Chapter 261 YOU DESERVE BETTER
Nixx
"You’ve grown so much!" Annabel gushed, pulling away, her eyes twinkling up at him.
Maxim chuckled, towering over her. "Well, it’s been a few years, cousin."
"You should have told me who your general was, Maxim," she said, her voice low and serious. I had to strain to hear her. It was dead quiet around us. She didn’t sound too pleased about the fact that he had sent her true love to train her son.
Maxim let out a booming laugh, shaking his head. "And spoil the surprise? Come on, Annabel, where’s the fun in that?" He winked, teasing her. Annabel forced a smile and grabbed his arm, though it was clear she wasn’t thrilled. The two wolves who had come with him fell into step behind them, like bodyguards, their arms marked with warrior symbols.
All of them wore black shirts with short sleeves, the cool evening air clearly no bother to them. It wasn’t like a bit of chill was enough to cover up those marks that so many wolves envied.
I caught another glance of Maxim before he disappeared behind the packhouse and into the backyard. Something about his eyes made my stomach twist—like he was laughing at me, mocking me. He must’ve heard about me from Annabel, about my past. But from what I could gather... Maxim only tolerated her. It didn’t seem like there was any real love there. It was more like he was just putting up with family obligations.
My wolf stirred inside me, but it wasn’t panicked. Not when our mate was close by. And besides, our puppy was just behind the house, safe in Mirabelle’s belly. I took off, the sun barely hanging onto the horizon, casting long shadows as it dipped behind the trees. I headed straight for the garden, weaving through the rows of picnic tables. The campfire was blazing, sending thick smoke into the air, along with the mouth-watering scent of grilling meat. Wolves gathered around, laughing and talking, but I only had one focus: Mirabelle.
I spotted her near the fire, wearing a tight red and black wrap that hugged her body perfectly. Her head was tilted back in laughter, her voice carrying over the crackling flames.
And then I saw her.
Jaz.
Anger flashed through me. My hands clenched into fists, remembering how she’d lied to my face at the meeting, claiming she didn’t like Mirabelle. I thought she was my friend. I thought she had my back. I should’ve known better.
I stormed over to the fire, grabbing Mirabelle’s arm, not even acknowledging Jaz as her bright green eyes widened, probably thinking I’d lost my mind.
"Mirabelle, focus. I need you to use your oracle abilities right now," I said, my voice low and urgent. "Look."
I waved my hand dismissively at the so-called "blood Alpha" as Annabel led him through the throng of wolves. Maxim's gaze cut through the crowd like a blade, meeting the eyes of every man who dared look his way. But none of them could hold his stare; they all looked away, shoulders hunched, like they knew their place. The women, though, were another story. They watched him with something between awe and fear. They couldn’t help it—the raw power rolling off him was intoxicating. Their fear couldn’t stop the pull.
He smirked, knowing exactly what kind of effect he had, and when his eyes swept over them, they practically preened, posing for him. But they couldn’t hold his gaze for long either. It was too much—too dominant. They looked away, then peeked again, needing another hit of whatever spell he had them under.
"Is that the Dark Moon Alpha?" Mirabelle’s voice broke through my thoughts, her words lilting like she was caught in a dream. I glanced down at her, frowning as my eyes narrowed.
"Don’t tell me you’re as gone over him as the rest of the slùt pack," I said, gesturing to the group of females who were all but throwing themselves at the Dark Moon wolves. "The ones strutting around right now."
Mirabelle shook her head quickly, snapping out of her trance. "No! But... look at him." Her voice softened, eyes wide with wonder. "I can feel his power."
Of course, she could. My lip curled.
Moon magic ran through Mirabelle's veins. She was drawn to strength the way other wolves were drawn to the scent of fresh blood. Her power made her sense the strength of others like a radar, and she couldn’t resist its pull.
Jazz chirped nervously from beside us, "Hey, Nixx." Her voice was so small, like she was afraid I’d snap at her. She was right to be scared—I might.
My skin and my wolf bristled with betrayal. I’d known Jazz for years, and yet… "Don’t you have someone else’s mate to ruin somewhere?" I growled, baring my teeth just enough for her to catch the glint of my canines.
She flushed red, her head bowing as if she could hide from my rage. "I’m sorry, Nixx... but... well..." She hesitated before lifting her hazel eyes to meet mine. "You deserve better. Tatiana did awful things, and Edeline... she went through hell. She’s like a little sister to me, you know?"
I didn’t even care about her words. Mirabelle wasn’t paying attention either, too focused on the Alpha making his way through the crowd like some untouchable force.
"Well, she’s my sister," I said through clenched teeth. "And Edeline moved past it. So did I. We’re not holding grudges." My voice dropped, cold. "Unlike you."
The words cut deeper than I intended. Jazz winced. I knew she hadn’t found her mate yet, and here I was, twisting that knife. She used to talk so much about finding her other half. But I was too angry to stop myself.
I felt an elbow jab into my ribs, pulling a growl from deep in my throat. I whipped my head around, and there was Mirabelle, glaring at me.
"Oh, now you’re paying attention," I muttered, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
Jazz’s face crumpled, her hurt clear in the way her eyes glistened, lips trembling. "I’m sorry, Nixx," she whispered, and damn it, I could hear the regret in her voice.
I waved it off, rolling my eyes as I grabbed Mirabelle’s hand. "Whatever. Come on, Mirabelle, before you bust an ovary gawking. Let’s go find our spot." Without another glance at Jazz, I led Mirabelle away from the fire, leaving her standing there, hurt and alone.
I’d forgive her. Eventually.
Just not today.