Chapter 75 Where to be
ZORA
Marissa came back in the evening, looking very tired.
I don't know what I'd do without her.
Once I break Ryker's curse, I'll definitely ask her to escape with me.
"Found anything?"
She shook her head and plopped down on the bed, "Absolutely nothing."
Grace scoffed, appearing from nowhere, "What were you expecting?"
I glared at her, "don't you have someone else to bother?"
She rolled her eyes, "If I did, I wouldn't be here."
"No idea if maybe rogue wolves took his body?"
She shook her head again, "I didn’t even see his decaying heart."
"Do you think Ryker took the liberty to-"
Both women scoffed,
"Right," I nodded, "Ryker would never."
Marissa stood up with a sigh, "I have to prepare for the first coming today. See you soon?"
"A guest?" I queried, and instead of replying, she bolted out of the door.
I turned to Grace, "Do you know anything about that?"
"No.... I don't always know everything."
"So you don't know about Ryker's father an-"
"And sister?" She completed, "Don't know much except they are dead. Ryker wouldn't even tell me anything. Why? Did you find anything?"
"Nothing," I shrugged, "Just curious."
For some reason, I was elated. Ryker told me only about it.
"Oh..." Grace trailed off, her eyes on me suspiciously.
I went to my children's room to check up on them and Courtney.
I feel so bad for leaving her all to herself but I'm sure she'd understand this was necessary.
The kids were asleep when I got to their room, so I kissed them goodnight and went to Courtney's.
She wasn't in.
She's probably taking a stroll or doing her usually late night workout.
The instant I went back to the main living room to make my way to the backyard, I felt something different.
The living room smelt different.
In fact, the entire house did.
Someone was indeed here, maybe the guest.
My bond stirred uneasily.
The guest hadn’t even stepped through the entrance when her laughter carried inside towards me.
Now, I understood why my bond was uneasy.
Then, Ryker walked in behind her.
The guest's hand was looped into his arm, her nails pressed in just deep enough to make my jaw ache.
Scarlett.
I recognized her.
She's from a neighboring pack and comes here annually. Everyone knows of her interest in Ryker, and why the heck was he holding her!!
“Zora.” Scarlett’s eyes found me immediately, like a hawk spotting prey.
She released Ryker just enough to come toward me. No doubt her perfume already clung to him.
I hated it.
The bond hated it.
Is he replacing me already?
"You look.... tamed."
I fixed her a glare. "You look lost."
Scarlett smiled, like she had no worry in the world.
Ryker, damn him, didn’t even notice the tension or if he did, he chose not to care.
“Scarlett came to see how the pack was adjusting." He said firmly, as if reminding her that is what she's here for
What exactly is the pack adjusting to that I can't take note of?
My bond churned even wilder at the closeness between them.
Scarlett tilted her head, flashing her perfect set of teeth, "You know, Ryker and I used to train together with Grace, goddess bless her soul. He’s.... intense."
Her gaze flickered toward me, "You must find that exhausting as his play thing. Don't worry, I'll relieve you of it soon."
What exactly is she hinting at?? Is she trying to throw a bait?
"Oh goddess, no!! Is she hinting at a threesome?" Grace blanched.
My bond almost lost it.
I had the almost irresistible urge to mark him in front of her and lay claim to him.
My silver threads were visible.
I took a deep breath to calm myself. Killing her would definitely not make things better.
Scarlett’s smirk faltered for a heartbeat.
She probably wanted me to flare up. She wasn't expecting the silence I gave her.
"I'll let you settle in." I gave a wide smile and stomped off to the backyard, more like training ground. I need to let loose.
Ryker followed me.
I can hear him.
The bond was calm. We'll have him to ourselves.
The image died.
Ih freaking hell, Scarlett followed him.
I exhaled loudly, "Why are you here? Both of you?"
Ryker turned to her, "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be resting up?"
Then she “stumbled,” conveniently toward him. Ryker caught her by the elbow, steadying her.
That was it.
I lost my cool.
I didn’t speak.
I didn’t shout.
I just walked straight into the ring calmly, grabbed Scarlett’s wrist, and twisted her off balance in one fluid motion. She landed in the dirt with a shocked hiss.
"I really hope you can beat her ass!" Grace snarled, "What is she doing here?"
I stared down at her, my voice was steady when I spoke, though my pulse was fire.
"You wanted my attention, Scarlett. Now you have it." I threw her sword, "first to draw blood."
Her eyes gleamed excitedly. "Accepted. I'm eager to see what's so special about you anyway that he put up a fight."
I scoffed.
Did she think that cheap trick would work on me?
She was in a fighting stance immediately and then suddenly lunged at me before I was ready.
I threw my weapon away and faced her head on.
My threads were visible.
So I attacked while she was few feet away.
With the threads, I gave her a cut on her face and flawless arm.
She was enraged!
She let out a guttural scream and came at me.
I had it well under control.
I expected her outburst.
I mean, who wouldn't be annoyed.
"That's enough." Ryker's voice rang out.
He was in front of me, shielding me from her. His large frame easily swallowed mine.
I peeked at her from behind him, and gave her a taunting smile.
That's for her underestimating me.
Even Grace looked proud.
"The maids will escort you to your room, Scarlett. Leave."
She didn't dare disobey.
She threw her sword and stomped off like a child throwing tantrums.
Ryker turned to face me, "And you meiga, what the heck was that?"
I grinned at him and turned on my heels, "I was just jealous,"
I told him and made way to my room, feeling on cloud nine.
I could have sworn I felt my wolf stir, but it could have been a hallucination.
I woke feeling good the next day.
That should have been the first sign that things won't go well.
Marissa entered, "Are you eating in your room or going down for breakfast?"
"I'll be eating in the dining room," I answered.
"Practice later?
I nodded, "You knew didn't you?"
"Please, don't involve me with your spat with her."
"I'm not bothered about Scarlett." I lied through my teeth. I really am not bothered, only when she gets touchy with mine.
"You should, though, and you should be careful around her. I don't get good energy from her aura."
"Yes, grandmama"
"I'm serious!"
"I know, I'll be careful," I assured her.
I smiled at myself approvingly and headed downstairs.
She was already there when I arrived, sitting at the other side of him.
Her fingers lay gently on his arm.
I hissed at her, "Don’t fucking touch him,"
Scarlett laughed, "Ph Zora, baby, we’re playing. Don’t be so tense."
She scooted closer to him, her elbows brushing Ryker’s hand.
That looked intimate as if they shared the night even though I knew it wasn't possible.
My bond was still livid with anger.
Ryker was staring at me with amusement.
Does he really find this funny?
"Touch him again," I snarled at Scarlett, "And I will tear you apart from limb to limb."
"Go girl!!! That's the spirit. Lay your territory." Grace cheered in my ears
Her laugh was gone.
"You’re dramatic, Zora," she spat. "Cute, but dramatic."
Cute?
The word was like salt.
Tasted bitter on my tongue.
I grinned at her, grateful it was just three of us here, "I can show you how cute I can be."
"You’d kill me for me, wouldn’t you? Just like the other people you've killed."
I smirked at her, "I'd do better. I'll bury you alive and dance to your screams."
"What the heck is wrong with you weirdo?" She spat.
The bond was half in control, or maybe it was just me using the bond as an excuse, either way, I grabbed Ryker by the collar and pressed my lips to his.
Goddess, I wanted this man.
I want him to claim me in front of this freak, I want to lay my territory.
I want him to mark me as his, and him as mine.
He is mine, alone!
I don't freaking share!
I pushed further, gaining access to his mouth, laying ownership to him.
"I love this new side of you." Ryker grinned against my lips.
Scarlett's face was red with anger.
Ryker then wrapped his hands around me, his fingers digging into my back.
I almost pumped my fist in victory at Scarlett.
Scarlett’s scream was beautiful to listen to. "You can’t—" she began furiously. "Where are your manners?! This is a dining room."
When I pulled away, Ryker was grinning, "Jealousy looks good on you meiga."
Scarlett slammed her hands on the table and left in anger.
"Why's she here, really?" I asked Ryker as soon as she was out of earshot.
"Beats me." He shrugged, "I have no idea,"
"Hmm..." I threw a berry in my mouth.
Ryker frowned and stood, staggering on his feet.
I sprang up, "Are you okay?"
I glanced at the food, was it poisoned?
"I'm okay." Ryker grunted out.
Before I could say jack, he disappeared.
Like he was never here to begin with.
I gathered a few fruits and left the dining room.
It is better to practice than worry over him. Besides, he has Wesley to look out for him.
"You're right!" Scarlett appeared in my face, "You should be wary of me. You don't have much time here."
I scoffed, "Says the very one who's about to be on the receiving end of my anger."
She grinned, "You'll never have your happy ending with Ryker."
I nodded, "You are right. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I don't really give a flying–"
"I was sent here by the council."
I froze.
"That's right," Scarlett continued, seeing she has my attention. "Did Ryker tell you the council don't approve you as the Luna of this pack?"
I wasn't interested in being his Luna, yet it stung.
"Even though he was against them, I doubt he has any say, else they wouldn't have sent me here,"
"Hmm..." I gave her a pity look, "guess you are always meant to be an option. Do you need help fitting into your role better?"
Scarlett looked pissed.
Exactly where I wanted her to be.