Chapter 8

CAESER

By now she's started to doze off. I'd asked her to lie on her stomach and at present, I smooth the ointments over the open cuts on her back. Seeing them make me livid.

Already I've made the decision to go back to her pack.

Dylan deserves a slow death. My wolf growls low, vibrating with the promise of a kill. She murmurs in her sleep and I find myself straining to hear her. When a smile forms on her lips, something in my chest moves.

Goddess. She's beautiful.

I want that smile on her face always. I want the only tears she'd ever shed to be the ones of joy.

When it becomes clear that she's fast asleep, I draw away from her, heading out of the room. I need to set my plan in motion.

The halls are empty. High windows let in the sun's diminishing rays, the muted glow dappling along the marble tiles I march on. Once I turn the corner leading to the main hall, the sounds of celebration are heard.

"Tonight we honor the sacred tradition!" My brother bellows over the excited crowd. Cheers ring out, a stampede rising from the numerous feet pounding on the floors. I stay in the corner, watching them fondly.

"The first werewolves didn't walk the Earth," my brother roars, working the crowd to a frenzy. "They RAN!" A loud chant weaves its way through the pack, growing in intensity.

Tonight is the night of the run, a tradition passed down from our ancestors. Someone makes their way over to me. Jackson.

"Alpha." His tone is hushed. "I did as you asked, I had some men stationed around the Blood moon pack."

"Good. Make sure they keep an eye on them."

"Yes, Alpha."

Day darkens into night and soon the hall empties, with werewolves migrating to the forests in preparation for the run. Just ann hour before the hunt, I head back upstairs to check on Bella. As I approach, I come across an omega just leaving our room. "How's she?"

"She's doing fine, Alpha. Just had her dinner."

"Okay, good."

I push the doors open and head in. I catch sight of her in the shelf section. Her thin fingers drag along the spines of the books. She stops from time to time to pull one out and read some of its contents.

Gradually, she becomes aware she's being watched.

"Caeser!" Her voice is sharp with shock.

A smile finds its way to my lips when I see her cheeks redden. She's so expressive.

"I... Welcome," she says, falling into a meek stance that makes anger flare within me. "I... I didn't expect you'll be back soon."

"Bella. Look at me when you talk."

There's a pause. Her shoulders tense. I see her clasp her fingers tighter. Then, as if by some great force of will, she lifts her head slightly, meeting my eyes.

"Better," I grunt.

She's dressed in a bright yellow sundress that compliments her hair. The blues of her eyes are almost mesmerizing.

"I hope you enjoyed your meal?" I ask, walking deeper into the room.

She trains her eyes back on the ground when I near, avoiding my gaze. "I-it was okay," she responds.

When I'm before her, my wolf purrs at the heady scent of her. Azaleas. I want to breathe her in, carry her smell along with me wherever I go. A haze of longing falls over me. "Bella," I whisper, running a thumb over her cheek softly.

Her mouth parts in an unconscious invitation, tongue darting out to wet her bottom lip.

"Bella." A groan laces the word. I crowd into her and when she winces with the effort it takes her to step back, I freeze, reality dawning. She's injured and I'm about to fall on her like an animal!

I tear myself away from her, scrubbing a hand down my face.

When next I speak, my voice is controlled, "Come. I need to reapply the ointment on your wounds."

When she's on her stomach once again, I rub the balm around her wounds carefully, paying special attention to the tender wounds at the base of her spine. My teeth locks and I pass my fingers over them, wondering how they came about and dreading knowing.

"Ouch. That...that hurts quite a bit," she says quietly.

I withdraw my fingers immediately. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay..."

A chorus of distant yells ring out. Over the din, I catch my brother's excited voice. Bella twitches beneath my fingers. "What's that noise?" she asks.

"They're preparing for the run."

"The run?"

"A yearly hunting traditon. Did you not do it at your pack?"

She shakes her head. "No..."

What kind of Alpha was Dylan that he couldn't even honour basic traditions? When I'm done with her back, I apply the balm from her chest to her legs.

"You need to rest," I tell her. "Promise me you'll be asleep by the time I get back."

She nods. "I promise."

Her eyes are hooded with relaxation and content. My chest twists and without thinking, I lean over and press a kiss into her cheek. "Goodnight," I say.

Her wide eyes watch me as I leave the room.

The moonlight ushers my path through the clearing we're all gathered in. The crowd goes quiet when I approach.

My voice carries through the silence. "We are gathered here today to honor a sacred tradition. A custom passed down from our predecessors." I look around. "I could not have wished for better men and women to join me in this hunt." Cheers ring out. It cuts off when I bellow, "May the moon goddess bless our hunt!"

"May the moon goddess bless our hunt!" they chant. War cries sound once I shift into my wolf. The rest follow suit, roars and earsplitting howls piercing the night.

Hours later when I return, it's to see Bella curled asleep on her side. I take a minute to admire her.

After a quick shower, I slip underneath the covers, pulling her flush against my chest.