Chapter 5

~James’s POV~

How is she doing?

As if about to faint, she looked around the room frantically.

I glanced over at Alex, my most trusted friend since we were children. He was my brother and Beta of our pack, the Red Moon Pack, the most powerful pack ever known with the most ruthless warriors and the most reputable reputation. As soon as Alex's parents passed away, my family took him in and treated him like a member of the family.

His parents were two of my father's greatest warriors and two of the finest fighters in the pack. However, they were assassinated when he was only three years old by an enemy pack that trespassed on our borders. As long as I can remember, Alex has been my brother.

”What's going on with Avery?” I asked him in a worried voice. I tensed my jaw, clutching the handles of the chair I was sitting in, ready to run up to her. A feeling of worry and concern filled my entire body and my wolf in the back of my mind kept telling me that I needed to protect her.

”It was taking too long brother, I'm getting bored of these people, now run up there, be the hero and let's get going.” His eyes were serious, the edge of his mouth pulling up making out a grin. I could feel my blood starting to boil inside.

Then I saw Avery falling to the ground hitting her head on the way down. I quickly flew up from my seat and looked at Alex, piercing through his eyes and he stiffened upon seeing the rage in mine.

”Alex, I swear, if she's hurt—” He cut me off as he rose up from his seat and took a step closer to me.

"Be careful there, brother, one might start to think you actually care about the girl.” He held a void look on his face and scanned my eyes.

"Brothers or not, Alex, I am still your Alpha. Watch your mouth." He took a step back and bowed his head.

I tore my focus away from him, still wanting to turn around and throw a punch, but deep down I knew he was right. The sooner we got out of here the better.

I ran up to her looking at the girl who was screaming at her side.

Why did she look so familiar?

”What happened?” I asked in a worried tone so that she wouldn't suspect that I already knew.

"Somebody sent over some wine and… and…then she just collapsed and I don’t know what to do, I—”

I could tell the girl was in shock and starting to panic. Therefore, I turned away from the girl and put my hands on each side of Avery's face and as I looked down on her I could truly see her beauty. Her lips were full and a light shade of pink. Her cheekbones were so high that it looked like something an artist had drawn. Her rounded face was so innocent and pure.

” It's not safe for her here. I live nearby, I'm staying at the Mount Star Hotel, I can take here there, away from all prying eyes. She’ll be safe there.”

I needed to bring Avery with me. However, I knew that no friend would let some stranger take care of someone they loved, especially not when they were passed out. Therefore, I had to be sleek, and if that didn't work, kill everybody in this joint and then leave with my girl.

Wait, my girl? I meant the girl.

'You meant our girl.'

My wolf Blade pitched in.

Shut it.

”I don't think that's a good idea. I will take her home. My car is right outside, and her parents are probably worried.” The young woman explained in a low tone as if frightened. But still, I saw no fear in her eyes. She looked more... nervous.

But I knew her parents wouldn't be worried. I knew her parents quite well.

”My parents are good friends with Jack and Madeleine. I can assure you that she will be in good hands. If somebody did this to her they will be waiting to take her, I can protect her, keep her safe until she wakes up.” I felt the features of my face soften as I spoke. I meant every word.

I could see her face changing as I mentioned Avery's parents. This was it, I was about to leave with the girl.

”You know her parents? Hold on for a second.” The girl took out her phone and made a call. I'm guessing it was either Jack or Madeline.

I kept looking at Avery, watching her from top to bottom, then I realized that so were the other men standing around us. I looked around at all of the faces staring at her. A quiet growl rumbled from my chest as my eyes turned black and Blade was starting to rise to the surface. I stood up and inhaled heavily, eager to leap at every creep that was amused by the unconscious young girl lying on the ground.

”ENOUGH! Everyone leaves. Now!” His back straight, head up and arms to his sides with clenched fists and breathing heavily as he stared into the eyes of every single person.

It was Alex. He saw what I was about to do and stepped in to make sure I didn't kill anyone, though I wanted to, they were staring at her.

They all scattered like rats in panic.

”I talked to Avery's mom. She told me that Avery would be safe in your company. She said she wasn't worried as long as it was you who had her.” Her voice gave away her emotions. She was upset and angry.

The girl held the phone in her hands, gripping it so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

”I will take care of her, I promise you that no harm will come to Avery.” I assured her.

I lifted her up in my arms and held her close to my chest as we walked out of the house.

I carefully placed her in the back seat of the car as I and Alex got into the front seats and Alex started driving off. I couldn't help but look back, seeing her, even with her eyes closed, her face was mesmerizing. It was hard to explain but somehow her beauty lured me in, in a way no other woman ever had.

'You know why. You just won't admit it.’

You're right, Blade. I won't.