Chapter 4

Chapter

Four

C olt kept his gaze fixed on Ariana’s determined expression. He hated admitting it, but there was a fire in her that demanded respect. She wasn’t just a healer; she was a force.

“Talia will meet us in the library. It’s where we keep our records and any historical artifacts tied to the pack,” Colt said.

Ariana nodded, then gathered her laptop and notes. Together they walked through the pack house, the cozy warmth from the burning logs in the fireplace a sharp contrast to the cold tension between them. He walked closer to her than necessary. The scent of warm brown sugar and orange zest stirred a deep, primal urge within him. Something that left him shaken.

When they reached the library, Talia was already waiting, flipping through an old, weathered book. She looked up and offered a brief smile, her hawk-like gaze assessing Ariana. “I’ve pulled some information for you.”

Ariana returned the smile. “Thank you, Talia. I appreciate your help.”

Shelves of ancient books, scrolls, and artifacts encased in glass filled their library. A large oak table dominated the center of the room, as well as maps and tapestries that depicted the pack’s history and victories adorned the walls. The air was thick with the faint scent of old paper.

Talia set the book down and turned toward a wooden cabinet. “Here’s where we keep detailed records of all incidents, including injuries and strange occurrences,” she said, pulling open a drawer and retrieving several thick files. “This should cover the last decade, which would also include both Vilkas’s and Mikel’s incidents.”

Ariana’s eyes widened at the amount of information. “Wow, this is… thorough.”

“We’ve had our fair share of trouble over the years,” Colt explained. “Keeping detailed records helps us learn and prevent future issues. At least that’s our hope.”

“It’s a sound plan.” Ariana pulled one file closer and sifted through it. “I’ll start here. If anything stands out, I’ll let you both know.”

Colt folded his arms, leaned against the wall and watched her dive into the information. There was a meticulous precision in the way she worked, scanning each document with an intensity that rivaled his own investigative habits. He found his admiration growing, despite his earlier reluctance.

Talia’s voice broke the silence. “Colt, do you remember the incident with the rogue pack along our northern border a few years back? They had an unusual blade. Do you suppose it was them?”

Colt straightened, pushing off the wall. “Yeah, I remember. We dealt with them swiftly, but we couldn’t retrieve that blade. The wolves fled into the mountains west of here and took the blade with them. Or, so we assumed.”

Ariana lifted her gaze from the folder she’d been searching through. Her green-silver eyes glimmered with interest. “Do you have any records or details about that rogue pack? Anything that might tie them to a curse?”

Talia reached for another folder, pulling out a faded manila file. “This might help. It contains reports on the rogue pack’s activities, sightings, and descriptions of their weapons.” She handed the file to Ariana.

As Ariana flipped through the pages, Colt focused on the memories flooding back. “They were feral, driven by a darkness far beyond mere survival instincts. I remember how their eyes glowed red, not like normal shifters. It was almost… demonic.”

“Could it be that the blade they carried was tied to black magic?” Ariana asked.

Talia nodded. “It’s possible. If that blade had a demonic origin, it might explain the curse you described.”

A chill ran down Colt’s spine. The idea of demons interfering in pack matters was the last thing he needed. He clenched his fists, trying to push away the growing sense of foreboding. “If that’s the case, we need to find that blade. Without it, Vilkas might never fully recover.”

“Agreed,” Ariana said. “But first, let’s see if there’s any mention of where they might have hidden it or any connections they had outside of their pack.”

They spent hours going through the documents, sharing theories, and getting a better understanding of what the rogue pack was up to. Slowly, a pattern emerged, pointing to a remote cavern in the Colorado mountains, a location often described in both the pack’s records and the rogue sightings.

Ariana glanced up, meeting Colt’s gaze. “We have a lead. We need to check that cavern. If the blade is there, it might hold the key to saving Vilkas and protecting your pack from further attacks.”

Colt’s resolve hardened. “We leave at first light. Talia, assemble a small team. I want only our best on this mission, and I’ll get the plane ready.”

“Plane? How close can you get us?” Ariana asked.

“There’s a small airport about fifty miles away from our entry point.”

“Good. I can then flash the team close to the expected location. It will save time but expect to do some hiking since I’ve never been there.”

This was one time when Colt was grateful for the guardian’s powers. “Thanks.” He turned to Talia, who waited for further instructions. “Prepare the team for a hike.”

“Consider it done,” she replied, disappearing from the room.

Ariana stood, a determined glint in her eyes. “I’ll need to make some preparations of my own. However, I understand you have a witch among your pack. Perhaps she would prove useful if we do, in fact, encounter any magic.”

“Yes, Maya has been with us for many years. I will ask her to come and see you.”

With the plans in motion, the library emptied, leaving Colt alone with his thoughts. The weight of the impending journey settled on his shoulders. He couldn’t shake the unease that accompanied the involvement of dark magic. It was an affront to the natural order he was so fiercely protective of. By the time he retired to his room, exhaustion tugged at his limbs. But sleep wouldn’t come easy, not with the unknown dangers that lurked ahead. He removed his shoes and shirt, leaving him in a pair of jeans. The cool night air brushed against his skin and eased his tension somewhat. Flopping on his bed, he stared at the ceiling and allowed his thoughts to drift.

A soft knock on the adjoining door brought him back to the present. He had almost forgotten about the connecting room. Sitting up, he called out, “Come in.”

The door opened slowly to reveal Ariana on the other side. She had changed into more casual attire, a simple tank top and sweatpants, which did nothing to hide her curves. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Her voice a whisper.

Colt couldn’t help but let his gaze linger on her as she walked in and sat on the edge of his bed. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast warm shadows on her face, highlighting the gentle curve of her lips. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders and framed her determined expression. The top she wore revealed the swell of perfect breasts and he wondered how soft her skin would feel under his fingertips.

He finally shook himself from the thoughts that raced through his mind. “No, it’s fine. What’s up?”

“I wanted to discuss a couple of things before tomorrow. Specifically, about the dangers we might face. The rogue pack and their dark affiliations… it’s crucial that everyone is prepared.”

Colt sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We’ve faced all sorts of threats, but this… it’s different. There’s a darkness hanging over us. Over my pack.”

Ariana nodded. “I know. That’s why I want to help as much as I can. It’s not just about healing Vilkas anymore. This threat needs to be eradicated, and it’s why I’m here.”

Her words, filled with conviction, resonated within him. He had been reluctant to trust her, but she had shown nothing but determination and competence so far. Still, healing someone versus walking into danger were two entirely different things.

“I get it but doesn’t mean I like it.” The words rolled off his tongue with an intensity he hadn’t intended. When he looked at her, the silver flecks in her irises pulled in him.

Ariana leaned in and he had to force his gaze to stay on her eyes and not drop to view those perfect breasts.

Her voice lowered to a husky whisper. “We need to trust each other, Colt. This mission will not be easy, and we’ll face dangers we might not expect. But if we stand united, we have a better chance of succeeding.”

Her proximity sent a jolt through him, the scent of her filled his nostrils, awakening a primal urge within. He clenched his fists to keep from reaching out to touch her, his knuckles white with the effort. The air between them grew heavy with unspoken tension, a mix of anticipation and restraint. She seemed to sense the shift. Her eyes flickered with a mixture of caution and curiosity. She didn’t move, instead she held his gaze, daring him to make the first move. The corners of her mouth lifted, a subtle invitation that sent his heart racing.

“You’re right,” he said, his voice rougher than he intended. “I will have your back, Ariana. The pack will as well.”

She nodded, her eyes never leaving his. “I know, and I will have both yours and theirs too.”

The moment stretched, each second ticked by with agonizing slowness. His breath hitched as he watched the rise and fall of her breasts, the gentle curves of her body drawing his attention like a moth to a flame. He yearned to bridge the gap between them, to feel the softness of her skin against his, to taste the sweetness of her lips. To forget who he was for just a moment, but the weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, a reminder of the danger they all faced.

The heat radiating off of Colt seared Ariana’s skin. There was a palpable tension that filled the room. His gaze held a mixture of caution and desire, a reflection of the tumultuous emotions that surged within her. She had come to his room intending to discuss their plans, but the air had shifted, becoming charged and electric.

Her gaze dropped to his mouth, lingered there, and she wondered how his lips would feel against her own. Would the scruff on his face be soft or scratch her when he claimed her mouth? How would his hands feel? Would his touch be gentle? Or rough and demanding? Her heart pounded in her chest, a primal rhythm that matched the pulsing energy between them. The intense, woody scent of him enveloped her senses, intoxicating her. Crossing the line of duty and following her attraction could complicate her mission, blur the focus they desperately needed. Yet, the pull was undeniable. She leaned in, her breath caught as she saw the dangerous glint in his eyes, a mix of hunger, hesitation, and alpha wolf.

“Trust,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “It’s a two-way street, Colt. We can’t let distractions cloud our judgment.”

She noted the conflict in his eyes, the internal struggle that mirrored her own. He wanted her, that much was clear, but he also understood the weight of their responsibilities. The moment hung in the balance, a delicate dance of restraint and longing.

She hesitated, leaning back and breaking the intense connection. The air in the room cooled in an instant, the magnetic pull eased. She took a deep breath and forced herself to refocus on the task at hand.

“We need to be clear-headed tomorrow,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “This mission is about more than just healing Vilkas. We’re facing something dark and dangerous, and we need to be prepared.”

Colt nodded, a hint of regret in his eyes. “You’re right. We can’t afford to be distracted. Tomorrow is crucial.”

She stood, the movement breaking any lingering tension. “Let’s get some rest. We’ll need all our strength and focus.”

Colt stood as well, his large frame towering over her. For a moment, she thought he might reach out to her, but he stepped back, putting a deliberate distance between them. “Sleep well, Ariana. Tomorrow is going to be challenging.”

With a final nod, she retreated to her room and gently closed the adjoining door behind her. Leaning against it, the coolness of the wood seeped into her bones as she let out a shaky breath, her heart still pounding. The encounter had awakened a deep feeling within her, one she hadn’t been prepared for. An undeniable connection existed between them, but she understood the need to prioritize the mission. Not only were Colt and his pack counting on her, the vampire king was as well.

Pushing off the door, she walked toward the bed, her mind a whirl of thoughts of the upcoming journey. Plopping down, she ran her hands over the soft covers and tried to ground herself. The scent of lavender and pine from her cabin lingered on her clothes, a comforting reminder of home. As she lay back, her lids fluttered, but sleep didn’t come readily. Visions of what they might face in the cavern filled her mind. Dangerous rogue pack members, ancient curses, and dark magic all swirled together in a disturbing tapestry. When she shoved them aside, Colt replaced the visions. His mouth was on hers and his hands cupping her breasts.

She bolted upright and wiped at the sweat that trickled down the back of her neck. Thankfully, a soft knock at the main door pulled her from the sexual hole she was about to plunge herself into. Sensing the witch, she jumped from the bed and went to greet her.

“Maya?”

“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” Maya said, her voice melodic and soothing.

“Not at all. Come in.” Ariana moved aside and Maya stepped in. Her presence flooded the room with a sense of calm. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her mysterious green eyes. She wore a robe adorned with feathers and stones, a reminder of her connection to nature.

“Colt informed me about the mission. I’ve prepared some potions and charms that might be helpful.” She reached into a small pouch at her side and pulled out several tiny vials and amulets. “These will provide protection. Use them wisely.”

Ariana accepted the items, grateful to have them. “Thank you, Maya. I appreciate this.”

Maya’s gaze softened. “Colt. Despite his tough exterior, he’s a wise leader and only has the best interest of his pack at heart.”

“Of course, but…” Her gaze narrowed on the witch. “Why do you feel the need to defend him?”

“He can be rather rough around the edges, and I understand he was less than thrilled to have you come. Preferring one of your elders.”

Ariana moved to lay the witch’s gift on the dresser. “I get it.”

“Your being here is more than just healing Vilkas.”

She turned to face Maya. “Of course. I’ve been tasked with finding out what is going on with the pack. The king wants answers and protection for the shifters under his care.” She referred to Aidyn, who was still king over all immortals even though he was now the phoenix god.

Maya shook her head. “It’s more than that. I see a web connecting both you and Colt.” She turned for the door, then stopped. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Then she was gone, leaving Ariana wondering what the hell?

A sense of unease slid over her. Was the witch suggesting that there was a connection between Ariana and Colt? Was there another reason Aidyn had chosen her for this assignment?

She shook the thoughts free. No matter what, she had a job to do.