Chapter 8

Chapter

Eight

T he thought of Ariana’s fangs in the neck of a human male… her drinking his blood sent a jolt of jealousy through him. His muscles went taut, and his wolf snarled at the thought. While he understood a vampire’s need, the image he had of her leaning over another male had him seeing red. It was not a feeling he much cared for or even understood why he experienced such rage at the idea. To keep his wolf happy and force him to settle, he came up with a plan.

“Is there no way you could…” He hesitated, wondering how she would accept his idea. “Could one of the pack help? We have females who would volunteer. It would ensure you remain within our territory, close to us, and we wouldn’t risk the dangers that lurk outside.”

Her brow arched. “A female pack member?” she whispered, “We usually feed from mortals, another guardian or a… mate. Feeding from a wolf shifter would be uncommon.”

“Not necessarily common,” he quickly interjected, “but it’s a safer option for everyone. You’ll keep your strength up without taking risks. Besides, we’d be here to monitor the situation. You know my pack trusts me. This could work.”

Her lips pressed together, and he wondered if he had pushed too hard. Did she think feeding from a wolf was repulsive? Would she push to leave the compound to feed?

“Are you certain you don’t want to volunteer?”

Should he have offered his own vein? The thought didn’t repulse him, but the heat of desire that flashed over him at the thought of her mouth on his neck told him he would lose control. Fuck, he was hanging on by a thread as it was. He didn’t miss the smirk that played on her mouth.

“Still a no.” Thank the gods his mouth uttered the words before his dick took over his brain and said yes.

She sighed. “A temporary arrangement. But only if they are willing to offer. I don’t want to take from anyone who doesn’t want to.”

“Of course.” He nodded, expecting the tension to melt, but it didn’t. “I’ll speak to Sienna. She’s compassionate and eager to help—which might make this easier for both of you.” The idea of Ariana feeding from Sienna soothed his protective instincts only slightly. His wolf whimpered, much preferring he had offered.

“Why would this be easier for me? You’re the one who seems to have a problem.” She didn’t appear to be joking this time.

“I simply figured it would be easier for you to stay at the compound where we could continue working,” he growled.

She smiled, but it seemed it was more from amusement than gratitude. “You’re right, of course. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He turned away and gazed out the window, irritated with himself, and watched the landscape rush by. It was a complicated tangle of emotions that gnawed at him—the primal instinct to protect her mixed with the undercurrents of desire that felt increasingly uncontrollable. His mind wandered to Sienna, her gentle spirit, and eagerness to learn. He hoped she would be the right choice for this delicate arrangement.

The higher they ascended, a sense of unease crept over him, caught between his desire to protect Ariana and his wolf’s growing need to possess her. It made no sense. She was not a wolf. Then again, he had been around long enough to see matings between species.

“Ariana?” he said, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped them both. She turned her gaze back to him, a spark of curiosity mingled with caution in her expression.

“Yes?”

“What happens when we find the real blade?” He focused on her, desperate to glimpse her resolve. “What are you willing to face?”

“Whatever it takes. I’ll explore every avenue, tap into every connection. I promise you, Colt, I will not let Vilkas or any others suffer in vain.”

“Also, thanks for having my back. You wield a sword like a pro.”

She arched a brow. “Do you now see I am no fledgling that fell from the nest?”

He admired her fierce spirit, but deep down, he recognized the burden she carried—the weight of expectation and the need to prove herself not just to him but to the pack. He wanted her to know that she was not alone in this fight, that the strength of the Moonshadow pack would be behind her.

“I see that. Once we land, we’ll set up a plan. Until then, I don’t want you to overextend,” he warned, his protective instinct flaring anew.

“As you wish.”

She succumbed to his wishes far too easily, but he was still going to take it as a win.

The familiar scent of pine and earth greeted Ariana as she stepped off the plane and onto the grounds of the Moonshadow pack compound. Despite the comfort of being back in a somewhat familiar place, tension still thrummed through her veins. Her hunger gnawed at her insides, and her fangs throbbed. She had been kidding when she’d asked Colt if he was volunteering to let her feed from him, but the idea of being that intimate with him … It made her feel emotions she needed to keep in check. She was about to dance with the devil and one wrong move while trying to connect to the power flowing inside Vilkas could come at a high price.

As the pack dispersed to their various duties, Colt’s presence remained a steady anchor beside her. She sensed his restlessness, his desire to take action warring with the need to ensure everyone’s safety—including hers.

“I’ll speak with Sienna now,” he said, his voice low and tinged with an emotion Ariana couldn’t quite place. Was it concern? Possessiveness? She pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand.

“Thanks,” she replied, meeting his gaze. “I’ll prepare myself in the meantime.”

He nodded, then turned to find Sienna.

Alone for the moment, she took a deep breath and centered herself. The compound bustled with activity. Pack members moved with purpose, their collective energy a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. She made her way to the guest quarters assigned to her, needing a moment of solitude to gather her thoughts. Thoughts that recalled the sheer terror she had felt when she had called forth her blade to protect Colt. Not for herself, but for him, and she needed to stuff that into a box, or it would cost them all a huge price.

Once inside her room, she closed her eyes and reached out with her senses. Past the bustle of activity of the pack and used her power to touch the elements themselves. The air whipped around the compound and caused the temperature to dip. It carried the scent of the forest mingled with the signature of every shifter who lived here. The experience was overpowering.

Attuning herself to the earth, she experienced the movement of every pack member. Beyond them, every plant, animal, and tree appeared to be in perfect health. There was no cause for concern. Next, she concentrated on water and located a nearby river that had already frozen where the water was shallow. Again, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her concentration. “Come in,” she called, opening her eyes to see Sienna entering, a mix of nerves and determination on the young shifter’s face.

“Colt explained the situation,” Sienna said, her voice steady despite the slight tremor in her hands. “I want to help.”

Ariana offered a smile, hoping it might help reassure the girl. “Sienna, I can’t thank you enough. But are you absolutely certain? This shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

The girl nodded, her resolve visible. “I’m sure. We all want to help Vilkas, and if this is how I can contribute, then I’m willing.”

She studied the young wolf, admiring her courage. “All right. Let’s sit down then. It won’t hurt, I promise, but you might feel lightheaded afterward.”

As they settled on the edge of the bed, Ariana gently took Sienna’s hand. The girl’s pulse raced beneath her skin. “Try to relax,” she soothed, “and remember, you can stop me at any time.”

Ariana leaned in, her fangs extending as she focused on the steady rhythm of Sienna’s heartbeat. She pierced the skin at Sienna’s wrist and instantly tasted the rich, vibrant blood of the shifter. The rush of energy was immediate and intense. Sienna’s blood carried the essence of the forest, of moonlit runs and pack bonds, and for a moment, she wondered what Colt would taste like. Ariana took small, slow sips, mindful of every drop, ensuring she took only what she needed.

As she withdrew, she was careful to seal the puncture wounds with a swipe of her tongue. Ariana’s strength was already returning. The gnawing hunger receded, replaced by a clarity of mind she’d been missing.

“Thank you, Sienna,” she said softly, supporting the young wolf as she swayed slightly. “How do you feel?”

“Fine. Did it help?”

Ariana nodded. “More than you know.”

“You’ll be able to help Vilkas now?”

“I am going to do my best.” Just then, she felt Colt’s presence nearby, likely hovering just outside the door. His protectiveness, though sometimes frustrating, touched something deep within her. Opening the door, she met his concerned gaze. “Sienna’s fine,” she assured him before he could ask.

“And you? How are you?”

“I’m fine. Ready to see Vilkas and figure out where the blade that’s keeping him from healing came from.”

“All right, I just have one thing to take care of, then we can go. Wait here.” He turned and he and Sienna left the room.

“Wait here?” she muttered to herself. “Apparently, he’s forgotten who I report to.”