I parked my car and walked into the cottage, flicking on the lights as I made my way upstairs.
“Adelaide?”
I paused, my shoulders tensing slightly before I turned around.
“Yes Kamilla, can I help you?”
She smiled, nervously as she shifted from one foot to another.
“I made Sharba and I was wondering if you would like to have some.”
I raised a brow.
“It's made with milk and rice, it's indigenous to my culture, and it's really tasty.” She explained. I stared at her, my eyes narrowing slightly. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out her plan but I just didn't trust her and I wasn't about to play buddy buddy with her.
“Thank you but I'll pass.”
She deflated instantly, the light in her eyes dimming.
“Oh… well, I'll keep it in the fridge then.”
I turned and continued on to my room, not bothering to give her a reply. I stepped into my room and Delilah was there, curled up in a chair, reading a book. She stood up as I closed the door behind me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, it was weird seeing her here late in the night. She sighed and placed her book on the table.
“My mum…” She whispered, I set my bags on the table, removing my jewellery, listening to her as she spoke.
“One of the girls found her mate yesterday and my mum’s just being very overbearing, she thinks the reason I haven't found a mate is because I’m always on my own, now she wants to set me up on blind dates, hoping at least one of them turns out to be my mate.”
Seriously?!
I turned to her.
“How would you like to come to the Consulate with me? I can talk with Ivanka, tell her you're helping me with some really important work and you won’t be free for the next few days.”
Her eyes went wide and she sat up.
“Really?! You'd do that for me?!”
I smiled, taking off my shoes and sitting on the chair opposite hers.
“Of course, we can't have you go on dates that would probably end up as a disaster.” I replied, she grinned.
“You really are the best Ms Adelaide. I'm so glad you came into our lives.
Her words tugged at my heart and I smiled at her
“You know what? I’m kind of glad I came here too…”
***
Delilah ended up leaving after her mother's continuous blowing up of her phone with calls and I decided to get ready for bed when I heard a knock on the door.
“Who is it?” I asked, walking over and opening it. I raised a brow, still mad at him over his comments this morning.
“Can I come in?” He asked, I was tempted to slam the door in his face, so was my Lycan though she was more inclined to kiss him then slam the door in his face.
“Sure.”
I stood aside and he walked in, closing the door, I turned to him.
“Can I help you?”
“We're having dinner.”
“I already ate at the Consulate.” I replied, it wasn't an outright lie, he let out a scoff.
“You’re a terrible liar Adelaide.” He stated, making scoff to hide how my treacherous heart fluttered at the way my name rolled off his tongue.
“Why are you so adamant about me coming down to dinner?!” I snapped.
“Kamilla…” He began, his words further enraging me, making me let out a harsh chuckle.
“Of course it's her, whatever it is she is trying to do, I am not interested, I don't want to be her friend, I don't want anything to do with her. I don't f*****g trust her and better know her place and stop trying to form a friendship with me. Now will you tell her that, or should I?”
Jacob stood stone still, his facial features grim as he stared at me.
“It seems you're mistaken, I am not asking, Adelaide. You will get dressed and you will join us for dinner.”
I stared at him incredulous.
“You are f*****g insane, you're acting like some dog on a leash. For f***s sake you are an Alpha Prime!!! Yet some woman has you wrapped around her finger. Makes me wonder who the real Alpha Prime is”
Almost immediately the air in the room became electrified. Challenging an Alpha Prime's position was an insult. He stalked forward, his eyes dark.
“You dare question my authority?.”
It wasn't just him speaking, it was his Lycan. I glared at him.
“Act like an Alpha Prime then I won't question you but you hang on to her every word like she's some sort of goddess.” I spat.
He stepped closer.
“Kamilla is my guest, a long time companion and you will not disrespect her like that. She has prepared a feast, I am not going to give you an ultimatum, you will join us.” He stated, his voice low and firm before turning and exiting the room.
I glared at the door, tempted to ignore the warning bells in my head that urged me to go.
Fuck him
And Kamilla too.
What's the worst he can do?!
I let out a groan, annoyed with myself for even considering his order.
How dare he even try to order me?!
Rolling my eyes, I sat and grabbed my phone, fully intended to ignore him and not go down for the stupid dinner yet my Lycan kept whining at me. She worried primarily for our mate being left alone with the strange woman.
I don't care. I growled, her whines turned to sharp snarls and growls. I ignored her, concentrating on my phone until I felt her take control and hurl my phone across the room.
What the f**k is wrong with you?!
She growled, forcing me to my feet as I fought to regain back control.
Alright, fine! We’ll go for the stupid dinner.
Immediately, she pulled back, relinquishing control to me.
Traitorous beast. I mumbled as I ran my fingers through my hair a couple of times, not bothering to change into something more dinner appropriate, I headed out of my room and down the stairs towards the dining room.
I reached over to open the door when I heard them talking.
“And you think it's safe to go in there and recover the Resurgem?”
I frowned, wondering what the Resurgem was.
“Yes, my men have conducted several trips to and fro, it is completely safe, I wouldn't have told you so if it wasn't.” Kamilla replied.
“In that case, I better set a date then.”
“Yes, do you have any in mind?” she asked.
“Not yet, but I'll let you know once I do.”
I pushed open the door and at once, all eyes were on me. Kamilla stood, a smile on her face.
“You made it!”
“I wasn't exactly given a choice” I replied, forcing a smile as I glared at Jacob who looked completely unapologetic.
“Come sit, I made Dambun Shinkafa which is a special meal where I'm from.” She said, gesturing to the seat on Jacob's left. I walked over and sat, watching as she lifted the cover on a large tray, the scent of onions, peanut and rice filled the air.
Oh Eda, that looks amazing… and it smells amazing too.
My taste buds immediately watered and I had to clear my throat to stop myself from fully salivating over it.
“I missed this, no one makes it like you do.” Jacob stated, leaning forward to admire the dish. Kamilla smiled at him as she began serving. She placed a plate in front of me before handing me a spoon.
“Well, go ahead.”
I stared at her before glancing at the food. I didn't trust her one bit and I wasn't about to eat the food, no matter how good it smelled.
“Unfortunately, I am not a fan of onion in my food.” I uttered, pushing the plate away. Her smile faltered, her hands tightening around the cover before she nodded. I ignored Jacob's gaze digging into the side of my neck as I stood, about to leave when the door swung open and Tony walked in.
The air changed instantly as we all zeroed in on the grim look on his face.
“There's been another attack.”
I looked over at Jacob whose face had darkened as he got to his feet. He made his way out of the dining room and we followed him as Tony filled him in.
“Whatever is doing this is either a bigger animal or possesses incredible strength.” He said. “It took a f*****g bison out.”
My eyes widened at that, bison were massive, almost rivalling the size of a werewolf.
“Are the pack members aware?” Jacob asked as we got into Tony's truck.
“No, we cordoned off the area just like last time, but we do have a witness this time around.”
I felt Kamilla stiffen beside me and I glanced at her, eyes slightly narrowed as I observed her.
“A- A witness?” She stuttered.
“Yes, a couple of the pups went camping and one of them decided to go for a walk and take some pictures of the wildlife.”
My eyes moved down, her legs bouncing, fiddling with her fingers.
Huh…
We got to the scene and Jacob was out of the truck before it fully stopped, he strode towards the dead animal and I followed him.
The large animal looked as though it was asleep, one of the medical examiners turned to Jacob.
“It is the same as the deers, no blood and no wound to suggest they were injured and bled out.”
“What about the autopsy of the deers?” I asked, squatting down to take a closer look at the dead bison.
“We are still working on it but from what we currently have, it is not some blood destroying bacteria or virus.” The man replied.
“And the witness?” Jacob inquired, the examiner pointed us towards a young boy who was seated on a log, Tony beside him talking to him while Kamilla was standing, her hand on the boy's shoulder. A powerful sensation of fierce protectiveness surged through me and I had to dig my nails into my palm to stop myself from storming over and ripping her arm away from the boy.
My Lycan growled, clearly not happy with my show of restraint.
Easy girl
Jacob brushed past me towards the boy who got to his feet at the sight of Jacob.
“P-prime”
“What's your name?” He asked.
“Danny,” the poor pup answered, glancing at me. I offered him a soft smile, trying to ease the tension and nervousness I could sense radiating from him.
“Are you okay?” Jacob continued, the teen nodded.
“Yeah, I'm not hurt, just a little shaken up.”
“And you saw the creature that did this?”
Danny nodded.
“I haven't gotten my wolf yet so I couldn't really see the creature but it was pretty fast.” He explained. My eyes caught the relief of Kamilla's face which was gone as fast as it appeared, almost making me wonder if I actually saw it.
My Lycan growled at my doubts.
Fuck it… I know what I saw.
“Describe what you saw.” Jacob instructed, Danny nodded and stuffed his hands into the pocket of his hoodie.
“So I was standing over there taking pictures.” He said, pointing towards a ledge. “I noticed the bison standing in the clearing which was odd, it was just standing there, not moving, it was so weird. So I decided to get a better look and as I approached the bison, I heard what sounded like squelching sounds, and then I stepped on a branch and the noises stopped and whatever it was sped away.”
Jacob was silent, his brows knitted in quiet contemplation.
“I think it will be best to put a curfew in place.” He whispered before turning to Tony. “Take Danny back home, I'm sure his parents must be worried.”
Tony nodded and guided Danny towards his truck.
“And Danny?” Jacob called out, making the boy turn.
“I trust you to keep this between us until I make an official announcement.”
Danny nodded.
“Of course Prime.”
With that, Tony led him to his vehicle and we watched them leave. I turned back to the scene, my eyes moving to Kamilla who was also observing the scene.
“You looked nervous back there.” I uttered, her eyes widened a fraction as she turned towards me.
“Nervous?”
“Yes.” I said, stepping towards her, I could feel Jacob's eyes on me. “And the relief on your face when Danny said he didn’t see the creature… it's almost as if you have something to hide.”
She let out an awkward laugh.
“I-I'm just relieved the poor boy wasn't hurt.”
I raised a brow.
“Oh really?”
She nodded.
“Yes, I care for each and every wolf in Jacob's pack as if they were my own.”
I parted my lips.
“Enough” Jacob uttered, stepping in between us. I glared at him.
“She clearly has a hand in this, I mean how else can you explain this? The killings started a few days before she came and they have continued and if you don't do something about it, it'll only be a matter of time before someone actually gets hu…”
“I SAID ENOUGH!!!” Jacob snapped, glaring at me. “Ever since Kamilla came here, you have been nothing but hostile to her.”
“Jacob…” Kamilla whispered, stepping forward.
“No, I won't let you make any more excuses for her behaviour.” He uttered, glancing at her before he turned to me
“If you have nothing better to do than make baseless accusations then it's best you go back to the cottage.”
I stared at him, no words left my lips, shocked at his actions. My Lycan raged within me at the blatant disrespect.
“You know what Jacob Mont Blanc, you and your pack and your sickening obsession with her can all go to hell.” I spat before storming away from them, my blood boiling. A growl escaped my lips as I fought against my Lycan. I made my way down the road leading back to the pack.
“Luna Prime?”
I ignored the guard,
How dare he treat me like some sort of… of…. Ugh!!!
A car stopped beside me.
“Get in”
I ignored him and continued walking, my body trembling with barely restrained anger.
“Damnit Adelaide, get into the car and stop being f*****g stubborn.”
Ignore him Addy, he isn't worth it.
He drove alongside me until he finally let out a curse and stopped the car and got out, walking over to me.
“What is your problem?!”
I spun around, pointing a finger at him
“My problem?! I'm the one with a problem?! Have you looked at yourself in a mirror?! That woman came into your life and suddenly I don't recognize you anymore. Anyone with two brain cells will know she doesn't smell right and there's something strange about her but you are so wrapped in your hero worship of her that you can't get your head out of her ass to see the reality of things.” I screamed. “But you know what? I don't f*****g care anymore, this isn't my continent, this isn't my pack so it can go to hell for all I care.”
I didn't bother waiting for his reply as I turned and continued on my way, using my Lycan speed which shortened my journey. I made my way upstairs, slamming the door close before letting out an enraged scream that rattled the glass panes.
“Oh he is such an asshole.” I growled, pacing the length of my room. “How f*****g dare he?!”
I had no idea how long I stewed in my anger, nothing seemed to take my attention away for long. I finally sat, burying my face in my hands, my breathing ragged when I heard a knock.
The door opened and Kamilla walked in, she closed the door behind her.
“I- I came to check up on you, are you okay?” She asked softly, her voice doing nothing to soothe my anger. I felt her move closer to me as I stayed quiet.
“I wanted to apologise for Jacob's behaviour, as his mate, he has no right to talk to you in such a manner, I let him know that.” She continued. “I also wanted to let you know that I mean you or anyone here no harm. I would actually love it if we could become friends.”
My head snapped up at that and I stared at her, in disbelief.
“Friends?” I sneered, getting up. She nodded, looking up at me.
“Yes, I think we would make good friends, don't you think?”
I let out a humourless chuckle.
“No Kamilla, no we won't. You see, I don't trust you nor do I like you.” I uttered, stepping closer and closer to her with every word. “You're a liar and I know you are hiding something and I will get to the bottom of it.”
Tears pricked her eyes but they did nothing to my heart.
“T-this isn't you, Adelaide.” She whispered, hurt and pain gleaming in her eyes. I raised a brow, staring down at her.
“You know nothing about me Kamilla, so don't pretend to.”
A tear rolled down her cheek before she looked away, wiping it away.
“I- I should go.”
I watched her quietly leave the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. I rolled my eyes, heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed. The day had gone to s**t and I wanted it to end.
********************
As I tossed and turned, sleep eluding me, I finally gave up. The past few days had been one ordeal after another, and Kamilla’s crocodile tears replayed in my mind, her voice whispering that “this wasn’t me.” But she knew nothing about me, and I wasn’t about to let her get under my skin.
Sighing, I rose from the bed, heading to the kitchen for a glass of water. The quiet of the night was almost soothing, as I padded softly.. I poured myself a glass, letting the cool water wash over my lingering frustrations.
I can’t remember the last time I woke up in the night…
Wait… I can't remember the last time I had a nightmare…
As I pondered on that, I noticed something through the window. I stepped closer, my eyes narrowed at the sight of two figures.
Could it be the creature?
My eyes widened as I recognized the two figures, Samara and… Kamilla.
What the hell? Do they know each other? Why are they meeting in the dead of night?
Curiosity tugged at me, and I stepped closer, carefully peering through the window without making a sound.
Kamilla handed Samara a small pouch, her movements deliberate as she opened it, revealing seeds.
What is that?
I tucked my hair behind my ear, tuning out every other sound and focusing on their conversation.
“This should help deepen the colour,” Kamilla instructed.
Samara looked up at her, nodding. “Thank you, Kamilla. I guess the seeds I used were getting bad. That’s why the last batch’s colour was off.”
I stared at them, several questions swirling in my mind.
Was Samara in cahoots with Kamilla? What does the braew do?
I watched Samara pocketing the pouch before the two of them disappeared back into the shadows.
I felt a chill race down my spine as I stood there, gripping my empty glass tightly. I was right not to trust Kamilla, and this solidified my suspicion that her intentions were far from harmless.
*******
I woke up the next day feeling refreshed, I got ready for the day, heading downstairs with my bags.
“Good morning Luna Prime.” A maid greeted me.
“Good morning, please place this in my car.” I instructed her, she nodded, taking my handbag and work bag from me. I made my way to the dining room, the guard opening the door and I strolled in. Jacob and Kamilla were already seated. I sat in my seat, completely ignoring them and the tension that was still palpable from yesterday, especially after what I had witnessed last night between Kamilla and Samara.
I made myself a cup of coffee, sipping before preparing a plate of toast and scrambled eggs. I could feel both Jacob and Kamilla’s eyes on me but I was in a good mood and I wasn’t about to have them ruin it. Breakfast continued in tense silence which was disrupted as the doors flung open, I half expected to see Tony walking in with more bad news, instead it was Delilah. She ran in, heading for me, holding out her phone.
“My mum” She mouthed, I frowned confused before my eyes widened as I remembered my promise to her the day before.
Shit.
I took the phone from her.
“Ivanka, good morning.” I said, forcing a fake cheerful tone.
“Good morning Luna Prime, how are you? I can’t remember the last time I saw you, I’m sure Prime has been keeping you busy.” she gushed, i resisted the urge to roll my eyes, instead I let out a laugh.
“Actually I have been busy running my Continent. Speaking of which, I would like to borrow Delilah for a few days, I hope you don’t mind.”
“Well… I…. I actually had something planned for her.” She said,
“Oh dear, I didn’t know, now I feel so awful, I have everything already planned out.” I replied, letting out a sigh. I could feel all eyes on me but I shrugged them off.
“Oh no, you can have her, my plans can wait. It’s an honour that you are including her in your plans.” She said,
“It’s settled then.”
“Yes it is.”
With that, I gave Delilah back her phone, smirking at her, she ended the call and I finished off my breakfast before getting to my feet.
“Come on, we have to be at the Consulate in 30 minutes, I have a meeting.” I said, heading to the door, Delilah behind me.
“And where do you think you’re going with Delilah without my permission?” Jacob’s voice cut through the air, stopping us in our tracks. I turned slowly, giving him a cold, calculated look.
“I didn’t think I needed permission to take a pack member out of the pack as your Luna or if my position has changed, let me know so I can drop your Luna ring on my way out.”
His eyes flashed crimson.
“I have a curfew in place, you know this.”
“And I have a continent to run.” I replied. He parted his lips but Kamilla who had been watching from her seat, finally spoke up, her tone soft and measured.
“Perhaps she’ll benefit from the experience, Jacob. Besides, it’s not as though Adelaide will lead her into any danger.”
I held back the urge to snap at Kamilla, but the look I gave her said it all. She was meddling, again, with that fake sweet tone. The worst part was that it worked. Jacob sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“Fine,” he said curtly, looking pointedly at me. “But if anything goes wrong, it’s on you.”
“Of course it is,” I responded coolly, holding his gaze before turning on my heel and leading Delilah out.