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"Lady Strayton!" the young alpha bellowed at the entrance."Theo has arrived, My Lady."
There was a long pause, then a soft, feminine voice drifted through the thick fabric, "Enter."
The youngling, keeping his eyes down, pulled at the edge of the flap, revealing a ridiculously decorated room.A full-sized bed sat on one side of the room covered in cushions and blankets, out-of-season flowers and herbs sat in vases all along the edge of the room,and a heavy table with a few ornate chairs was situated in the back.Scrolls, maps, and loose parchment covered the top.
I hesitated, eyeing the plush red carpet.My bare feet were dirty, and I didn't want a posh noblewoman scolding me for dirtying a rug set in the middle of the forest—even if it was inside an overdone tent.
"I said 'enter'." Strayton cocked a dark eyebrow at me, her gaze moving slowly up and down my body.She was like nothing I had expected.She was definitely an alpha—her scent unmistakable—but her features and build more closely resembled that of a beta, or maybe even an omega, except taller.
There was a delicate curve to her lips, a softness in her cheeks, and her eyes held a false innocence that made my wolf nervous.Her face was lovely, and her hair was a cascade of wild, black curls.Her simple robes exposed her collarbone and arms, and a long slit showed one toned leg.She had the same complexion as her brother, very dark, but unlike Byriel, her skin was smooth and free of any scars or marks.
While not as tempting as my Tzidal, I could see how the she-wolf would be an object of desire for many.
"Are you hard of hearing?" she snapped, annoyance rolling off her.
I walked toward the impressive female, my feet melting into the plush carpet.I expected her to say she had no idea who I was.But based on the look in her eyes, she was greeting a stranger.
"Wine?" Strayton asked, sweeping her long, shiny hair over her shoulder.She didn't wait for me to answer, taking long strides across the makeshift room to a drink cart.
"It took you long enough to get here." She gave me a tight smile before showing me her back and slowly pouring two cups of amber-colored wine."I thought you were dead." She narrowed her eyes over her shoulder."Next time, take the gate. I don't like waiting months on end because you're too nervous to step through a shimmer."
I nodded, pretending I understood what she was saying.
Grabbing both goblets, she turned to me, but she didn't move any closer.Her gaze dragged over my face and down my body again, but this time she seemed to be enjoying, rather than assessing, what she saw.
Taking two careful steps forward, she bit her bottom lip as her expression melted from hard dominance into a flirty smirk."I guess I should just be thankful you arrived at all.I had hoped and prayed you'd show up for weeks now, and," she licked her lips, "I must say you are such a delicious sight to my hungry eyes."
I stiffened as her focus lingered just beneath my belt buckle.I glanced around the room, trying to hide my nerves when I suddenly realized we were alone.A member of the royal family was never without their guard.
What service was I here to provide?
Standing so close to the she-wolf, this suddenly didn't seem like a very good idea.I needed to leave.
"How was your journey?" she asked, handing me a glass.
I took it, giving her a quick nod.The less I said, the better.
She took a slow sip, her eyes staying fixed on my face."Did you like it?"
I glanced at the wine, then immediately sat the glass on the table.I never drank from an enemy's cup, no matter how friendly the gesture or beautiful the face."I'm sure the wine is fine."
"No, silly," she closed the space between us, inhaling the air around me."My gift. Did you like it?"
"Yes," I said simply, keeping my voice official and clipped.
"It was my way of saying thank you," she smiled, placing a warm hand on my chest.My heart pounded hard against my ribs. My wolf didn't care for the female acting so familiar with me. She wasn't Tzidal, and it infuriated my beast that I was allowing this woman to touch me in such a way.
"I know mining the Cristal Terre isn't easy," she whispered, "but you and your men have made me very happy.I cannot wait..." her eyes fell to my mouth, "...for you to deliver on your promises."
Staring over the top of her head at the only exit in the room, I nodded.
"Tell me. Do you have it on you?" Her voice sat on the edge of desire and rage, the thick scent of arousal pushing off her.
"No." My blood rushed in my ears, and my wolf grew nervous.I was used to a good brawl and welcomed any challenge, but this was different.This was a woman that wanted to bed me, and all I wanted to do was run for the hills.
"What do you mean 'no'? Where is it?" she snapped, taking several steps back.
"Somewhere safe." I arched my brow, smiling slowly.I didn't want to flirt or fill her with any more desire than was already pouring off her, but having her angry was a far worse fate.She was rumored to be unpredictable, and I wasn't in the mood to find out if that was true.
