ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting}

Chapter 24

Tension runs high, my nerves forcing me to remain seated in Hardin's car as I wipe my palms down my thighs. I could already feel the staring begin, the whispers of wolves as they smell my scent.

"We can still go to Italy." Hardin says in a gentle tone.

And risk your life? I thought to myself silently. Call me crazy, but his life is not one that I am willing to put at risk. Not for my pride.

Without a word, I unclip my belt and open the door, inhaling deeply as I jump out of the car and push the door shut behind me.

The leaves crunch beneath my boots, and the air is as fresh as I remember it. Everything is the same, and yet different. The atmosphere is cold, and resilient.

"What is this place?" Adrian asks me in a low voice, noticing the half dressed men gathering in the trees around us.

I suppose for a human the sight would be frightening, especially considering the size of the wolves.

"It's like a secret get away for people training to become bodybuilders, my friend invited me to stay for a while and I figured I'd get a nice view." I tell Adrian with a small laugh, lying through my teeth like a pro.

"No kidding, the views on the way up here were amazing." Adrian admits, unlocking the large door to the horse box.

I enter the box before Adrian, knowing Apollo is going to start freaking out the moment one of the wolves get too close. So I saddle him up inside the box, knowing that he's easier to handle if I'm on him.

"I'll take Aurora, for now they can stay in the temple." I hear Hardin say behind me.

"Yeah, that'll work I guess. Can you make sure there's no pup- children around?" I ask him without turning to face him, stroking Apollo as I ensure he's as calm as possible.

"You're good." Hardin confirms seconds later.

With a sharp inhale, I gently pull Apollo's head down to mine.

"I promise I'm going to get you through this, I just need you to trust me." I whisper, grabbing the reigns and slowly walking backwards.

I lead him from the box, keeping his head low and his focus on me as we step out into the woods.

"Need a hand?" Hardin offers.

"I've got it." I say, tossing the reigns over Apollo's head.

Moving to his left side, I take the reigns in my left hand and grab the pommel of the saddle. Again, my left foot goes in the stirrup and I pull myself up swiftly, swinging my leg over and settling in the leather.

"What?" I ask, a little self conscious as I realise Hardin is staring at me like I just stunned him.

"You're confidence with him is mesmerising." Hardin utters, somewhat taken back by how swift I mounted Apollo.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Does it emasculate you?"

"Perhaps a little." Hardin admits with a teasing glint in his silver eyes.

I stare at him for a moment with a faint smile, before noticing Adrian standing next to us.

"Hardin will show you were to put everything, I'll meet you back here soon." I tell Adrian, giving Apollo a click of my tongue.