His

The Way Of The Wolves

I awoke to a burning sensation behind my eyes. It almost hurt too much to open them but I did. My vision was blurry and I reached out blindly and found the bed empty. I wondered if Lochlan had ever come back after he left. I sat up and rubbed at my stinging eyes, memories of the previous night plaguing me. It was all a hot steaming stew of betrayal, pain, humiliation, and lust. The sun streamed into the room and the light hit my eyes so hard that I got dizzy and suddenly nauseous. I covered my eyes and climbed out of bed, moving to the bathroom. Going to switch on the light, I thought better of it and took a look at my reflection above the sink. Deep blue circles laced my under eyes and my skin looked sallow. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and turned on the faucet. I cleaned my face and teeth, trying to feel normal again. Though it was hard when images of the night before kept snapping at the edges of my mind.

Thinking about it now, I felt an uncomfortable heat gather at the back of my neck. The heat remained even after the thoughts drifted and I left for the living room. I found Pete in the kitchen having what was probably his third cup of coffee. I became weirdly irritable at the sight of him.

"Why is it that I never see you working like Lochlan? You are the Beta, correct?"

He looked up a little shocked, probably more so by the tone than my words. He cleared his throat.

"I work late into the evening, Luna, so that I can spend my mornings relaxing. Lochlan likes the nine to five thing."

Guilt stabbed me but I sucker punched it back down again. "You mean you like spending your mornings stalking your best friend's fifteen year old sister."

Pete looked like he'd been slapped and my heart sank. He poured the remainder of his cup down the sink.

"I'm going to get to work now, Luna. Excuse me."

I moved quickly to stop him, "wait. Pete, I'm sorry."

But then, vertigo hit and I lost my footing and watched the kitchen island get closer and closer to my face. Two arms caught me and my body felt like lead. Pete took me by the chin and peered at me with concern.

"You look Goddess awful... I don't know how I didn't notice that," he grumbled more to himself, studying me critically.

If I had had the strength to glare at him, I would have. Pete's blue eyes glazed over for a few minutes while he supported me. When they came back, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me into the living room. Pack members got up from the couch and crowded around curiously, some appearing concerned when their beta laid me down. One of them stepped forward.

"Beta, should we call the doctor?" he suggested quietly.

Pete shook his head, "already done. But, thank you. The Luna needs to be left alone for now."

He spoke the second half with authority and the wolves scattered without another word. I swallowed back the burning dryness in my throat.

"Pete, I don't feel good," I croaked.

Pete said nothing but when he saw my tears start to form, he crouched down beside me and pushed my hair back from my sweaty forehead gently.

"I'm not worried, as you can see. The doctor is on the way though as a precaution. You're okay, Evangeline. I promise."

Though I was soothed by his soft voice and kind words, I needed to ask.

I swallowed again and looked down, embarrassed. "Can you call Lochlan, please?"

Seconds passed with no reply and I forced myself to look at him. Pete had the unmistakable expression of surprise and my face turned rosy. Seeing me watching, he quickly fixed his face.