Tasting The Enemy

Elaine POV

“Relax mate,” Azaire said.

All I thought of was why they were so close. This wasn’t running territory, Dad laid out the running grounds for the pack so we wouldn’t get into unnecessary conflict. They had to be searching for me to fulfil the engagement to Neel.

“They shouldn’t be here.”

“They’re not after you even if they were Elaine they would have to go through me to get to you. You know that right?”

“Yeah… I guess I do,” I said.

He dragged me down to the bed and kissed my forehead. I looked into his hazel eyes for warmth and found it there.

“What are you thinking, princess?” he asked gently.

“If they find me they’ll make me marry Neel and other things…”

“What other things?” Azaire asked.

“Long story. Now isn’t the best time. Cuddle?”

His face was grim but he opened his arms and I snuggled beside him. The howling grew faint and I settled. They wouldn’t get to me, I convinced myself.

***

Azaire stayed the night but when the sun cast its rays into the sky he had to leave. He woke me so he could say goodbye. We didn’t discuss when we’d see each other again. He had responsibilities to his pack especially now when things aren’t good between our packs.

I hoped with my engagement to Neel being cancelled their alliance would end up in the mud too. Azaire and his pack would be safe. After a quick shower I changed and grabbed my purse so I could go to the diner for coffee.

A knock came from the door before I could touch the door handle. It wasn’t my mate I would have sensed him. I sniffed the air but I didn’t recognize the scent on the other end. The knock sounded again. Maybe it’s someone from the front desk, I thought.

I opened the door and my heart sunk.

“Avena,” I said.

She stepped inside and scanned the room. “So, this is where you’ve been hiding out. You didn’t run far enough, Elaine.”

“Why are you here?” I demanded.

She sneered at me. “I’m here to have tea and talk like two old girlfriends. What do you think?”

“I’m not going back!”

“That isn’t your choice. You have a duty.”

“How did you find me?” I demanded.

She tipped her head back and laughed. “I’m a witch use your imagination for the rest of the story. You’ve made your Father very angry, you ungrateful little swine.”

She backed me into the room. Her heated glare carried more hatred than I’d ever seen on her face before.

“I won’t let him use me anymore. I’m not marrying Neel so go back to Black Claw and tell your Alpha.”

She snatched my arm and squeezed it. “You spoiled little brat. You owe your Father everything. Do you know where you would have been without him? You should be grateful.”

“Ha! He’s my Father it was his responsibility. Get lost Avena. I’m not your toy anymore.”

She narrowed her eyes. “How will you survive the full moon. Your brothers won’t help you. They’re disgusted by you.”

I smirked and yanked my arm free. “To hell, Avena.”

She thrust her arm forward and circled her fingers around my neck. I felt her powers lock around my throat. I grabbed her wrist but Avena didn’t budge.

“You little slut, you found a mate. You didn’t burn the herbs I gave you. You wouldn’t have found your mate if you did. All you’ve ever done is ruin things since the day you were born.”

“That doesn’t mean you get to control me,” I choked.

Avena rolled her eyes. “As usual Avena must clean up everything.”

“You’ve been hurting me this entire time,” I coughed.

“I’ve been keeping you at bay, Elaine.”

“Is it even true there’s no cure to the curse?!”

She laughed. “You were born cursed of course there’s no cure. You’re dirty in the moon goddess’s eyes. When your mate finds out he’ll get rid of you too. Be lucky Neel still wants you.”

He wants me to abuse me!

“Let… go…”

She muttered words I couldn’t understand. I struggled to breath. Avena was the monster I always knew she was. The potions she’s been feeding me all these years probably hurt Dove more than helped her. My blood boiled because Dad knew about this. He gave his permission. They hated me that much.

“I said let me go!”

The chain of Avena’s power broke instantly. A ring of crimson fire burst from my hand and hurled Avena to the wall. The flame hit the bed, singed the covers and burned the carpet.

I gasped. What the hell?

Avena rubbed her head and stared at the ground for a moment.

“It can’t be,” she whispered.

“Avena…” I said, cautiously.

The fire was so powerful it burned the paint off the walls. I’m in trouble now. Avena scanned the damage before settling on me.

“This isn’t over, Elaine.” She scurried to her feet. “Not by a long shot.”

She yanked the door open and darted out. I should have gone after her and demanded what she knew. I couldn’t have done that, it wasn’t possible.

“Dove,” I summoned my wolf. “What was that? How did that happen?”

“It was you, Elaine.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“That’s impossible.”

“It’s very possible. I can’t tell you everything so there’s no point in asking.”

“Why not?” I demanded.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Dove was no help. I needed to clean up this place and find another apartment. Avena would be back with an army to drag me back to the pack. I felt horrible about the apartment but I would feel worse if I was trapped in my house again. I grabbed my bag and stuffed it with my clothes and toiletries. I’d contact Azaire later. A knock came at the door and I froze. My hand trembled and I dropped my bag. They knocked again, harder this time. I stared at my shaking hands and gasped.

They were red as if I painted them. A triangle had been carved on my left palm.

“What on earth is going on?” I hissed.

“Elaine, open up!”