through the deserted streets. Santa Pier was about thirty minutes away, tucked against the coastline where most packs avoided due to its neutral territory status. I kept my breathing even, my hands steady on the wheel despite Selene’s urge to either attack or flee.
The injured man watched with increasing curiosity as I navigated the roads without hesitation or error, never missing a turn. My mind raced through possible scenarios—was this a targeted attack on the Shadow Pack? Or rely bad luck? The gun remained pointed at , but I could sll his blood loss worsening.
"Park under the banyan tree ahead," he finally directed, his voice slightly weaker than before.
"Okay," I replied, pulling smoothly to the curb.
As he prepared to exit, I reached for my bag that he’d taken earlier. Instead of attempting escape, I calmly began searching through it. "I have so first aid supplies here."
He paused, clearly surprised by my offer. Our eyes t briefly—his narrowed with suspicion, mine steady and unafraid. After a mont’s consideration, he declined my help by simply stepping out of the car and disappearing into the darkness.
I didn’t call after him or insist. So wolves preferred to lick their wounds in private. I simply turned the wheel and drove away, Selene finally relaxing her guard as we put distance between us and the ard stranger.
When I arrived at Elena’s apartnt thirty minutes later, she was already looking better, sitting up in bed with an empty bowl of porridge beside her.
"The dicine worked quickly," I observed, setting my bag down.
Elena’s nose wrinkled as I approached. "Why do I sll blood? Freya, are you hurt?" Her wolf senses, though dulled by her fever, were still sharp enough to detect what humans would miss.
"No," I assured her, realizing too late that my bag and phone carried the scent of the injured man’s blood. I’d wiped them down when I first got back in the car, but clearly not well enough to fool another wolf’s senses.
"Just had an... interesting encounter. Nothing to worry about."
Elena looked unconvinced but was too exhausted to press further. I stayed until morning to make sure her fever didn’t return, then headed ho to prepare for tomorrow evening’s banquet—the one I’d been dreading since the invitation arrived.
---
Velvet Moon, one of the most exclusive boutiques in the territory.
As I entered, I noticed the manager and several attendants fussing over a magnificent gown on a display form.
"Sorry, miss. How can I help you?" the manager asked when she finally noticed standing there.
"I’ll just have a look," I replied, feeling suddenly out of place.
Since I used to frequently attend public events as Jasper’s gamma, after becoming the Luna of the Shadow Wolf pack, in order to protect my privacy and safety, Silvano would not let participate in any pack affairs. I was usually left at ho to keep Isabella company.
Thanks to Elena’s work in luxury fashion, I’d developed at least a basic appreciation for fine clothing. Still, the array of stunning gowns before was overwhelming. I didn’t need anything spectacular—just sothing appropriate that wouldn’t embarrass Silvano or the pack.
My eyes kept returning to the gown the staff had been adjusting when I arrived—a breathtaking creation of light purple semi-sheer chiffon with a perfectly cinched waist and delicate floral embellishnts. It was paired with an elegant necklace that complented its ethereal design, combining weightlessness with unmistakable luxury.
Without thinking, I approached it, my fingers reaching out to feel the fabric.
Suddenly, a hand clamped around my wrist with surprising force. I winced, pulling back reflexively as Selene bristled at the unexpected contact.
The manager quickly released her grip. "Sorry, miss. I didn’t an to hurt you," she said, though her eyes remained protective of the gown. "It’s just that this dress is a custom design for our VIP client. It’s one-of-a-kind, and the price is... quite substantial. If anything happened to it, we would be liable..."
The implication was clear—I didn’t look like soone who could afford such a creation. Despite being Luna of Shadow Pack, I’d never cultivated the appearance of wealth that Aurora wore so effortlessly.
"Of course," I replied, stepping back with a polite smile that didn’t reach my eyes. Selene growled at the dismissal, but I kept my composure. "I understand. Could you show sothing more... suitable?"
The manager’s expression softened slightly, professional training taking over. "Certainly. What’s the occasion?"
"The Autumn Moon Gathering," I replied. "I need sothing appropriate for a pack function."
Her eyes widened slightly at the ntion of the prestigious event, reassessing quickly. "Of course. May I ask which pack you’ll be representing?"
Before I could answer, the boutique door opened with a soft chi, and a familiar scent washed over . My wolf tensed imdiately.
"Miss Aurora! We’ve been expecting you," the manager exclaid, her entire deanor transforming as she rushed to greet the newcor. "Your gown is ready for the final fitting."
I turned slowly to see Silvano’s cousin gliding into the store, dressed impeccably as always. Her eyes locked with mine, surprise quickly replaced by that calculating look I’d grown to recognize.
"Freya," she acknowledged with practiced warmth. "What brings you here? Shopping for the gathering?" Her gaze flicked to the purple gown I’d been admiring—her gown, apparently—before returning to my face with barely concealed triumph.
Reviews
All reviews (0)