Tasting The Enemy

Elaine POV

Blazer gave me his jacket and held me as he led me back to the only home I’ve ever known. It wasn’t good to be back. Avena was here and I’m sure she’s just been itching to get her hands on me. Dad will never believe me when I tell him she’s been hurting me this entire time nor will he give a damn.

“We need to make a stop,” Nik said.

“I don’t want to talk to him,” I deadpanned.

“He’s the Alpha, Elaine and he’s our Father.”

Blazer pulled me closer and rubbed my arm. “Everything will be fine. We promised nothing would happen to you.”

My brothers took me to our Father’s office. Nik didn’t have to knock. Dad came out. His wild eyes took me in. I didn’t expect a hug or a burst of emotions.

“Take her to her room,” he ordered.

“No. I won’t be your prisoner.”

“You shouldn’t have disobeyed me then Elaine. Lock her up. I don’t want to see her face.”

Dad turned around and slammed his office door. Nik’s shoulders slumped and he sighed.

“Blaze, take her to her room.”

“I shouldn’t have trusted you!” I spat.

“Hey! He’s not harming you, is he? You’ll be in your perfect bedroom in your warm bed. Things could be worse, Elaine. You cost us a good alliance.”

He had no idea. I hoped that fire ate Neel’s face off.

I clenched my jaw and tamed my emotions I didn’t want to burn my brothers. Not yet anyway.

I looked forward to a change of clothes but I didn’t like being there. I was back to square one.

“You guys can leave now. I’m sure no one’s allowed to talk to me.”

“Come on, Elaine-” Blazer started.

“Goodbye Blazer!”

Nik turned on his heels and walked off. The younger one lingered and stared at me. He took a step forward. I could tell he struggled for words.

“Look, I’ll check on you later. Get some rest.”

“Just go, Blazer. You don’t want to get on Dad’s bad side.”

“Don’t make this hard. You’re my little sister and I love you. Neel’s going to get it. No matter what Dad says.”

Blazer closed the door behind him.

Blazer and I were closer than Nik and me but he always connived with Nik. No one outside our circle knew Blazer and I were four months apart so most people assumed we were twins. No one in the pack questioned the Alpha about having three different mothers for his kids during his marriage. I bet anyone who tried was pummelled. I loved Blazer but most times it was like he was made to choose and it was never me.

Minutes later I showered and changed. I sat on the window bed and stared at the mountains. Jumping out wouldn’t work this time. I noticed the betas surrounding the house. One made eye contact with me and shook his head.

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“I just want to talk to her, Nik!”

I sat up.

Opal’s muffled voice came from the hall. I scurried to the door and pressed my ear against it.

“You can’t. The Alpha’s orders,” Nik said.

“And you’re just a good little solider, aren’t you? He says jump and you say how high?”

“Enough with this, Opal.”

“She’s your sister. How can you condone what that guy did!”

“Of course I don’t.” Nik snapped. “It makes me fucking mad. He did this to you, didn’t he?” Nik went from rage to pillow-soft in a second.

I pressed my ear harder into the door.

“Let me see,” Nik said.

“Stop. I’m fine.”

“No. He’s going to pay for hurting you.”

Maybe I’m reading too much into this, though it sounded like Nik was concerned for Opal more than just a little sister.

“Only if you cared for your sister the way you did for me but I doubt you care for me at all. You’re a selfish jackass and the only thing you care about is your Father’s orders. That doesn’t make a good leader.”

Her feet stomped against the wooden floor as she marched off. I scurried back to my bed. At least Opal was okay now I waited for news of Neel’s condition. I wasn’t safe here. Avena and Neel had access to me whenever they wanted. I yanked the handle. Of course, it was locked.

If only Dove wasn’t so far away I would have known what my mate was feeling. He may be losing his mind. I’ll be with him again even if I have to fight every beta wolf to escape.

***

I remained by the window bed, staring at the stars and hoping for a grand escape plan to reveal itself so I didn’t have to spend the night here. That was when the betas protecting the west side of the house left one by one.

“Stay back. Elaine can’t get away,” a beta said.

They glanced up and frowned at me. I rolled my eyes. It’s just one guard I can take him. I reached for my wolf and forced her to come up. This was our only window of escape. Fur covered my hands and my teeth sharpened themselves to razor point.

The door flew open. “Don’t even think about it, Elaine,” Avena said.

The witch strolled in with my Father behind her.

“Dad?” Nik entered shortly after.

I hid my claws and sunk my fangs.

“This is between us and your sister, Nik. Get out,” Dad ordered.

My older brother met my gaze. I held my breath, waiting for his response.

“Dad, she’s been hurt,” Nik said.

“Nikolas, you’ve never questioned me before. Don’t start now not at the expense of your tramp sister.”

The corner of my mouth lifted involuntarily. I was a tramp now. Avena went off and gossiped to my Father about my mate.

Nik kept his head high and as usual, he turned around and obeyed orders.

“You made new friends on your travels didn’t you, Elaine?” Avena asked.

What’s she on about?

“He’s here,” Dove said.

The wind carried Azaire’s scent and he wasn’t alone.

“Oh boy,” I murmured.

“Never did I expect my youngest child would betray me with our greatest rivals. They killed Nikolas’ Mother in cold blood!”

I swallowed. “That isn’t true.”

The corner of Avena’s mouth raised.

“They’ve brainwashed you. What have you told those Shaw rats?”

Dove came to the edge of my skin and I was powerless to stop her. She shone through my eyes and override my personality.

“Don’t talk about my mate that way.”

My Father’s face dropped like a glass from the top floor.

“Attack!” A beta yelled outside.

My wolf burst through my skin, replacing it with white fur and changing my eyes from brown to honey-yellow. My Father was stronger than me but Avena wasn’t. I charged at her. Her eyes turned to saucers but Dad pushed her out of the way before Dove’s claws made contact with her. Once the door was free I ran out.

That glorious escape plan finally revealed itself!