Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

" W here do you think you're going, princess?" Bo asks.

I look across the rim of my mug and finish the last of the life-giving nectar of the gods.

I arch an eyebrow. It's going to take more than coffee to make our dealings pleasant.

"To see the Volva. Like we discussed."

"By yourself?" Leaning against the cabinet a foot away from me and crosses his ankles. The effortless beauty and grace he possess irritates me. One with his wolf, he has an otherworldly control over his frame, that makes simple tasks look like dancing.

"That's the way I've done everything my entire life, so yes."

Bo shakes his head. "I don't think so." A thick lock of his dark brown hair falls across his forehead.

"Excuse me. Are you trying to tell me what I can and can't do?" I set the stonewashed green mug on the countertop with a heavy thump.

"More like how you do it. But sure."

With my hands on my hips, I straighten my spine. "That's not going to fly here."

"Seeing as how we're the only two people in the house right now and I have you by a good hundred pounds I'd like to see you try and stop me." He toys with the strap of his expensive watch.

"You think I won't?"

"I hope you do. I could use the amusement. This place lacks the entertainment I'm used to. I thought babysitting you would be boring, but things are suddenly looking up."

I want to sink my teeth into his flesh and rip his head off. The bastard is enjoying this.

"Not all of us could laze around shirking our responsibilities."

"That's what you think I do?"

"I've seen it enough with my own eyes."

He stalks forward so quickly a human would've missed it. "I work hard, so I play hard. Being heir to the clan comes with a lot of responsibilities, not that you'd know anything about that."

His warm breath ruffles the curls framing my face. "Oh, I'm supposed to feel sorry for the popular rich boy and his social duties?"

He leans forward. I press into the counter, in an attempt to escape.

"I couldn't give a damn if you like me. I've never been much of a fan of yours, but you will respect me. Embarrassing me in public will only lead to unpleasant consequences for you."

"Are you threatening me?" I snap my teeth at him. Snarling, I growl at him.

"I'm warning you." He grabs onto my wrist.

I swallow, in an attempt to moisten my dry mouth. Standing my ground, despite my uneasiness, I return his piercing gaze. The emptiness in his nearly black eyes terrifies me. He means every word.

"That goes both ways." I force the words out of my tight throat and I pull my wrist free.

"I'm glad we have this understanding. Until we see how the rest of the pack responds to this new arrangement, you'll have one of us with you."

"That's overkill." My voice raises an octave as I panic over the loss of what little time, I could have to myself.

"It's not. You're no longer the pack freak. You're the woman who took a handful of viable mates, and shot up the hierarchy ladder out of nowhere."

"I had nothing to do with that," I shake my head, offended by his insinuation.

His low laugh is full of menace. "Cute that you think it matters. People have grown more desperate around here. You've missed a lot over the years."

There's a weight to his words that spooks me This is the man behind the mask he's always showed me. A darkness I don't understand lurks inside him. Curiosity makes me want to draw closer and study him, but I know how unpredictable wild animals can be. "What do you mean by that?"

"Finish up and we'll go into town. I need to pick up some things and then we'll see if we can track the Volva down."

The woman doesn't keep hours. She navigates the area, visiting and ministering to those who need her.

Our new connection has turned her into a maternal figure I feel I can trust. Before then, I hadn't been exposed to her much outside of special occasions and the time directly after the fire.

Her power and strange knowing, always left me feeling inadequate.

"I'm done." I side step him, careful not to let our bodies touch and grab the mug, rinsing it out before I place it in the dishwasher.

"Let's get this over with." I follow him to the door, glaring at his back. Caught between being a burden and a prisoner, I'm completely off balance.

Rolling my eyes at his sporty black toy parked in the driveway, I curse his ability to make me feel less than. The pack was busy overnight bringing the boys what they felt they needed.

Disabling the alarm, he opens the door for me, and I sink into the buttery leather seats.

I buckle my seatbelt admiring the wooden paneling interior, fancy knobs, and gauges.

"How are you enjoying the luxury?" he wiggles his eyebrows.

"Like it? I'm not sure we aren't in a spaceship."

He laughs. "For as much as it costs, it should feel unlike any other experience."

Turning over the engine, he throws the car into reverse, and floors it down the driveway. Jerking the wheel, he spins the car around. I squeal.

"You're mad." I clutch the handle above my head.

His eyes sparkle with vitality and the smile spreads across his lips is genuine. "I like to go fast."

Bo punches the gas, throwing me back against my seat. I hold on for dear life. There's no conversation as he takes the winding roads like a race car driver. Rock music flows through the speakers.

I've always seen him as the quintessential bad boy, young, reckless, and striking; but I can't help wondering about his words.

I have no idea what it's like to be an heir. What does he do for his family? I study him from the corner of my eye as we roar into town. He parks in front of the main high-end clothing store on Main Street.

"You need clothes."

"No, I don't. They brought my things from college."

"Trash all of it."

"Absolutely not." I shake my head. "That's ridiculous."

"You're becoming the matriarch of our clan. That requires a more—," His gaze roams over me. The hint of disdain reminds me of exactly why I can't stand him. "Refined look."

"I like how I look."

"And it's fine in some instances. But you need things that'll fit with the pack members you'll be rubbing shoulders with," His tone reeks of condensation that makes my stomach sour.

"No. I'm not changing for the people who've never given a shit about me."

He grips the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white. "There are many different ways to wieldpower and fight, Ylva."

There's a seriousness I've never heard before in his words. It's the first time he's said my name. Facing me he meets my gaze.

"I know this world. Trust me to arm us to fend off the attacks I know will be coming. Power shifts always leave people in an uproar."

"But the Alpha –"

"Doesn't have the favor he thinks he does. There are always workarounds if you're clever enough," Bo's voice is full of knowledge. What secrets does he hold?

"Should I be worried?" My voice lowers as I try to read his blank face. The man gives very little away.

"Yes," his tone is serious.

Air rushes from my lungs. My heart races and my palms grow damp. My stomach cramps and my senses go onto high alert, seeking out potential danger.

Being out in public has always hinged on which pack members I run into. Even though I'm older, my body remembers the experiences.

"Don't panic." He lowers his voice. "Everyone's watching. You've always been good at holding your own. Keep doing that, and remember you have people at your back now."

I give a shaky nod. "Good job, Princess." He squeezes my knee. Warmth spreads through my body. Regardless of our issues, he's at my side, and I won't be facing anything alone today.

"Time to go shopping for pretty things to show off that delectable body you like to keep hidden."

"I don't hide it."

He's already out the door. I push open the door. He frowns.

"Don't you dare," he says, taking over door opening.

I raise my hands in surrender. He offers his hand, helping me stand when I take it. Pack politics are now in full effect. Nothing is caring about his manners.

Still, it's a nice change from the college boys I'd dated over the years. We enter the store and the sales woman rushes toward us.

Her dark blonde hair is pulled back in a high sleek ponytail that shows off her slender oval face. Flawless makeup highlights her high cheekbones and almond-shaped amber eyes.

"Bo." She purrs, wrapping him in a hug that lasts too long. "It's so good to see you."

Bristling at the disrespect I scowl.

"Likewise, Jenny." He slips from her grasp. "Ylva just graduated from college, and she's looking to upgrade her wardrobe with things that are befitting her new station."

"Of course." Jenny turns and looks me over. "She needs the works you know? Hair, a little makeup."

Her words are tiny daggers digging into my self-esteem. I grit my teeth, careful to keep my emotions off my face.

Jenny taps her lips. "I think she'll shine up well, like a little diamond in the rough."

"I trust your discretion," Bo says with a wink.

"We're pleased you chose Graceful Garb."

"Off you pop." He shoos me away like some British Lord. as Jenny links our arms, and I mentally scream. This is not how I wanted to spend my day.

"You are one lucky she-wolf. People have been after Bo for years."

"It's an adjustment." I choose my words carefully.

She laughs. "That's not the word I'd use for it. I've heard the man knows his way around a woman's body." Jenny sighs. "Not everyone does."

I nod, soaking up information. We move to the tri-mirror setup. I won't deny I've noticed how sexy my mates are. I bite the inside of my cheek as I remember the feel of Cadoc's body pressed to mine, and Kirks warm hand on the small of my back. Small touches, have started a slow burning fire that refuses to be extinguished.

What would it be like to be with Bo? If the chemistry between us turned sexual it'd be explosive. I smother the thought, ashamed.

"I'm going to take your measurements and then I'll start putting what I think will work. You can try them on and we'll show Bo."

"I can make my own choices."

"Yes, but he'll know the spaces you'll be traveling in. It's not a gender thing. I'm just trying to give you what you need." She places a hand on my shoulder. "I know you've been away from the pack for a while, but the women stick together."

"Thank you, Jenny."

She smiles and starts up small talk as she grabs a measuring tape and gets to work. Waving a hand toward the changing room, she sends me to undress and dives in head first.

Dressed in skirts, dresses, slacks, and blouses, I make the walk to the viewing area many times. Bo's eyes darken with each trip.

"Princess it's a crime that you've kept all this secret." Rising he grabs my hand and spins me in a circle that flares out the white maxi dress with large pink peonies. "She's walking out in this."

"Bo—."

"I insist." He licks his lips and my cheeks warm.

"I'll grab the scissors." She rushes off and Bo yanks my body to his.

"Wh—."

A slight shake of his head quiets my protests. I glance around and find his latest fling and her friend trying to drop me to the floor dead with their hateful stares.

"If I knew this was what you looked like under all that paint, I might have come to you on my own."

Did he think anyone would buy this? I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from sharing the biting remark dying to roll off my tongue.

"Hmm." I give a small smile.

"Playing hard to get, Princess."

"Oh, there's nothing to play about. I like a man to prove he's worthy of me ."

He snickers. "Is that right? I enjoy a challenge. And a chase." He skims his hand down my side, gripping my hip with his large warm hand.

"Here we go." Jenny returns and I scramble out of his hold as she snips off the tags.

It'd be easy to buy into his false admiration if I hadn't spent my life on the receiving end of his torment.

"I want to pick some other things, Jenny." He looks toward the lingerie section in the back corner of the shop.

"I can do that on my own." I rush ahead with his laughter trailing behind me.

I pick up one of the small metal baskets and riffle through the fine silk. I've never spent this much on something only I would see. That won't be the case for much longer.

I shove the wayward thought down as I find my sizes and make matches.

"I see you couldn't wait to spend his money." A high-pitched venomous voice asks. I recognize the cotton candy scent of Andrea; the flavor of the month Bo had been in the forest with earlier this week.

"Are you upset because you no longer get to?" I refuse to turn and acknowledge her.

"Unlike you, I have money of my own."

"How nice." I pick up an elaborate peach-colored teddy with a split crotch to rub salt in the wound.

"I want to know how you did it."

"What are you talking about?" I turn confused.

"How you manipulated the Alpha. We all know you're not worthy of the gift he granted you."

I laugh, in a dismissive manner, internally seething. "Unlike you, my goals weren't centered around finding the right wolf to settle down with. I was asked to come back here and help."

"What could you possibly do?" Her voice lowers an octave. Instantly on high alert, I step into a fighting stance, body angled, and feet carefully placed.

Her eyes glow, signaling a shift.

"Control yourself."

A blast of masculine power rolls over all of us. Andrea stumbles back. Thrown off balance, she trips over her feet and tumbles to the ground with a whimper.

"Don't you ever approach my mate aggressively again," Bo's words are clipped, and his hands are balled into fists as he stands in front of me. "I should rip your throat out for the insult, and present your body to her as an apology."

He hovers over her, a fierce wolf ready to attack. "Even if I wasn't with her, you'd never have been my choice for a mate. It was nothing but a bit of fun. I made that very clear."

I divert my gaze, feeling sorry for the girl who'd overstepped her place. One thing Bo didn't do was toy with women's emotions. They all entered into his arrangements with open eyes.

"Do you have everything you need, Ylva?" he turns to me ignoring her tears.

"Yes." I rush to his side, eager to leave the mess behind.

Would I have to defend myself over a position I never even wanted? Jenny rings us out, and we leave.

When we reach the car, he opens the truck. The Volva appears beside me.

"The message is clear. The one who finds the amulet and wields its power will control the rest of the wolves."

"How am I supposed to find it?" I tune into her otherworldly energy, careful not to miss any of the clues she might drop.

"Look for the signs."

I bite back a curse. She's speaking in riddles. "This is out of my wheelhouse." I wonder if she can hear the desperation in my voice.

"You have a gift. Use it to guide you." She looks at me expectantly.

I narrow my gaze. "I don't understand."

"You have an art degree, don't you?"

"I do." I've always thought the art of painting was kin to meditation. When you get invested in a painting, you hit a nearly trance-like stage.

"You understand what you need to do now, young one?"

"Yes." Joy fills my heart. This is a world I know well. My fingers itch to hold a paintbrush.

The Volva focuses her attention on Bo.

"Everything you've been forced to endure has been for a reason. Remember that."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll know when the time is right." She flashes her Mona Lisa smile and Bo looks at me with an expression that screams constipation.

I shrug.

"There are supplies you must gather. You do not have much time. In order to prevail, you must let go of the past and see what is before you now." Impatience darkens the Volva's voice.

Anger twists in my gut, but I have no chance to respond before she walks away.

"Looks like she wasn't interested in whatever you had to say," Bo's voice is tinged with snarkiness.

"There he is," I gesture toward him with a wave.

"Who?" His brow furrows.

"The asshole I've known my entire life. Why even defend me back there?"

"Because you're mine, and I protect what belongs to me."

"I am a person, not a thing."

"And yet you never disagreed." He opens the passenger door. I climb in as rage fuels my resolve to bring change.