Chapter 66 Chapter Sixty-six
Roger’s gaze lingered on the cold body sprawled across the floor, blood pooling into a dark red stain against the wooden planks. Calmly, he wiped his dagger clean with an old rag before sliding it back into its sheath.
“Dispose of the body,” he ordered.
“Yes, boss,” the soldiers replied in unison. They lifted the limp corpse and carried it outside, its weight lifeless in their arms.
Roger reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bottle of perfume. The liquid inside shimmered a faint green. He uncapped it and sprayed it over himself.
Once again, he masked his Alpha scent, replacing it with that of a Beta.
Turning away from the scene of the innocent life he had just taken, Roger felt no remorse. What had happened here would become nothing more than a buried memory—one no one would ever uncover.
“I’m only a few steps away from accomplishing my mission,” he muttered with a low laugh.
Then he hurried back to the pack.
~Ellie~
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly looked away before he could catch me staring for too long. Lowering my head, I turned to leave, my gaze fixed on the floor.
Suddenly, he caught my hand and pulled me back against his chest. My palms pressed flat against him, and I felt the steady thud of his heartbeat beneath my fingers. My wolf stirred wildly, howling, leaping and straining to break free. It took everything in me to keep her buried beneath my skin.
His breath fanned across my face, warm and heavy, and that was when I realized just how close we were. Our lips were only an inch apart.
My eyes betrayed me, dropping to his mouth. Goodness. His lips were red—no, not just red, but full and tempting. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.
“Ellie… please,” my wolf whispered inside me, her voice urgent and breathless. "Touch them. Look how tempting they are. I’ve always wondered how soft his lips would feel. Don’t let this chance slip away."
I felt her roll beneath my skin, restless and demanding.
My fingers twitched, inching forward before I snapped out of it. What am I even thinking? I was so close to Sylvia that if anyone walked in on us now, they’d definitely raise an eyebrow.
As I began to pull away, his grip tightened around my wrist, firm… possessive.
“Sylvia,” I gasped.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his eyes searching my face, lingering as if he could read every thought I was trying to hide.
“Nothing. Just let go of me,” I said, though the words came out more like a plea than a command.
“Don’t tell me it’s nothing,” he said quietly. “Something’s wrong, Ellie. Why are you running away from me?”
How perfect, I thought bitterly. He always knew when something was wrong and yet he always chose to pretend otherwise, finding new ways to hurt me instead.
“Why don’t you go and meet your mate,” I snapped, “and stop worrying about me?”
The moment the words left my mouth, regret hit me hard. Why do I always let my emotions win?
He laughed softly. “Are you jealous?”
Before I could react, he pulled me closer.
I looked up at him. His eyes never left my face, lingering as though he were searching for something I couldn’t name. My gaze dropped to the ground.
“I–I’m not jealous. I just…”
“Just what?” he interrupted.
My voice rose, sharper than I intended. “I’m not jealous, okay?”
I stepped away quickly, avoiding his eyes.
Turning my back to him, I crossed my arms beneath my chest. My foot tapped against the ground in a restless rhythm as silence stretched between us.
“Do you want to go for a ride with me?” he finally asked.
My eyes lit up despite myself. I felt suffocated, overwhelmed, and more than anything, I wanted to escape—if only for a little while.
I shrugged, forcing indifference into my voice. “I don’t think so. What if someone sees us? What do you think they’ll say?”
Ignoring my words, he led a horse out of the pen, stroking its back gently.
“I don’t care what people say, Ellie,” he said firmly, holding out his hand.
Maybe the ride would clear the fog in my mind. I hesitated only a moment before taking his hand. He guided me to the horse and helped me onto its back. With one smooth leap, he mounted behind me.
My back rested against his solid chest, his warmth seeping into me.
His fingers brushed my skin as he reached for the reins, sending a shiver down my spine. Heat rushed to my cheeks.
The horse neighed as Sylvia cracked the whip, and we galloped out of the stable and onto the path.
His arm slid around my waist, pulling me closer to steady me. I turned slightly toward him, but his eyes were fixed ahead on the road, his hold on me firm and protective.
My fingers twisted around the hem of my gown, my heart thudding louder than my thoughts.
“Why are you so tense?” he whispered against my ear.
I flinched immediately, unprepared for how close he suddenly was.
“W–what? I’m not,” I replied, my words stumbling as if I’d forgotten how to form a simple sentence.
“Then relax,” he said softly. “Enjoy this moment instead of worrying about everything.”
I drew in a few deep breaths. He was right. For once, I needed to let go and simply feel.
We rode farther away, beyond the reach of the pack. I allowed myself to bask in the fresh breeze, the cold air brushing against my face until, for a brief moment, everything that had happened today slipped from my mind.
When we reached an open field, Sylvia slowed the horse. He dismounted first, then helped me down with steady hands.
The clearing was surrounded by towering trees and low bushes. The cries of insects and distant animals blended together, weaving a quiet melody through the air.
I wandered around, my fingers grazing the flowers as I passed. A smile spread across my face.
Suddenly, a hand gripped my shoulder. I was pulled back, my spine gently pressing against the trunk of a tree.
Sylvia stood before me, my chest brushing against his. Warmth flooded my body, my heart racing at an unfamiliar pace. A tingling sensation stirred between my thighs, and I squeezed them together, trying to suppress it.
He leaned closer, his breath warm against my neck.
“Did you miss me, Ellie?” he murmured, his voice low and possessive.
The way he said my name sent a shiver through me.
“Yes, Sylvia… very much.”
The words slipped from my lips before I could stop them.