Black Flames, page 8
The food is delicious and seems to melt in my mouth. The steak is a perfect medium-rare, and the asparagus tastes just right. I fight hard not to eat like a starved beast but my control slips.
“I love seeing a woman with an appetite,” the man, Prospero, says with a wolfish grin.
I nod in acknowledgment as chills once again run down my spine, and I force myself to slow down. I keep my eyes down on my food and avoid looking at him, but a heavy weight seems to settle on me. I look up quickly and see Ulric, the other male, watching me. His gaze is different, soothing almost, and makes me fall into a sense of calm. It’s strange, and I feel comfortable, so I look him over.
He is broad-shouldered and muscular, with his button-down shirt fitting firmly over his biceps. His shoulder-length black hair is styled loosely, and his eyes glow a beautiful shade of green. As we make eye contact, the room seems to spin, and his smile intensifies.
I blush and snap my gaze back down to my almost-empty plate again. Warmth spreads through my belly, and my magic stirs, setting me on edge. I don’t need it to make a flaming appearance right now.
“You okay?” Adam asks in a whisper at my ear.
I look up into his eyes. “Yeah, I think I ate too fast.”
“Do I need to get you anything? Tums?”
“Nah, I’ll be fine in a little bit.” I shrug.
He nods and turns his attention back to the Alphas who have been discussing the training plans. I haven’t listened to a single bit of it, but I know Corey and Adam have been soaking it in.
A nudge to my right causes me to turn, and Corey is smiling at me mischievously. “Don’t think I didn’t see what just happened. Adam may have missed it, but I know that reaction,” he whispers, and I turn scarlet.
I keep my gaze focused down as we finish our meal and take little slips from the water glass in front of me. I refuse to look across the table at Ulric. I don’t understand what happened when our gazes met.
After several minutes, the Alphas finish their meals, and we all make our way out of the dining room. Loud music hits my ears as soon as we pass through the door and into the hall. It’s curious that we couldn’t hear it before with our hearing. I guess the dining hall is soundproof. The upbeat music makes me forget the awkward incident from earlier, and I tug at Adam, who has my hand, trying to get to the room faster. I love to dance.
As we enter the room, I dash past Alpha Gale with Adam in tow. I can’t wait anymore, and his chuckles follow us out to the floor. Corey follows along, and we dance as a group in the middle of the room. Other members of the pack dance around us, and I let the music carry me away.
Colorful lights flash throughout the room, and I notice the chandeliers are dimmed. Streamers decorate the walls, and there are tables with appetizers and punch along one wall. It’s simple but not too low-key that a visiting pack would see it as offensive.
Energy courses through my body as I laugh and sway my hips. I feel light and free. Corey moves off to dance with another pack member, and Adam spins me into him. I smile up at him, lost in the moment.
“Ember, your eyes are glowing. I think your wolf is trying to surface. Do we need to step out?” He quirks a brow up and speaks with concern.
I stop and stare at him as panic fills me. I let my guard down, and I do a quick assessment. I blink a few times, trying to clear my mind. “Maybe she’s trying. I’m not sure. I’m going to grab a drink and cool down some. I’ll find you when I’m ready to dance again.” I dart away from him before he has a chance to speak and head straight for one of the punch bowls.
I grab one of the premade glasses from the table and toss it back like a shot. It gives me a moment to think, and I notice how hot I feel as it slides down. I look down at my fingers and see black sparks, so I reach for another glass.
I’m tossing it back when a male’s voice startles me. “I wondered if you would ever leave that male’s side. His scent doesn’t mesh with yours, but the scents you carry have sparked my curiosity. Allow me to introduce myself formally. I’m Prospero.”
I whip around and meet his gaze as he does a slight bow. The creepy vibes I got earlier across the table are worse as he stands before me. I arch my brow and cross my arms across my chest. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Adam and I are bound, despite what my scent tells you. What can I help you with?”
He smiles too cheerily. “You could help me with a lot of things, sweet treasure, but I’m afraid now’s not the time. Tell me, though, who are you really? Is Ember even your real name? Is life in this pack a game to you?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, feeling confused. “I have lived here all of my life.”
“Is my brother harassing you, little wolf?” the darker male says off to my left. “I’m Ulric, by the way, the better-looking brother.” He chuckles.
“Why, brother, I’m not troubling our new friend at all. I’m just asking her basic questions. I’m on my best behavior tonight,” Prospero says with a wink, and I frown.
Ulric offers me his hand. “I find that hard to believe, brother. Would you care to dance with me, Ember? You looked like you were having a lot of fun out there earlier.”
I glance down at my fingers, noticing they’re no longer sparking, and place my hand in his. “Sure,” I say, and electrical pulses fly up my arm as our hands meet. Burning pain spirals down my back, and I hide my discomfort behind a smile as my eyes meet his. He seems surprised, and they faintly glow before he blinks it away.
He leads me out into the center of the room, and I glance around to find Adam. He might not like this, but he and Corey both are occupied at the rear of the room with their backs to the dance floor. They are deep in conversation with a few Betas.
“I apologize if my brother did anything to upset you. He can be a brute most of the time.” Ulric twirls me around, and I feel as if we’re floating.
“He didn’t bother me too much.” I shrug and lean into him as he spins us. His arms slide around me, and he gently holds me close as the music changes to something slower.
“You mentioned you have lived here your entire life as I arrived to rescue you from him. Do you like it here? You seem different from the other members. I can feel more power radiating off you than even the Alphas have.”
“That’s strange that you say that. I think my power is why I’m bound to Adam, but I have lived here since birth. My mother was a member of this pack from birth, and she met my father out of town,” I say cautiously.
“I’m sorry if my question upset you. I didn’t mean any offense. I’m just curious. There is something unique about you.” Ulric gazes down at me.
“It’s fine.” I shrug. “How far apart in age are you and your brother? You don’t look much alike.”
He chuckles, then says, “We are only half-brothers, and we are only a year or so apart. It’s a long story, but Zendaya is also a half-sister of ours. We have a crazy family.”
“Oh, I guess that makes sense. Wow. None of you favor each other at all except maybe in height. Are all of your parents tall?”
“Yes, and I believe that explains our earlier interaction. You were checking me out at dinner.” His tone is teasing, but I still blush.
“I was only making an observation. You’re all larger than the wolves I grew up with. Plus, I can look, but I can’t touch. I’m claimed, remember?” I blush again, realizing what I just said.
“So you say, but the one you say is your mate doesn’t match the scent lingering around you. They tell me otherwise. I can’t distinguish them all, but I can discern the scent belonging to the Beta that shadows you and your-to-be Alpha, who is currently glaring daggers at me.”
I glance over my shoulder and see both Adam and Corey wearing murderous expressions on their faces. Ulric twirls me further away from them and pulls me closer.
“Did the Beta claim you, little wolf, and also a vampire? I didn’t know there were any down this way.”
“No one has officially claimed me. Are those the only scents you smell on me?” I ask perturbed, and I send up a silent prayer to the gods that no one heard him.
“There is another unique scent, but it’s difficult to make out. I have been around for a long time, and I have only come across a scent similar to that a few times over the years. It was never by choice. Did a demon mark you as the others did? The scent reminds me of hellfire.”
I cringe at his words, and panic rears its head. “No, I have been attacked by some recently, though. That’s why we are to train in Alaska. But unfortunately, we have an Imp problem.”
“That would make sense, I guess. Does your-to-be Alpha know about the others? I don’t see that sitting well.”
I open my mouth to make a retort when a hand lands on my shoulder. Ulric and I stop moving, and I glance over to find Corey. He glares at Ulric and then turns to me with a smile. “Can I cut in?”
I don’t miss the smirk on Ulric’s face as I respond, “Yes, you may. Thanks for the dance, Ulric. Maybe I’ll see you around?”
“I hope you will, little wolf. Take care of her, Beta.” He bows slightly, and Corey tugs me away.
“Did I hear him say what I thought I heard him say?” Corey asks, pulling me toward the opposite end of the room, closer to where Adam still stands, glaring at Ulric, who is now standing with his siblings across the room.
“What did you hear exactly?” I ask cautiously.
“Did you tell him about us?”
“No, he picked up on the scent. He was very curious, and I think he picked up on the other scent.”
He looks at me with concern. “The other scent, as in the new scent you now have?”
“Yes, that one, but he couldn’t identify it.” I shrug and glance around. This conversation is making me nervous.
He runs a hand through his hair and spins me around, distracting me with dance moves.
“Why didn’t Adam intervene if you guys were worried? He’s supposed to be stepping up to the role and all.”
He chuckles. “He and I thought it would cause less of a political stir if I stepped in. We aren’t sure how those three guests tie into the Alaska pack yet, and they give us weird vibes. That male seemed way too comfortable with you.”
I shrug, feeling strangely disoriented as if Ulric and I have some type of connection. “He was nice at least.”
“Yes, but even though Adam didn’t intervene, he struggled. His wolf wanted to tear free and claim you, while also murdering that male. He has territorial issues tonight, especially because of those two tall males. He didn’t like how they were eyeing you at dinner or how they have watched you all evening on the dance floor.”
I frown at his words and think back over the night. After that incident with Prospero and the food, I tried not to look at them. Did they really watch me, as he says?
“Oh, here he comes. I guess my time with you alone is over. I hope he’ll let you out of his sight to practice some over the next few days,” Corey says quietly.
“Ember, Corey, may I cut in?” Adam asks authoritatively, and we stop moving.
“You may. Have fun, you two!” Corey chirps as he places my hand in Adam’s.
Adam smiles at me and pulls me close. He leans in to whisper into my ear. “Were you trying to drive me mad with jealousy earlier, dancing with that other male?”
I roll my eyes. “No, but it seems it did drive you a little crazy.”
He tightens his hold on my arm, and it’s almost painful as he says, “You are mine, Ember, remember that. Fuck, if you would let me claim you and complete the mating process, no male would dare step within a ten-foot radius of you. They wouldn’t even think about it. It would strengthen us both and maybe finally unlock your wolf.”
I look into his eyes as they glow, and I know his wolf is fighting for dominance. Adam’s hands drop lower on my back, and I know where he’s trying to go with this.
I growl in frustration, and his hands stop moving. “In time, Adam. I’m not ready yet, and you know that. We still have a long way to go.”
He leans into my neck and begins to pepper kisses there. I can’t help but fight the shiver of pleasure it causes, but it doesn’t feel anything like what Zeke or Corey did. Instead, his kisses are possessive and aggressive. There is no electrical tingle like what I felt with Zeke, and we don’t have a connection like Corey and I have. Nothing like what a real mate should feel like when they touch.
“Stop, Adam. We’re in a room full of people.” I try to pull away.
“I know, that’s the point. Let them see and know who you belong to. You are mine.”
I glare at him, and my magic swirls through my veins. I let it give me an extra boost as I break out of his hold and turn wordlessly away from him. Then, fuming, I push my way through the dancing bodies around us and out the door. I don’t stop until the night air hits me as I lean against the railing on the front porch.
I stare out into the night, steaming and confused. How am I supposed to make this work between us and lead this pack? I can’t do this. The territorial bastard needs to get it together. I need a connection with him unless I can find an out. Prick, he does not own me.
“Men can be a pain in the ass. You okay?” a melodious voice asks from the dark to my right. I turn and watch as Zendaya steps forward with a smile. She seems to glow against the night, and her platinum hair looks ghostly.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Did you get tired of dancing?” I change subjects, and she leans against the rail next to me.
“Oh, no. I could dance all night, but that room seemed to get a bit stuffy. I needed some fresh air. It seems that you did too.”
“Yeah.”
“You know, you aren’t meant to be with him. I can sense things, and you’re different from these wolves. Your power is greater, but why are you here?”
I stare at her, trying to process her words, and frown. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
She sighs and turns her gaze to the yard. “You will, one day, soon. Enjoy the fresh air, Ember.” She turns and waltzes back into the pack house, leaving me staring after her and confused.
I rub my head as it begins to ache and turn my focus to the stars overhead. They are bright and endless, but I feel small standing beneath them. Suddenly, the urge to run fills me, and I slide out of my heels. I don’t want to talk to Adam after what happened, and I don’t want to be here anymore.
Carrying my heels, I sigh as the damp grass hits my feet, and I break out into a run. As I sprint down the road, my dress flows behind me, and the expulsion of energy seems to calm me.
By the time I reach the steps to my parents’ front porch, I feel calm and focused. I let myself in and quickly move through my nightly routine. Sleep sounds lovely, and I know I only have a few days to prepare for the trip to Alaska. Let’s see if I get an apology from Adam in the meantime.
Chapter Ten
I’m sandwiched between Adam and Corey a few days later as we fly on a private jet headed for Alaska. Only a handful of the Betas we have been training with are allowed to join us. We are basically to run the perimeter of the pack’s territory and dispose of any violent individuals that cross our paths.
I got a message from Zeke a few days ago, letting me know he would join us by the end of the week, if not sooner. He has had luck rounding up some help to train us against other species to better prepare for demon attacks. I also hope that he’s found a way to break me from this contract with Adam and his family. Unfortunately, my hope is starting to diminish. He is trying to make us more serious and has been pushing me to complete the mating bond with him. I’m not ready to do that unless there is zero chance to get out of it.
The ring he gave me rests on my hand like a weight. I thought it would appease him and not make him want to push things, but it only seems to have increased his determination.
I close my eyes as the plane begins its descent. My stomach rises and falls with the bumps. We are landing at the airport in Juneau, Alaska, and going into the airport to meet Alpha Turner’s people. We are supposed to take vehicles from there and cross over to Douglas Island.
As the wheels make contact with the ground, my stomach jolts. We roll across the tarmac, and the tension in my shoulders finally begins to ease. Who knew how nerve-racking flying could be? This was only my first time, and once we reached a reasonable altitude, it wasn’t as bad as I had predicted it would be. During takeoff, I felt like vomiting, though.
“Are you ready for this?” Adam asks as the plane coasts to a stop.
I sigh and push from my chair to stretch. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
“This will be a fun and easy trip. Don’t you worry, Ember,” Corey adds, standing next to me.
“I just hope we can explore in our downtime. I would love to see more of the area.” I scratch at my head and resituate my hair in its ponytail.
“That would be nice, but I doubt we’ll get to. Remember, this is an official mission, not just a training exercise, and definitely not a vacation,” Adam says seriously, and I roll my eyes. He ushers us to follow him toward the front of the plane, and the three of us stick close. We are to work as a team after all.
On the flight, he made sure we had everything memorized regarding what our schedules would be like. We are to set an example for the rest of the pack members on this mission and focus on building our bonds. We are to follow orders given by Alpha Turner to a T. We are not to party, be mischievous in any way, and keep our hands to ourselves. Adam and I are to keep it PG-rated according to Alpha Gales’ rules. I laughed hysterically at this, which seemed to offend Adam, but it gave me a new sense of hope that he may back off on the mate thing some during this trip.
As we step through the door on the plane to descend the metal steps, a blast of cool air hits me and causes me to freeze in place momentarily. They told us to dress warmly, but this is different. My magic responds to my momentary lapse in control, and my body tingles and heats. I shiver in response, but I let it spread through me, warming my chilled skin. I keep it in check enough not to let the flames burst free. I smile and startle as Corey nudges me from behind. I didn’t think about my scent, but I’m sure he picked up on it.
