𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑾𝒂𝒓 | ✓

𝑭 𝑰 𝑽 𝑬

Esmeray watched as the messenger left the village limits and padded off into the woods. She tilted her head, her sharpened gaze trailing the messenger until she lost him amongst the thickness of the underbrush. The muscle in her jaw tightened and she took a breath. She could only hope the herb would be delivered in time. As much as she loved her pack mates, her brother's life was more important.

"You ready?" Tobias asked with crossed arms as he stood beside her, watching her with interest. Inwardly his wolf and heart were battling with his mind and the scars of his past. He was torn in half within, with two separate and opposite feelings battling for the upper hand.

Esmeray nodded before turning to meet his gaze, his scent bringing turmoil and longing so compactly mixed she couldn't tell them apart. "I was born ready."

He snorted with a slight raise of his brow. He loved her spunk, and it was one of the things that drew him so strongly. For a brief moment the desire of his wolf took over and he leaned in close to her, running his face along her neck as he inhaled her scent. He could now feel the nearness of her body and his longing grew stronger. He tore at the connection their wolves were forming and drew back from her, finally gaining the upper hand with his wolf. His senses swarmed with her intoxicating scent and he had to get away. "Then let's go."

She stood completely still for a moment, her body slightly trembling from all the sensations that coursed through her. Did he just scent her? She knew he had. Their wolves had been so close, yet he backed out. Was he playing around with her? She bit her lip and closed her eyes for a second. As much as she loved the contact, it confused the hell out of her and she didn't know what to think or even feel.

"Coming?" He called with a backward glance over his shoulder at her.

She didn't answer him, instead walking with a determination through the village after him. With every breath she took, his scent filled the air she consumed. Her wolf rose withing her and she didn't even try to shove her back down. She let her wolf take in everything about him as she stayed behind him, following him to the edge of the village where the rest of the gathering party were waiting.

"Alpha, L-" Gabriel greeted as the duo showed up before a glare from Tobias had him changing his speech. "Esmeray. Nice of y'all to join us."

"My pleasure," Esmeray returned. Her pulse raced erratically. She knew Gabriel was about to call her Luna, but could she really be titled that? Her mate was the alpha of the Nyght pack, but he had neither verbally rejected not accepted her. She hung somewhere in the balance between hope and despair, fighting to keep her head while her fate remained in the hands of the indecisive alpha.

Tobias gave Gabriel another look before his intense gaze swept over Nadia and the warrior he chose. "Esmeray, this is Gabriel, my beta."

Gabriel extended his rough hand, his gaze warm and inviting. "A pleasure to meet you, m'lady."

"The pleasure is mine," Esmeray returned as she shook his hand. She felt an instant draw to this scarred male and she knew he would keep her safe.

"Of course you already know Nadia," Tobias continued before he tilted his head to the warrior. "And this is Jasper."

"At your service, m'lady," Jasper spoke up with a half bow, his porcelain features creasing with a smile that reached his pale yellow eyes.

Esmeray nodded with a slight smile. "Thank you."

Tobias glanced between them all once more. "Formation is this. I'll take point, Gabriel, you and Esmeray right behind me and Jasper you take tail with Nadia. Stay alert. I know most of the journey will be on my territory, but that doesn't mean anything. Let's go."