Chapter 17

Trixie growls and rushes into the cottage. “Ashton. Who is it? I recognize this scent, but it’s not anyone I know.” Her eyes glow in the darkness. There is no denying Gypsy’s scent. Mine is in here too, so I can’t claim I have no idea.

Trixie continues to sniff around. The closer she gets to the bed, the more my jaw clenches. I told her to stay away, and now she’s rummaging through mine and Gypsy’s sanctuary. “Trixie, get your nose out of my hideout. You know fucking well that I stay here. Get out.”

She shakes her head. “I know you’re hiding something or someone for that matter.”

“That’s my business. Now get out!” I get a grip around her arm and shove her out the door, slamming it in her face.

This really screws everything up. I watch Trixie stomp away through the window. First the territory expansion, now she knows about Gypsy… what else can go wrong?

Shit, Gypsy. She’s going to be here any minute. I look around for Trixie, but she must be gone. I rush off to the cave.

***

I make it to the cave before Ashton. I’m tempted to go to the cottage, but he always meets me in the cave. He’d wait forever and have no idea that I’m already here. I could sneak up on him. No, I can’t do that. I just really miss him. I pace the back of the cave until Ashton comes into view. We make eye contact, and my smile mimics the one that spreads across his handsome face. I rush toward him.

“Gypsy, stop! Don’t leave the cave.” Aston calls out, stopping me in my tracks just on the edge of the rocks.

He’s breathing hard and visibly relaxes when I look up at him. “Ash. What’s wrong?”

Ashton hops up in front of me and pulls me to his body. That’s better. His hand caresses my cheek as he kisses me lovingly. “Nothing is wrong, princess. But we have a problem.” I knit my brows. He takes my hand and leads me to the outcropping. “Our territory expanded. It goes all the way to the canyon wall now. Before, it stopped at the river. We can’t go to the cottage anymore or anywhere outside of this cave.”

That doesn’t make sense. “I’m confused. If the river was the boundary marker before, then I never stepped into your territory?”

Ashton nods in all seriousness. “That’s right. You’ve never crossed the line, not even when you rescued me. I love you, Gypsy. I couldn’t let you unknowingly cross the border, so I let you think it was closer. I’m sorry, princess. Will you forgive me for keeping that from you?”

I nod. Of course, I forgive him; he was keeping me safe. He’s always kept me safe. I straddle his lap and pull his mouth to mine. There is no way he can question my feelings for him. I love this amazing, caring, gorgeous man, and for some reason, he loves me. His arms wrap around me holding me tighter as his body comes to life under me. I pull back and bite my lip. He smiles at me with a chuckle. I stand up and walk back into the cave.

“Princess, we can’t go to the cottage, but we can still spend time together here. Will you shift for me? We can sleep on the slab unless you would rather sleep in your bed.”

I am tired, but even sleeping on a slab next to Ashton is better than the mat. “My shed isn’t very comfortable anyway. Turn around, please.” Ashton doesn’t hesitate to give me my privacy.

I turn around and remove my clothes then shift. I shake out my fur. Ashton is already in his wolf on the slab. I jump up beside him and nudge his chest. He lays down, and I snuggle in beside him. I lay my head on my paws and relax. I don’t normally sleep in my wolf form. I have a few times when I was really scared as a child. She protects me, just as Ashton protects me.

***

It’s that little servant girl! Oh, Ashton, you can do better than that. I mean, hello, I’m practically throwing myself at you, but you’re hanging around that little slut. Ugh! What more do I have to do to be the luna? I got Laura out of the way; I can easily get this bitch out of the way too.

I step closer and crouch under the cover of the bushes. There is no way she’s taking my place. I’ve been with Ashton my whole life. He should be by my side, not hers. I know damn well she’s been in the cottage. That means she’s been in our territory. That should be enough to get rid of her. That’s it. That’s the plan. Enjoy your rest, for now, servant girl. You’re going to be dead soon.

***

Ashton! I wake up to my mother’s voice in my mind. She seems really upset. Ashton! They’re coming. Get her out of here now! How the hell does she know—how does anyone know? That doesn’t matter now. I shift and shake Gypsy’s beautiful little wolf. “Gypsy. Gypsy, wake up. You have to get out of here!”

Gypsy’s wolf head raises to look at me. She licks my face. “I love you, Princess, but you have to get out of here. They’re coming.” Her eyes show her worry. “Don’t worry about anything. Just go!”

The sound of wolves rushing through the leaves hits our ears. We both look toward the woods. “They’re close. Please, baby, go!” She nods and squeezes through the crack just as Father and six guards burst into the cave.

I slip my pants on, and Father shifts. “Father.” I greet as calm as I can. I’m shaking inside, but I can’t let them know about Gypsy.

“Ashton. Where is she?” My father’s face is grim, and I know he means business.

I feign dumb. “Who exactly are we talking about?”

Father growls and gets in my face. I’m fucked. “Where is the servant girl from the Pine Ridge pack? I can smell her on you.”

I shake my head and try desperately to stand my ground. “She’s not here.”

Father wrestles me to the ground, his knee in my chest. He growls in my face, teeth bared. “This isn’t a joke, son. She trespassed. She’s going to die.”

My heart races, and fear takes over me all over again, just like Laura. I can’t lose her. Gypsy is mine. “She’s never crossed the border. I’ve kept her outside of it the whole time. I swear it.”

“I can smell her, Ashton! Do you take me for a fool?” Father sniffs around and spots Gypsy’s clothes. He balls the material into a fist.

“Father, please. She’s my chosen. I love her,” I plead with all of my heart. Tears in my eyes.

Father growls, and his teeth and claws lengthen. “You would say anything to protect her.” He turns to the guards. “Take my son to the dungeon for allowing a trespasser into our territory.” He turns back to me. “No one is above the law, Ashton.” I’m pulled to my feet, a guard on either side of me. I don’t fight. There’s no point in making things worse.