For The Love of An Alpha

The Draw

A/N - DOUBLE HEADER!
What luck my friends, two chapters today. With that comes this new release. I am now on twitter. You can follow me and share thoughts, concerns and anything else. you can find me @BearLttl on twitter. Enjoy your double header!

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Henri's hand reached for her quickly as his left knee made harsh contact with the firm ground. His blue eyes staring intently into the large pupils of her pale gray eyes. It was then he saw something he had not seen in the confident woman, fear. He gripped her hand firmly in his, as he watched her eyes moving over his face. With calm and clarity he drew her towards him.

Her left hand came up to grasp the dirt, Henri's other hand grasped at the back of her sleeve. With great force the two fought to bring her back up the path. Her feet kicking stones down to the path below, her toes digging into the dirt wall looking for traction. The veins around Henri's neck began to pulse as the muscle's constricted. His body leaning toward the hard wall to ensure they both didn't go down together.

Lifting from his knee and through to his feet, he pulled her slowly back to the path. Her arms wrapped tightly about his chest and his arms embraced her. Her cheek collided with his firm chest, as her breathing hitched. For a moment it was just them, no other person on this path. For a moment they allowed the scent of the other to fill their nostrils and the beating of each other's heart to create the rhythm by which they breathed. For just that moment, there was peace.

A clearing of a throat brought Jhera back to her present mind. Her eyes looked up to meet his, a gentle smile on his face. She was certain there was a strong jaw beneath that lush beard that was growing.

"Thank you." Her voice barely a whisper, her heart stuttering in her chest.

"Be careful." Henri whispered back, swiping a lose strand of auburn hair behind her right ear.

Another throat cleared and then a voice rang through the silence.

"Are you ok?" Ashleigh's concern was palpable.

Jhera blinked, reality setting back in as she withdrew slightly. The air between them, once warmed by their breathing, grew cold. "Yes, thank you." She smiled to the dark haired woman, easing the concern in her eyes. She felt the distinct touch of Henri's hand about her waist. His hold was firm on her left hip. Her eyes graced his face for one brief moment, then she turned back toward the path.

Henri's eyes did not miss the hint of a smile or the nod she gave. He wasn't sure if she intended it or if it was out of reflex. Something within him ignited. Hidden deep within was an urgency to protect this woman, this stranger, with all that he had. Henri's brow furrowed as he began to move forward, his motions following the hunter before him. When she moved to step over fallen rocks, he was quick to move to offer his hand. A part of him was thankful she didn't reject his offer to help. Her hand appeared so small when he held it. In turn she helped him balance over the uneven path. He was careful to not put his weight on her hand.

Erick's eyes were on the pair before him. He was thankful the Alpha had taken the lead, where his fast reflexes had saved her life. He questioned if he would have been fast enough to save her, had he been in that position. He knew he was not a dexterous man, being large and working the forest as a lumberman. His job made him strong, but not as quick as he should be. He silently cursed himself for not paying better attention to those around him, and for brooding so heavily on not being the one nearest the auburn goddess.

Eli watched his Alpha closely, the actions he made toward the stranger. That's what she was after all, a stranger that took a pact, The Binding Favor. Ancient magic that wasn't used in the alliance, yet she wasn't in their alliance. Eli knew the dark secrets being kept within the group. Those that would kill the pale eyed woman the moment her task was complete. Yet here he watched his alpha save her life. The glint in his eyes he hadn't seen for some time, returning. If their path did not lead to their Luna, could he ask his Alpha to turn his back so that others could complete their tasks? Questions swirled his mind as he moved along the pathway down the mountain. Slow and with a clouded mind, he followed the large man before him.