𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐒✔️

TWENTYSIX|MENDACIUM

ARTEMIS

I heard him release a heavy sigh once flick left, before the closet door opened from the outside and I had to shield my eyes from the light.

He didn't say anything as I brushed past him on my way out, moving to lean against his desk. He was a closed book. I couldn't quite read the words that he hid within, but it didn't stop his demons from tearing at the pages and struggling just below the leather.

I would break the binding he bound.
-One day.

"So..." I began, trying to break the suffocating silence. I should've planned better, as soon as the word left my tongue I realised with a heavy heart that I didn't have anything to say.

I didn't know how to feel after that, much less what to say.

He dragged a hand his face, "I'm sorry you had to hear that."

I laughed dryly, but there was no humour behind it. "At least I'm not the only one with dysfunctional relationships."

I almost thought I saw the faintest trace of a smile from him.
"Come here." His sonorous sound had me willingly submitting to follow his every order. He engulfed me into the biggest bear hug, his strong arms wrapped around me, my face buried in his muscled chest. I was tense for a moment before relaxing. I let him hold me, and in that moment I felt safe, as his heat radiated into me.
Like no past or future could harm me.

But the comfortable silence between us couldn't calm the raging tides that screamed questions that ricocheted through my head. "Who's Amelia?"

He released me slowly, and I instantly missed his warmth. One taste of him and I was already addicted, practically begging at his feet for my next hit.

Withdrawal would hit me hard.

"She was an Alpha female." He said, obviously holding back and trying to say as little as possible.

"Was?"

"She murdered her mate, the Alpha. After that she was wanted for treason in almost every pack within a thousand mile radius." His jaw clenched. "Except here, I was the only one that wanted to hear her side of the story, I was the only one that would listen to what she had to say."

"So what are you saying? She's here?" I frowned, not quite liking the thought that there could be a murderer among us. Let alone someone sick enough to murder their own mate.

"I gave her sanctuary and a new identity, so yes.. She's here."

"But.." My mind spun, so many things I anted to say but so little time. "Who is she?"

He laughed. "Ask her yourself."

I couldn't help the frustration in my voice. "Well how can I ask her when I don't even know who she is?"

"It's not my secret to tell-"

Three sharp knocks sounded at the door, "Come in." He boomed.

The scent of roses and something strangely dark blew through me as the doors swung open. Astoria entered, her jaw clenched, fists balled.