Alpha Erebon ☾ Book 2

Chapter 16

Sabrina's POV

We walk past all the playful werewolf pups playing in the garden and I'm so happy to see Noah has found Scruff the barn cat. She sits cuddling the orange feline, who is sitting on her lap while Jack, Alice and Grace-Lynn sit nearby but not too close.

It's pretty obvious Scruff has chosen to allow Noah exclusive petting access. Even Jack can't quite believe Noah's way with animals. She was always very quiet around them, which would ease any kind of animal to come closer to her.

Erebon and I are almost to the firepits and all the adults relaxing with their families in their own spaces, when I notice a businessman looking out of place, stepping into Seth and Orpheus' circle, shaking their hands. He is dressed well, dark-brown hair slicked back with a bit too much grease, I'd say. I notice he has a bag and he reaches into it to bring out a big birthday gift all wrapped up.

"From my wife, for Kayla," he passes it to Eliza, who reaches up to accept – but he leans in and kisses her cheek all sloppy and with a bit too much time. She cringes away and I instantly feel protective of her. I have an instinct to jump in and put myself between them, or to take her inside away from him.

Erebon isn't too concerned, he's walking for the packhouse doors – but I'm walking toward Eliza.

Without telling anyone, I get close and sit right next to Eliza. I can see she's got problems with pain, I think in her back probably, from the way she rubs at it. I help her by taking the large package. I put it on a small table while Eliza thanks me under her breath.

"Who's this new face?" the greasy haired businessman looked like a car salesman to me, he has those wide eyes that never blink, looking into your damn soul.

"Just a visitor," I smile and ask, "And who are you?"

"Rupert supplies our wood, he's not in a pack, more a lone wolf," Seth explains.

"That's right, speaking of business," Rupert has an intense interest in Orpheus, turning to him next and forgetting my existence pretty quickly. Which I'm glad about.

"You need anything?" I whisper to Eliza.

"You and Erebon got back pretty quick. Don't worry about me. It'll pass, I got a bit dizzy," Eliza lets out a short-breathed laugh, "I know I'm close. I can't wait to get this baby out."

"Maybe you've had enough now?" I joke and I see Erebon doesn't ask questions, he lounges on the couch we had before and he eyes Rupert suspiciously, he also caught a bad vibe off him. I watch the creepy tall man grab Becca's hand and shake it too long. Even she pulls away a bit fast, laughing awkwardly and then passing me and Eliza a creeped-out look.

I nod at her, telling her I understand.

"No," Orpheus murmurs something aggressive and hard to hear to Rupert, "Not here. It's a 3 year old's birthday party." Did he just ask Orpheus for a drug deal? I think it's obvious.

Rupert pats him on the shoulder, Orpheus almost stands up to tell him to back off, but Rupert backs up first, quick smart, "Oh, woah, hold on. Not for me, my elderly father has a chronic health condition," Rupert fixes his tie as an elegantly dressed woman in a green silky skirt and lacey blouse quickly joins him, grabbing his elbow.

"Come on, come on, don't bother them, sweety," she takes Rupert away, her styled curls bouncing.

"Why is he so weird and creepy," I murmur under my breath to Eliza only.

"Oh, he's fine, he's just always working," Eliza shakes her head, "He's been partnered with Firwood forever, see his wife Amelia? She's a bit more personable, helps him remember their kids, you know," Eliza nods to the grass where two young boys are playing with a new remote control toy car, "Jeremy and Paddington, aren't they cute names?"