“I can manage on my own,” Andrew derides her, prompting Josie to erupt in laughter at his shrill tone. “I am aware of kindergarteners who are more resilient than you.”
Before he can utter another word, Andrew abruptly ascends several feet off the ground, his head nearly grazing the roof.
“Josie, release me,” Andrew shouts, flailing his arms and legs. “Please, you are aware that I have an aversion to heights!”
“Apologize,” Josie taunts.
“Very well, you diminutive fiend from the abyss.” I apologise! Release me!He snaps, and Josie, finally showing mercy, places him on the floor.
Andrew clenches his fingers in a choking gesture, muttering his desire to choke her before he exits the room, while his companion gasps with laughter as she pursues him.
I instinctively draw Bray closer, rendered speechless by the spectacle I had just observed, and astonished that no one else seemed to be disturbed by her exhibition of power.
“I must depart, dear,” Mark states as he leans in and kisses her on the cheek. I have a meeting in thirty minutes. “Let us proceed, Wesley,” he says to his Beta, who likewise bids farewell to his mate before hastening after him as they depart.
Aliana gazes at me and smiles. “Do not be concerned.” Bray may remain here with Jadi, Melina, and myself. This is the most secure location along the River Moon.
Bray wriggles enthusiastically in my embrace, desiring to engage with the large puppy that is sniffing and licking him.
Josie reassures, her expression softening, “Bray is safe, Laura.” “He will not locate him here.”
I am fully aware of whom she is alluding to, yet it unnerves me that she possesses knowledge of Aldo. Tiana would never reveal that knowledge. NEVER.
“Follow me,” the Queen commands, pivoting on her heel and compelling me to exit the security of the pack house in her wake.
Laura’s Perspective
We traverse the path in silence, while numerous wolves acknowledge their Queen with a bow while passing by us.
“What is the reason for their reverence towards you?” “I exclaim, hoping the earth would engulf me after the words escape my lips.” “Apologies, disregard my presence,” I murmur, averting my eyes from hers.
“It is acceptable,” she states. I am an Ivory Wolf, a unique species that manifests only once every 150 years from the mating of a Silver Wolf and a Gold Wolf. I serve as a guardian for the werewolf race, endowed with numerous talents to safeguard every offspring of the moon. Wolves see my authority and demonstrate reverence by bending.
I retain this information while not fully comprehending the concepts of a gold wolf or Moonlit Wolf. Josie laughs quietly to herself, prompting me to raise an eyebrow in response.
Did she perceive me as foolish for posing such a question?
“Not at all,” she laughs as we reach a splendid garden, abundant with exquisite flowers, fruit-laden trees, and intricately carved stone water fountains. “I find it amusing that you appear to lack knowledge about werewolves while harbouring animosity towards us.”
“I never claimed to despise werewolves,” I respond defensively.
“No, but you contemplated it,” she replies with a shrug, proceeding to a tiny wooden bench beside an apple tree and gesturing to the seat beside her. “On numerous occasions, I might add.”
“How could you ascertain that—”
“I discerned your thoughts,” she exhales, oscillating her petite legs while inhaling deeply. “It is one of my talents.” I have perceived every notion you have entertained since your arrival in my office last night and during our meal this morning. I have also observed all your recollections, particularly those pertaining to your previous pack.
I feel a flush of shame for having harboured numerous contemptible thoughts about wolves last night, however I do not want to provide an apology. I did not request to be transported here to coexist with wolves. I merely desired to lead my life beside my child. Why was it incomprehensible to anyone?
“I do not seek an apology from you,” Josie exhales. I acknowledge your apprehensions and worries. Believe me, I fully comprehend the anguish you are experiencing—
“Are you aware of my emotions?” I scoff, folding my arms across my chest. “You possess no knowledge regarding my identity!” I placed my trust in your benevolence. I placed my trust in my companion. I placed my trust in my pack, however they all abandoned me when I required their support the most. They obliterated everything within me, and the sole reason I remain alive now is my young son. He is the sole motivation for my daily rise, labouring at two jobs to provide him with all that he merits! I have provided him with everything. Myself! I accomplished that! Not my companion! Not merely a collection! Not a single wolf! Myself!I cry out, clearing the tears that have cascaded down my cheeks.
