Chapter 23 TORN ALLEGIANCES
Edeline
I shook my head in disbelief, feeling uneasy. “Sure, no problem. I’ll be okay, don’t worry.”
“No!” Nixx’s sharp response made me flinch. “That’s not right. He shouldn’t have control over you like this. Alpha William should know better. I’m going to confront Percival if he doesn’t lift that ban,” he growled.
I shifted uncomfortably, trying to defuse the tension. “Sure, sure, but can we just... try to have a good time at the party first?” I looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes, hoping he would leave the issue alone for now.
After taking a quick look at my face, Nixx gave me a brief nod, clearly not thrilled but willing to go along with it. For now, we’d just have to pretend everything was perfectly fine.
He guided me toward the bonfire, where single females nearby exchanged smiles and vied for his attention. Nixx barely glanced their way. One woman, with a playful flutter of her eyelashes, approached us, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder.
“Hey, Nixx! It’s great to see you again. Mind if I chat with you for a sec?” Her voice was sweet, almost flirtatious. If he left me alone, I’d be left feeling exposed and isolated. But all I wanted was for him to enjoy his party.
“Nah, not right now, Celeste. I’m hanging out with my sister. Can’t you see?” His tone was firm, and he shot her a look that clearly communicated his annoyance. Celeste’s smile faltered, and she quickly withdrew her hand, looking surprised. With a slight frown, she walked away. I silently thanked the moon for giving me a caring brother. It seemed like single female wolves only had males on their minds.
“Here comes Alpha William. We can eat now,” Nixx said, pointing towards Alpha, who was approaching with a slight frown and his muscular arms on display. He looked a bit downcast. I wondered what my dad had said to him.
As we headed towards the tables, people were enjoying themselves. Some were grooving to the music, beers in hand, while the younger crowd gathered around the fire. One of the guys was strumming a guitar, clearly showing off. The grown-ups were playing corn hole and laughing, as if the earlier tension had never happened. It was impressive how well everyone could just brush things off and continue having a good time.
I wasn’t worried about getting lost in the crowd.
Suddenly, Nixx stopped, and I glanced up, curious. Following his gaze, I spotted Percival emerging from the trees, dressed in fresh clothes. It seemed he had gone for a run and changed, wanting to let his wolf roam freely. Our eyes met, and I felt a jolt—a chill followed by a rush of energy. My skin tingled, and my heart raced. Would I ever get used to this?
Percival’s gaze shifted away from me, focusing on something behind us, near the dirt road on the far side of the woods. His expression turned serious, and I watched him intently, wondering what had caught his attention.
Tatiana!
She strolled out of the woods toward the party, her gaze wandering with a mix of curiosity and determination. My heart raced in my chest, a thrill of excitement mingling with an awakening sensation deep within. I could almost feel my wolf stirring, a gnawing urge to release the frustration building inside me. I squeezed Nixx's hand tightly, closing my eyes and taking slow, deliberate breaths.
The wolves nearby noticed her arrival, their eyes narrowing with disdain. Disgust flickered across their faces. I caught a glimpse of her disapproving glare, her eyes brimming with animosity. She was the other woman, not me. She had no claim on him. I let out a fierce growl, the sound echoing through the clearing and drawing everyone's attention. My wolf was restless, itching to break free.
A growl rumbled beside me, a low, guttural sound that helped to quell my own. I looked up at Nixx. His face was set in a fierce expression as he stared daggers at Tatiana. His lips curled back, revealing sharp canines, and he let out a series of low growls and snarls. Tatiana's eyes widened in shock as she met his gaze. Nixx released his grip on my hand and walked toward her. I watched in stunned silence, sensing the tension in the air. He was about to make a scene, and I had no idea how it would unfold. I doubted he would resort to physical violence—he'd use his words, no doubt. Men shouldn't touch women without their consent.
Alpha William, noticing the commotion, moved to join Nixx, and the crowd eagerly gathered, drawn by the spectacle.
I glanced at Percival, noticing the curiosity etched on his face. Our eyes met for a brief moment before he strode confidently toward Tatiana. We found ourselves in the heart of the gathering, with Alpha William exchanging heated words with Tatiana. She shot a fearful look at Nixx, who was growing increasingly resolute despite Alpha's attempts to intervene.
"She's my friend!" Nixx shouted, his voice filled with intensity.
A wave of unease washed over me, a sinking feeling in my stomach accompanied by a sharp pang of discomfort. Percival watched in awe as Nixx struggled to contain his wolf, the transformation visibly painful as his bones cracked and shifted. When his jaw broke and elongated, I felt a sudden wave of fear. My face went pale as I watched, the sight of his inner wolf on the brink of losing control sending a shiver down my spine.
Alpha William’s confusion was evident as he asked, "What do you mean she's your mate?" The crowd gasped and murmured at the revelation. Alpha's voice rang out, full of disbelief. "Look at Tatiana! She's carrying Percival's pup!" His astonishment was palpable as he turned his attention between Tatiana and Nixx.
I found it hard to believe she could truly be his mate.
"She's mine!" Nixx growled, his eyes locked onto Percival’s. Saliva dripped from his chin as he directed a fierce snarl toward him. Alpha quickly intervened, grabbing Nixx and maneuvering his arms behind his back. My dad rushed over to help. Alpha looked down at Nixx, his expression a mix of concern and authority.