Chapitre 10
I almost felt sorry for the sheets hanging down the railing. I took a deep breath, but the cold was slowly getting to me. She bit through my skin like a dress made of frost flowers.
I really had to get warmer clothes. Maybe there were some on the second floor. I grabbed the sheet and tugged at it to test it.
With a crack, the wood broke from the railing and rumbled to a halt in front of me.
Damned.
Maybe that was a sign it was a stupid idea. I shook my head. Good thing I didn't believe in signs.
I untied the knot from the rotten wood. If I abseiled with it, it would be my certain death. I looked around.
The only option was the gold door handle. If I tied the sheet around it and lowered myself down the side of the house, it might work.
I carried out my plan and leaned my weight against it. The closed door held.
Hope it lasted.
I jumped onto the wooden railing and threw down the sheets.
Now or never.
I carefully climbed down the other side. I shimmyed down further until I felt the second floor balcony beneath my feet.
Deep voices came through the glass door. But green curtains with golden decorations blocked my view of the interior.
I crept closer to the window and squatted down. I immediately recognized one of the voices.
"Why didn't you inform us that the savages had become such a big problem?" asked an angry Alpha Eros.
His voice was muffled through the window glass, but his words were clear.
"I wanted to wait until the silverblood thing was sorted out. Also, I thought you were traveling alone."
Beta Julien. His voice had an apologetic tone. I could already imagine Alpha Eros building up in front of him.
"I wasn't alone, though," he growled.
My heart contracted. He meant me.
"I had no way of knowing you had your mate with you."
"A human," snapped a third voice.
Gamma Johnson.
Friendly as ever.
"Are you trying to tell me something?" Alpha Eros asked in a dangerously calm tone.
"No, Alpha," Johnson ground out.
"Don't be rude, John," Beta interjected Julien. "You know what they did to Lucia and she's handling it better than you."
Gamma Johnson grumbled bitterly. What were they talking about? About the war? Fresh goosebumps covered my arms.
"It's time we dealt with the savages," Alpha Eros said, ignoring his representatives.
"We should wipe them out. They're on our land," Gamma Johnson said.
His voice was colder than the icy northern air on my skin. How could he say such a thing?
"The savages don't care who claimed the land," Alpha Eros replied. "When they attacked, I noticed that a pack structure had developed among them. I've seen Alec. He must be their alpha if you." call it that."
"What do you suggest?" asked Beta Julien.
"We'll give them the piece of land and make peace with them."
Gamma Johnson snorted derisively.
"Alec will never go into that."
"He won't have a choice. He knows that attacking us means death. Alec may be cheeky, but he's not stupid. He can't risk it if he wants to survive here."
"You think the savages will do something like that?" Beta Julien asked skeptically.
“One thing you must not forget: even the savages long for a home, for a place to call home; something we will grant them, given the peace," Alpha Eros replied.
"Very well," said Gamma Johnson. "At the same time, it's also a buffer should Silverblood launch further attacks."
"No, not a buffer. I see this in the long term: an ally in our debt. An ally who has something to lose."
I could only listen intently. I had never overheard war talk from werewolves, let alone humans.
Now I understood why everyone feared Alpha Eros so much, apart from his wolf and his physical superiority: He seemed to plan everything and left nothing to chance.
It was like playing chess and the packs and alphas were his pieces. My teeth started to chatter from the cold, but I wanted to keep listening.
"Well, we've got to arrange a meeting somehow," Gamma Johnson said.
Footsteps moved in space.
Maybe it was better to go after all. I shot up.
Someone tore open the curtains.
"Yes and-"
I stared into Beta Julien's brown eyes, who stared back, just as puzzled. My breath froze in my lungs and I didn't dare move.
Would he betray me?
Beta Julien bit his lip trying to suppress his laughter. I begged him with my eyes.
"What's going on?" came the muffled voice of Alpha Eros behind him.
Beta spun around at the speed of light and pulled the curtains closed in front of me.
"Nothing, I-"
I ran back to the edge of the balcony and grabbed the sheet. Without any resistance, it fell towards me and further towards the ground. A shock flashed through my body.
Damned.
Perhaps the door handle hadn't been the most stable solution after all.
I had no choice. I had to go back upstairs. If Alpha Eros found me here...
I had to improvise.
I reached into the house facade between the tree trunks. To my advantage, the bark of the wood was rough.
I wedged my feet and began the climb. The regular spacing of the grooves was a big help. I reached for the upper balcony I had come from.
I pulled myself up and gasped in relief. Alpha Eros hadn't noticed me. My heart fluttered excitedly in my chest like a hummingbird.
I sprinted back into the room and locked the balcony door. I dropped onto the carpeted floor in front of the fireplace to warm up my chilled arms.
As long as Beta Julien didn't betray me, everything was fine.
I didn't have a chance to calm down before the door slammed open and Alpha Eros walked in. He stopped in amazement as he studied my form in front of the fireplace.
With slow steps he came towards me and made me get up. He was still a head taller than me though.
He studied my appearance intently.
"Are you sick?" he asked, eyebrows lowered.
I stared at him perplexed.
Werewolves couldn't get sick. I was even more surprised that he brought it up.
"No?"
It came out less as an answer and more as a question. Alpha Eros didn't seem convinced. He put his big hand on my cheek. The warmth was pleasant and I almost closed my eyes.
Nearly.
"You're really cold," he said.
"I'm doing well."
"Give me your arm," he said, as if he hadn't heard my words.
I looked down at the white fabric still tied around my forearm. I reluctantly held out my arm to him. He almost completely encircled it with his hand.
Alpha Eros began to unwind the bandage while I could only look at the floor in embarrassment. He was so close his body heat radiated toward me.
"Do werewolves even feel the cold?" I asked, breaking the awkward silence.
“Our wolf keeps us warm. You humans just have thin skin," he replied with concentration.
"But you can also freeze to death, right?" I asked.
"If our wolf can't keep us warm anymore, yes."
With a final wrap, he removed the bandage from my forearm. My insides contracted.
The scratches were closed and had left three pink scars. I gently stroked it with my fingertips. The skin was soft and vulnerable.
"You will never fight a wolf again."
Alpha Ero's voice was deep, his grip on my arm gentle.
"I hope so too," I replied.
This one scar was enough for me and it would remind me of the war and the inferiority of the people for the rest of my life.
"Come on, let's go. It's about to get dark."
He pulled his large coat from one of the backs of the chair and draped it around my shoulders. It came down to my knees. A warm feeling spread through me.
I grabbed my bag and we left the pack house. Together we stepped into the freezing cold.
So this was my new home.
***
The snow crunched under our feet.
Wooden houses and trees took turns passing us as we walked through the pack. The werewolves around us eyed me suspiciously, but bowed their heads to Alpha Eros.
Children played in the snow with bright red cheeks and loud screams. The setting sun made the ice crystals sparkle. I exhaled cold mist.
Alpha Eros watched his packmates intently with his head held high. He looked proud, casual even. Very different from the mountain shadow pack.
Except for our encounter in the forest, I had only seen him tense. Here he was in his territory: in the north.
The sun disappeared, leaving a dark blue sky. The houses thinned out and the forest took over. Alpha Eros didn't stop. He just kept going.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"Further into the forest."
"You do realize how that sounds?"
The corners of his mouth turned up and he looked back at me.
"I thought going into the woods alone was your specialty," he replied.
A laugh gushed from my lips. It turned to amazement when the trees thinned and a huge wooden house appeared.
A layer of snow lay on the roof, while orange light lit up the darkness from the huge windows.
It was worthy of an alpha.
"You live here?" I asked.
"Lucia lit a fire before so you wouldn't get cold again."
We climbed the steps to the door and he opened it. A pleasant warmth welcomed me, as if the sun lived here.
The interior was made of spruce wood; a table with chairs and an open kitchen with a counter.
But what caught my eye was the grey-red corner of the sofa in front of the stone fireplace. The roaring fire bathed the room in an orange glow.
"Who built the house?" I asked, stroking the log walls.
Uncle Theo would burst with envy.
"I."
I looked at Alpha Eros in amazement as I removed his cloak.
"You built all this yourself?"
"Not all but most of it. Sit down," he replied and walked to the kitchen.
I followed him and sat at the counter. His movements were quick and precise as he placed a glass of water and a plate in front of me.
"I'm not hungry," I said, and a yawn overwhelmed me.
I rubbed my eyes.
"You're tired," Alpha Eros stated, eyeing me.
You could tell he didn't know much about people, but that didn't bother me.
It was kinda cute.
"Come on, I'll show you the bedroom."
" The bedroom?" I asked, the tiredness fading.
I stood up and squinted at Alpha Eros. He didn't mean...?
"Yes, why?" he replied.
He didn't seem to understand what I meant.
"I'm not going to sleep in the same bed with you," I said.
A sly smile spread across his lips. He came around the counter towards me.
"There is only one bed," he replied.
I backed away.
"I'm warning you," I said in a defensive position.
But it only seemed to amuse him more. My heart pounded excitedly against my ribs as I watched Alpha Eros intently.
"I thought you are tired."
Before he could say more, I jerked around and walked around the table. It served as protection, or so I hoped.
"Stay there," I said.
To my frustration, Alpha Eros didn't comply. His smile tightened and I saw a twinkle in his eyes.
He accepted the challenge.
I didn't stand a chance against him and he knew it. He approached the table and began to circle it. I mirrored his movement.
We stared at each other. While he was having fun, I tried to get my heartbeat back under control.
Suddenly he stopped.
All my muscles tensed and waited.
"I'll give you one more chance."
"For what?" I asked, but my eyes didn't leave his.
"To do what I want," he replied with fire in his eyes.
I shook my head.
"You would like that."
My heart ran a marathon along with the adrenaline electrifying my whole body.
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
His eyes told everything I needed to know. But I didn't want to give up. I could not.
In a flash, Alpha Eros stormed around the table, drawing an excited squeak from me. I ran the other way.
Pure excitement flowed through my veins. I came to a stop on the other side of the sofa.
"Stop!" I gasped, hands outstretched.
A deep smile spread across my face.
"Are you coming voluntarily?" he asked, his eyes burning.
"Only in your dreams," I replied.
"That can be arranged."
He came at me again and I could do nothing but run away; back to the table. The loud footsteps behind me made my heart beat faster.
Suddenly a strong arm lifted me up and I lost my feet. I shrieked as Alpha Eros threw me over his shoulder.
"Put me down!" I shouted.
His arm was wrapped tightly around my waist. A hot trail followed his touch through my body.
He didn't seem to mind that I pounded his back with my fists. The hard muscles kept me from doing any real damage.
It probably hurt me more than him.
"I warned you," he said and I could hear the smirk in his voice.
The environment moved as Alpha Eros walked through his house. Suddenly the ground moved farther from my sight.
He climbed the steps to the top. I buried my hands in his shirt, terrified. I didn't want to fall over backwards.
"Don't let go of me!" I yelled.
A deep laugh was my answer.
"Amazing how quickly you can change your mind."
My face had to be red as a tomato as my fists gave up attacking his muscles.
A new plan was needed.
We left the living room below, and the stairs behind us. I didn't have much time left.
Could you tickle werewolves?
This was my chance to answer this earth-shattering question.
My fingertips ran over his muscles and I felt a chill run up Alpha Ero's spine; followed by a growl that made my body tremble.
I guess that wasn't a good idea.
I heard a door swing open and he stepped through with no problem. A few seconds later, his arm disengaged and my back bounced onto a soft bed.
A giggle bubbled from my lips, but Alpha Eros didn't give me time to catch my breath. He lay across me, his elbows propped next to my head.
"How your heart is beating with excitement," he said hoarsely.
He leaned over me so I could feel his muscles. There was something wild, untamed in his gaze. I couldn't help but smile.
"Isn't it exhausting to be able to hear everything?" I asked breathlessly.
"Isn't it exhausting not being able to hear almost anything?" he replied with a devilish grin.
"Well, I wouldn't want to trade. I like my senses the way they are," I said, watching his amused reaction.
"I can only agree with that. I wouldn't call covering your tracks your forte."
I looked at him confused.
"What do you think?"
My breath froze as Alpha Eros leaned down towards me.
"You were listening," he whispered in my ear.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"Don't think I didn't notice the sheets in the snow. Of all the people, human or werewolf, that I have met in my life, you are the most disobedient."
"I'll take that as a compliment," I replied.
He came closer. His eyes blazed. They twitched to my lips for a moment. I mirrored his movement.
"I'll get that out of you," he said.
"I'd like to see you try."
He took my hands and pressed them into the mattress.
"I've never lost a challenge."
I leaned up and my lips brushed his cheek.
"I hope you like disappointment," I breathed.
His grip on my hands tightened and a deep laugh made my body tremble.
"Be careful what you wish for. You're not the only one who can play dirty. Do you really want to take the risk with me, with no rules? You can decide but don't say I didn't warn you."
His fingers gently stroked my cheek in stark contrast to his words. My stomach clenched with tension.
***
No.
I couldn't imagine what Alpha Eros would do. A shiver ran through my body.
"What's the alternative?" I asked, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
"Rules."
Normally I would have rolled my eyes, but the tension between us stopped me. His eyes analyzed my every move.
"It's very difficult for me to negotiate in this position," I said, and the corners of Ero's mouth twitched up.
The satisfaction in his eyes scratched my ego.
"You're right. None of us can concentrate like that," he replied.
He let go of me and stood up. I breathed a sigh of relief and sat down. My heart was still stressed from our conversation and I tried to calm it down.
"What rules?" I asked bluntly.
"Only one: you no longer disobey my orders."
A dry laugh escaped my throat.
"I don't think you know how negotiations work."
"As an Alpha, that's all I do," he replied.
"Oh yes? What did you negotiate with the mountain shadow pack?" I asked.
If the question surprised him, he hid it well.
"What I wanted."
I stopped.
That was an odd answer.
"Well, I can tell you exactly what I want," I replied. "I want to explore the country, I want to be able to move around here freely."
"Why would I agree?" he asked, crossing his arms.
My eyes narrowed to slits. Eros wanted to test me. He wanted to see how I would react.
I sat back and forced myself to swallow my anger. That wouldn't help me here.
"What speaks against it?"
"Do you actually know how big my territory is?" he asked, laughing.
I shook my head.
"All right," I said. "Here's a suggestion: tomorrow I may explore a specific part that you may choose."
Alpha Eros lifted his chin. The amused expression was still on his lips. Did he even take me seriously?
"Fine," he said, and I jumped up off the bed excitedly.
For a moment I wanted to run towards him and hug him, but I suppressed the impulse.
"And where can I go?" I asked.
“You may explore the territory behind the house here. But there are two conditions."
"I am listening."
Eros came towards me.
"First: You are wearing the clothes that Lucia will bring here tomorrow."
"And secondly?" I asked.
"You can't go further than the border."
My eyebrows went up. He would just trust me like that after everything that had happened?
Eros wasn't stupid.
But neither do I.
"What's the catch?" I asked with newfound suspicion.
"There isn't one," he replied, getting a little closer. "But if you don't comply, you'll have to live with the consequences and you don't want that."
My breath caught at his words. Eros held out his hand to show we had an agreement.
Wear warm clothes and don't cross the border. I could do that. I grabbed his hand, which completely encased mine in warmth.
"Deal," I said.
His eyes lit up and a tingle ran up my arm.
"Very good. We'll discuss the rest tomorrow," Eros said, releasing his hand from mine and walking to a wooden door on the other side of the room.
I was able to pee in the bathroom beyond for a second. My gaze slid outside, where only black darkness lurked.
What is it so late? Did we talk for so long?
I went to the blue curtains and drew them. The fire in the hearth had shriveled. With the dimmed lights, tiredness returned to my bones.
I looked longingly at the white sheets of the double bed I had just been lying on. The impression was fresh and made my cheeks flush.
I wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully if Alpha Eros was lying next to me.
A plan was needed to have my peace.
I took the pillows on the window side and put them on the border. They stood close together, right in the middle. I looked at the wall I had built with satisfaction.
Now Eros had no chance to do anything.
And me neither.
I snuggled under the sheets. Just as I was yawning, he came out of the bathroom.
"I have-"
His words died away as he looked at his bed with the newly erected pillow wall and me on one side.
"What's that going to be?" he asked.
He tried to suppress the laughter in his voice, but couldn't. My cheeks turned red.
"I can sleep downstairs on the sofa," I said.
Eros laughed again. He feasted on me a little too often for my taste.
"You can sleep peacefully. I still have to work," he said.
"Very good," I said, snuggling further into the feather pillow.
I tried to ignore the fact that they wore the pleasant smell of Alpha Eros. To be on the safe side, I left the wall standing anyway.
"Good night, Ephilia," he said, and my stomach clenched.
Alpha Eros closed the door behind him and for the first time in days I had a few moments of quiet.
I was up north.
In the house of Alpha Eros.
I closed my eyes and sank into the soft feathers.
Finally my body and my heart could relax.
THURSDAY OF THE 9TH MOON COUNT:
Gentle birdsong sounded from far away.
I frowned and buried my face in the sheets. It was warm and soft here. For the first time in days I felt rested and safe.
I opened my eyes. Dim light filtered through the blue curtains.
The memories of yesterday made my cheeks flush. Immediately, my eyes snapped to the other side of the pillow wall, which, to my relief, was still standing.
I was alone.
Alpha Eros' bedside was freshly made, as if he hadn't even been there all night.
I groaned.
Did all this really happen?
With Alpha Eros?
The only thought that tormented me from bed was the longing for nature and fresh air. I rolled out of the sheets and jumped to my feet. At least I was alone. Had Alpha Eros been working through the night?
I padded into the bathroom and put my face under ice cold water. I looked at myself in the mirror.
Time for a new adventure.
A legal one.
But first I needed new clothes.
I went to the other door and opened it. I encountered black suit pants and white shirts. That arguably covered the full spectrum of Alpha Ero's fashion sense.
I shrugged my shoulders. Should be fine with me.
I carefully took out one of the shirts. I could wear it as a night dress. But right now I had nothing better.
I unbuttoned mine and put on Alpha Eros's. A faint scent of him surrounded me. I had to force myself to stay focused and not sink into my shirt.
I rolled up my sleeves before opening the door and heading downstairs. The windows let in the bright sunlight.
It was strangely quiet.
"Is anyone there?" I asked as I descended the last few steps.
Suddenly there was a rumble. I jerked to the living room. I tiptoed around the corner.
"Lucia?" I asked cautiously.
The werewolf flinched at my voice. Her red eyes were wide open.
"Ephilia! I didn't mean to wake you up," she said apologetically.
She had put a pile of clothes on the sofa.
"Here, this is yours from now on."
I went to her.
A thick coat of brown fur lay there. I stroked the soft fur that made up his insides. He even had a hood.
"Thanks, it's beautiful."
I picked it up and was surprised by the heavy weight. I wouldn't get cold in it. I put it on and snuggled into the warmth and softness it gave.
Perfect.
Beneath it were a pair of gloves made of the same material.
"I have to go now. I still have some things to do in the packhouse," Lucia said.
She bowed briefly before making her way out into the snow.
"Lucia?"
The werewolf turned around again.
"What is there?"
"Where is the border here behind the house?" I asked.
“About a kilometer away. It's unmissable."
With these words she closed the door and I was left alone. Was the border so heavily guarded that Alpha Eros was sure I couldn't escape?
There was only one way to find out.
I slipped on my boots. The coat pressed heavily on my shoulders. It was time it served its purpose.
I put on the warm gloves and ran after Lucia. The latch clicked behind me as I stepped outside.
Immediately, a wintry breeze settled on my cheeks and I exhaled cool mist. The sun in the cloudless sky made the ice sparkle.
A bright smile spread across my lips.
Let's see what the North had to offer.
