A Wolf's Oath

Chapter One

Shimmering sapphire eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the lone familiar face in the throng of people that crowded the large ballroom in celebration of Princess Alexandria’s successful defeat of Lucinda in the Challenge. Long dark hair caressed the exposed skin of her back and as she tugged at the hem of her knee length blue dress, Erica found herself cursing her best friend. Damn Anna drags me here, dresses me up like some sort of life size doll and then abandons me. Figures, she grunted. Though she had yet to meet the ‘warrior Princess’ she decided that the discomfort she had suffered was enough and stepped forward intent on reaching the exit. A firm hand at her elbow stopped her escape and she turned to glare at the owner of the hand on her skin, intent on making her get away from what she was beginning to consider her own personal hell.

Small and petite, Anna was everything that Erica was not, boisterous while Erica was more reserved; delicate while she was rougher around the edges and distinctly feminine while Erica was often called a tomboy. The simple black dress her friend wore seemed as though it were specially made for her, though knowing her friend, it probably had been and she wore the elegant floor length dress flawlessly. While Erica felt distinctly uncomfortable in her dress, longing for shorts or jeans, Anna couldn’t have been more at home in her attire. Short sun streaked brown hair framed an almost cherubic face, while hazel eyes twinkled at her mischievously.

Found you. Anna grinned, linking their elbows before beginning to lead her friend around the large ballroom.

How could you just leave me? Erica snapped, trying her hardest to hold on to her anger despite the hurt look that had crossed Anna’s features. Don’t cave. Don’t cave, her mind chanted, struggling to hold on to the feeling of righteous indignation while Anna gave her the look that usually made her instantly concede defeat.

I was only gone for a second, I thought you would be ok. I’m sorry.

I feel so stupid, she groaned, once again tugging at the hem of her dress. Me and dresses don’t work well together. I must look like an idiot and I can barely walk in these shoes. She lifted one heeled foot from the ground, eyeing the long points with disgust. I feel like I’m going to topple over any minute.

You’re doing just fine Eric, trust me. You look lovely. Taking in the straight black tresses that surrounded the smooth ivory skin of her face and the form fitting navy dress that highlighted a lithe figure, Anna felt a sense of pride in her work. When I dress someone they always do, but with you I shouldn’t even consider it work. You’re naturally gorgeous, I don’t know why you hide it.

Not this again. Anna, you know why I normally dress the way I do.

Well tonight is the night to change all of that. Tonight we’re on the hunt for something good, or rather someone good. She giggled, pulling Erica further into the throng.

I told you Anna, I’m not looking for a mate. I don’t want one, so let’s just leave it at that and call it a night.

No, Anna replied petulantly. I can understand why you don’t want a mate, but we’re not looking for one of those. All we want is a little bit of fun. Now just let me work my matchmaking magic.

Slipping her arm out of her friend’s grasp, Erica smiled before taking a step back. You can do all the matchmaking you like Anna, but I’d love to see how it would work without me as the bait. She laughed before disappearing into the crowd on wobbly legs, ignoring her friend’s pleas for her to return. Now all I need to do is find the door without making a complete fool of myself.

****

Making his way through the busy crowd Sebastian struggled to reach his brother, constantly apologising as he collided with other bodies between him and his goal. Stupid Ryan, there was no need to storm off like that. He groused, continuing his way through the crowd. The calmer of the two, Sebastian found himself apologising to others for his brother’s actions as he struggled to follow Ryan’s hastily made path. His movement halted abruptly as a refreshing scent teased his senses.

Smells good. He admitted, struggling to free his mind of the effect the warm scent of apples seemed to be having on him.

Having matured faster than most, he found it distinctly strange when his wolf made its presence known, rattling at the bars of the cage he had locked it away in. Animal instincts began to flood his mind and his legendary calm began to falter under the unexpected onslaught.

What’s the matter with you? Calm down, he ordered hoping that the wolf would prove obedient, as it had always done. Tonight however, it seemed intent on ignoring his wishes continuing to push against his mental confines.

No! The wolf snarled. She’s here. Find her. She’s so close, it purred before frustration returned to its tone. Can’t you smell her?

The apples?

Yes, you’re not stupid. Find her damn it.

His heart sped up as the wolf’s words took root, their meaning becoming clear. My mate, he whispered, turning frantically as he sought to find her. Following his instincts he walked through the throng of people gathered, all sense of courtesy vanishing as he barged through those around him. Making his way to the edge of the room, he walked towards the open balcony, the smell of apples filling his thoughts and there she stood. Moonlight bathed her creamy skin and her jet-black hair practically glowed in the low light.

Mine. The unexpected sense of possessiveness that filled him at the mere sight of her was shocking to him. And I haven’t even seen her face. She turned, sensing someone else was nearby and their eyes locked. Beautiful.

Staring into eyes she could only describe as melted chocolate, Erica began to feel that maybe Anna had had the right idea in bringing her to the gathering. The stranger’s searing gaze sent shocks through her body and her breathing hitched as she stared back taking in the dark red hair that covered his head, skimming the nape of his neck. He was tall, somehow managing to make her feel petite, a feeling she hadn’t had since she was very young. He wasn’t overly built, his body seemed to have more of a swimmers build, long legs leading up to a well toned chest and despite her usual avoidance of the opposite sex she found herself stepping forward.

Hello, she mumbled.

Taking a step towards her, Sebastian smiled. Hello. A moment of silence passed as Sebastian stood near her, content to simply examine his mate. Beautiful. "What’s your name?

She squeaked, unused to interacting with males in a possibly romantic setting. All the men she knew were strictly friends and they all knew better than to try and change that friendship into something more, despite this she found she couldn’t resist the stranger and his soft spoken questions. My friends call me Eric.

Eric? he inquired confused. That’s a man’s name and you’re no man. His eyes scanned her frame, taking in the soft curves of her body and he smiled to himself, immensely pleased with his mate’s appearance.

Oh this? She waved a hand over her dress and he nodded. This isn’t what I usually look like. My friend Anna dressed me for tonight.

She did a very good job, if this isn’t how you usually look then I think you should try looking into dressing like this more often.

I’m not really all that comfortable like this. Tonight is just a one off thing and Anna knows that. So please don’t read too much into it.

I’m still not convinced, he replied. But like I said before Eric is a man’s name, so I’d like to know what your name really is.

If you’re going to be so insistent about it then I suppose I can tell you, my name is Erica, but I honestly do prefer Eric.

Erica is a very pretty name and you do it justice, you should use it more often, he advised.

All this talk about names and I still don’t know who exactly you are.

Sebastian.

Sebastian?

Yes, of the Southern clan.

Recognition dawned upon her. Lord Sebastian?

He chuckled, scrubbing a hand against the back of his neck nervously. I’m not very comfortable with my title, people assume that I’m good with people because of it and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Ryan is the people person.

Yes, I’ve heard about the Lords of the Southern clan. He groaned. It’s nothing bad. People are always talking about how you and your brother work so well together, that’s all.

Really?

I swear.

Thank goodness, I thought it would have been some terrible rumour.

No, I swear it’s nothing but good. The way you and your brother jointly lead your clan when your father isn’t there just makes people wonder how you manage to do it that’s all. People have always thought it was better for one Lord to rule a clan and then you and your brother show up and do such an amazing job working together, it just makes people curious.

Are you curious Erica?

Maybe a little, I’m not a noble or anything so how you and Ryan lead isn’t really going to form the basis of how I do anything, she shrugged.

Not noble yet. He mentally corrected. You’re my mate, so you’ll be noble as soon as I claim you.

Soon I hope, the wolf inserted.

Ryan and I have a system, he began. Ryan is much more of a people person than I am, so he deals with meeting people and public appearances and the like while I do background things. I much prefer it that way. Although our appearances are identical we’re actually quite different.

You seem to be doing a fine job talking to me. She smiled, the simple gesture bringing her face to life.

Stepping closer to her, he breathed deeply, imprinting her scent firmly onto his mind. Well you’re a special case.

Frowning, she met his gaze. A special case? What’s so special about me?

You, Erica, are my mate. You’re the most special case I can ever meet. I’m glad that I found you so quickly. I didn’t want to wait as long as Tobias had to wait for Alex, he beamed, remembering the two hundred year wait his cousin had been forced to endure before finding his mate in Alexandria, the human who the party was being thrown for.

Her eyes widened at the claim and she began to take steps away from him, cursing the heels that she wore for making her less steady on her feet when she might very well need to run. I’m not your mate, I’m no one’s mate.

Erica, trust me on this, the first time I smelled you, I knew you were the one. There is no other for me. You’re my mate. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you.

I don’t need a mate and I can take care of myself just fine. So leave me alone. Her steps away from him had finally led her to the stone balcony and as she leaned against it she began to toe off the shoes that clad her feet.

Erica, you’re a wolf otherwise you wouldn’t be here, you must know of a male’s need to find a mate.

I’m perfectly acquainted with your need to find a mate. It doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want one. Her feet now blissfully bare, she eyed the door behind him. Please just leave me alone. Sorry about the shoes Anna. She mentally apologised before running past him. She escaped into the ballroom, weaving her way through the crowd desperate to get away. The door in sight, she slipped through arriving in the empty hall. A warm hand against her exposed wrist stopped her from running any further. Spinning out of his grasp, she glared at Sebastian’s crestfallen face, refusing to feel sympathy towards his plight.

Why are you running from me? he questioned.

I told you I want nothing to do with you. I’m not your mate so leave me be.

I’m not mistaken about this Erica, you’re the one.

No, that’s where you’re wrong. I’m not your mate or anyone else’s for that matter. I don’t want a mate so I suggest you go find someone else.

There is no other for me Erica. It’s you or no one.

Well then I suggest you get very acquainted with the idea of no one because you will never have me as a mate! she screamed, desperate to escape him.

Why are you doing this?

The better question is why are you doing this? You don’t even know me.

The instinct is never wrong Erica, you’re the one I will spent my life with. Are you afraid of me? Is that why you resist my claim so strongly? I’m not a bad person Erica; I would never harm you. Please stop this, he pleaded, his hand returning to her wrist and holding her in place.

I’m afraid of no one least of all you, she hissed, struggling against his grip. Damn, he’s stronger than he looks, if he doesn’t want to let me go I might not be able to escape. Deciding to try a different tactic, she stopped fighting him. You say that you wouldn’t harm me, but what exactly do you call this? Her wrist jerked within his grasp. If you truly think that I’m your mate, then let go of me.

His grip slackened as he released her wrist. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you Erica.

Look Sebastian, just let me go.

Never. The word floated through his mind shocking him in its intensity and he was unsure of whether it had come from him or his wolf and he found himself stepping away from her as he tried to sort his thoughts.

Sebastian, please leave me alone. It’s nothing personal. Who knows, if you hadn’t said I was your mate we might have had some fun tonight, you seem like a nice enough guy.

You’re rejecting me?

Like I said it’s nothing personal Sebastian, please I just want to be alone. She turned and fled, disappearing down the long corridor.

What are you doing? The wolf demanded.

I’m letting her go.

She’s ours, chase her and bring her back here. Force her to see sense.

No, we must give her the space that she wants. For now, he qualified, under no delusion that he would let her escape him completely and unwilling to do so as new possessive and protective instincts rose within him.

Chapter Two

Running from the estate grounds, Erica escaped into the night. Her feet pounded against the hard earth as she ran, desperate to return home where she would undoubtedly feel safe as soon as she arrived. I’ve got to get away from him, she chanted, running faster and faster through the woods that surrounded the royal estate. Stupid Anna, I knew it was a bad idea for me to come here, but I let her drag me along anyway and what do I get for trying to be a good friend? A mate! Well thank you, but no thanks. It would have to happen to me, the first time I consider getting close to a man; he would have to be my mate. The grounds of the estate now long behind her, she refused to slow, determined to make it back home before the moon completely disappeared from the sky. Who knows what he might do, I’ve got to have the home advantage.

The forest that encircled her seemed to go on endlessly as the night continued to rush on, time passing in a blur as she pushed her body faster and faster, but soon enough she felt her feet touch familiar ground and she sighed with relief, finally slowing her hectic pace. Almost home. The moon had begun to fade from the sky, telling her that while she had made it before dawn, it was still late. It’s amazing how fast you can run when you want to get away from someone, she admitted, strolling along the well-trodden path that led to her small home.

The familiar little cabin soon came into sight as she began to descend one of the many hills that surrounded her home and kept it hidden from prying eyes. The wood that her father had painstakingly pieced together was light in colour and firm in substance, providing them shelter from the elements as it had done for decades, although it had since lost its once vibrant shine. The roof above their heads was sturdy, though a little worn in places while small windows provided them with a natural source of light in the day. I need to look into mending the roof soon. She added another task to her ever increasing mental to do list. The path was soon flanked on all sides by rich soil, the crops that they grew to help supplement their diet, sprouting shoots from the earth. Reaching the door, she sighed with relief, grateful to be home.

The front door creaked as she eased it open and Erica winced at how the sound echoed through the otherwise silent house making it seem louder than it really was. Disregarding the loudness of her entry, she slipped inside, closing the door on another loud creak. I should probably fix that, she noted adding another task to her list. The house was dark, as she’d expected but her sharp eyesight made it seem as though it were fully lit. The cabin would be considered small by some standards, composed of two small bedrooms with one larger master bedroom and a living room that linked directly to the kitchen through a large arch instead of a door. The bathroom lay at the end of the hall, with the bedrooms lining the hallway. She locked the door behind her preparing for Sebastian's arrival. He probably won’t take my advice and just leave me be. He’s a wolf so it’s not as though I should expect anything different.

The reality of her situation had finally begun to sink in and a long heart felt sigh escaped her lips. If I tell him no enough times maybe he’ll just give up and leave me alone. Who am I kidding? He’s never just going to give me up. She touched her wrist lightly, remembering the one place on her body that he had touched and despite the time that had passed since that moment, she could still feel the warm imprint of his long fingers against her bare skin. Treacherous damn body, she grumbled, you’re supposed to be on my side.

Her wolf decided to make its presence known, adding to her inner turmoil as it whined. Want. Want him.

She groaned aloud at its demands. Not you too? You’re not siding with him as well are you?

Want, it repeated.

Fine! If you’re going to side with him, then whine all you like, I don’t care. I don’t want a mate and I’m not going to accept one. I suggest you grow to like the idea.

A light flickered on at the end of the hall gaining her attention and she turned towards it. Erica? The sound of the small voice forced a smile to her face as she pushed herself away from the door and began walking towards the light. Leaning out of her bedroom door, the small child was dressed in her pyjamas and she rubbed wearily at her eyes obviously having just woken. Appearing no older than six years old in age, the little girl’s cheeks were well rounded despite the firmness and strength in her limbs.

Dylan, what are you doing awake? You should be sleeping. Easily lifting her sister’s small body from the ground, she placed a light kiss against hair as dark as her own holding her close. Dylan pushed away from her sister’s chest far enough that she could easily look her in the eye.

Thought I heard something.

The warm brown of her sister’s large, questioning eyes was distinctly unappreciated this night as images of Sebastian floated through her mind, reminding her of the intensity his chocolate brown eyes had shown when he had claimed her as his own. Treacherous body. Stupid damn wolf and now my own mind has decided to abandon me in favour of him. Well it’s not going to change anything. I don’t want a mate. Sorry if I woke you. Though her thoughts were chaotic, her voice was calm and even as she spoke to her sister.

It’s ok, Erica. Another small voice reached her ears as her younger brother stumbled blearily out of the bedroom. Wyatt looked much like his twin, though his hair was slightly lighter and his skin darker from years spent roughhousing outdoors. Though her friends called her Eric, both her siblings refused to address her as such and she allowed them the privilege.

Come on lets get you two back in bed. Taking her brother by the hand, she led them back to their room, putting Dylan on her bed and urging Wyatt into his.

Settled comfortably in between the warm layers that made up her bed, Dylan turned to her sister as she was pulling up the sheets around her brother. Erica?

Yes Dylan.

You’re back early, she noted, watching the hands on their bedroom clock tick slowly onwards towards morning.

I guess I am, Erica answered, hoping that her siblings would leave it at that, luck however wasn’t on her side as Wyatt joined in the questioning.

You were meant to be out having fun with Anna, what happened? he questioned, trying to appear as stern as possible.

I had fun, I just decided to come home early. I missed you guys. Not a complete lie, she reassured herself. I did miss them but there’s no need for them to know why I really left.

Did you really have fun? You’re not just saying that? Wyatt pressed.

Smiling widely at her siblings, she tried not to let them become aware of her apprehension. I swear I had a great time.

Erica? Dylan began anew.

Deciding that the questioning session might continue for some time Erica sat down at the foot of her sister’s bed sighing with relief as her feet received a well earned rest. What is it now?

Anna said that you were going to look for a boyfriend is that true?

She hedged not liking where this line of questioning could lead. Anna says a lot of things Dylan.

That doesn’t answer her question, Wyatt pointed out calmly, turning to lie on his side so he could watch both his sisters.

You’re right as usual. Anna did want me to go and look for someone I could spend some time with.

Did you find anyone? Dylan pressed.

An image of Sebastian as he stood smiling in the moonlight flashed through her thoughts and she had to resist the urge to growl as her body continued to work against her and in his favour. No Dylan, I didn’t find anyone.

Oh.

Did you want to find one Erica? Wyatt inserted.

No, I’m happy with my life just how it is. I don’t need any one else. I’ve got my family and that’s all that matters right? Wyatt nodded vigorously and she smiled widely at him, the false smile she had previously worn fading the longer she spent amongst her family.

Erica, are you going to leave us? her sister asked, twisting the sheets roughly in her small hands.

Why would you think that?

I heard from Isaac that when you get a mate you’re going to have to leave us and everyone is always saying how pretty you are, it wouldn’t be hard for you to get a boyfriend. Is it true?

Stupid Isaac, next time I see him he’s dead, she assured herself picturing her hands wrapped around his throat. Though almost fully mature, Isaac continued to astound her with his childish antics and this latest prank was simply another bad mark against his name. Guys, how many times do I have to tell you that I’m not going anywhere? I promise. Trust me a little more ok?

Her brother frowned at her claim. But what if you find a mate?

I’ve apparently already found one of those. It won’t change anything. And you don’t Sebastian; you don’t change one little thing. This is my life and I’m going to live it how I choose, and I have no need of you in it.

Want, her wolf continued to whine.

Shut up, she snapped hoping to silence the constant whimpering. The pleas continued and she groaned.

But people are always telling us that there will be a male one day who will need you to be his mate, Wyatt continued.

Well that’s his problem, not ours. No matter how attractive he is, she admitted silently to herself.

Chapter Three

Her tantalising scent still filled the corridor even after she had left and Sebastian found himself returning to the party in an attempt to escape from it. His eyes were unseeing as he wandered the room aimlessly with no direction in mind and his thoughts were filled to the brim with her. She rejected me. She rejected me. Why? Why would my mate do such a thing? She’s a wolf like me; she knows how much I would value her. This is unreasonable.

Go after her, his wolf growled, the sound rumbling around his mind. Go after her. Leave now, you’ll still be able to catch her.

We’ve got to try and think logically about this. She’s one of us so she knows how important a mate is to a male, therefore there must be a reason why she rejected me. There has to be, he reasoned, refusing to believe otherwise.

Stop trying to be calm! Our mate is getting away from us the longer we stay here. Chase her and bring her back to us.

And then what? What do you propose we do after that?

We make her see reason.

How would you go about doing that?

I don’t know and I don’t care! I want her, are you telling me that you don’t?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Our mate is beautiful how could any male not want her?

And yet you let her escape! She doesn’t bear our mark. Others may try to take her from us.

The thought turned his stomach and a low growl escaped his lips. Ignoring the curious stares from those that stood around him, he continued his aimless stroll through the room. She said that she didn’t want a mate; she won’t take another. The words meant to reassure his wolf felt distinctly hollow as he spoke them.

That could mean that she’s involved with someone and simply doesn’t want us, her true mate, to separate them.

The growl that passed his lips was louder this time. You’re being ridiculous, she didn’t smell of another male, she’s ours. There’s no one else.

Then do as I’ve been telling you and chase her!

She doesn’t want us to. We’ve got to give her time to see that we’re right, she deserves at least this one night alone with her thoughts.

She doesn’t need to be alone when she has us.

Though it was faint, Erica's fragrant scent teased his sensitive senses and he stopped abruptly, his head turning as he tried to find where it came from. She’s come back. Perhaps she has finally seen reason. The trail of her scent led him to a small brunette. That isn’t her. He sighed in defeat. It was too much to hope that she would simply return considering the way she ran from me.

The brunette turned, smiling widely at him. Hello, she purred, the tone of her voice should have been pleasant but Sebastian felt himself slightly repulsed by it now that he had his mate’s smooth and honest tone to compare it against.

Years of tuition in manners and etiquette kicked in and he felt his mouth moving automatically. Hello.

I don’t think we’ve met, I’m Anna.

The few words that he had spoken with his mate returned to him as he inhaled the lingering fragrance of his mate that surrounded the woman before him and he cocked an eyebrow in interest. I’m Sebastian, it is nice to meet you.

I can say the exact same thing about you. She grinned.

May I ask you a question?

Of course you can, it doesn’t mean I’ll answer it, but nobody is preventing you from asking.

Well I hope you will answer me then. Do you know someone called Erica?

Eric?

He frowned at the masculinisation of his mate’s name but continued regardless. Yes, she did mention that her friends called her that.

So you’ve met her then? Anna beamed, clapping her hands together joyously before rubbing them in what appeared to be immense satisfaction

Yes I did. She looked beautiful in the dress, you did good work though I believe she would look just as attractive in whatever she chose to wear. He smiled weakly feeling increasingly nervous around the exuberant female he stood beside. I’ve got to do this, he repeated to himself, trying to calm his agitated nerves and brace himself for the next part of the conversation. But if this Anna is her friend she may be unwilling to tell me what I need to know if I tell her the truth.

Then lie, his wolf suggested.

I’ve never been very good at lying. I’ve never felt comfortable doing it and I give away too much in my scent. I’ve always been caught out.

Well now is the time to get good or do you want to lose our mate?

The wolf’s words touched him and he found himself smiling brightly at Anna, his nerves now surprisingly calm. I did meet her but she seemed very anxious around me. If I’m going to lie then I must stick as close as I can to the truth otherwise she will probably be able to tell that I’m being untruthful.

Damn! Anna cursed under her breath.

His grin widened as he realised that he had a potential ally in the cheerful brunette. I did manage to speak to her for a few moments.

You did? Anna gasped, sounding increasingly excited. Sebastian nodded. And? What happened? she demanded.

I very much enjoyed her company. Anna clapped quietly in delight before he continued. But –

But? she interrupted angrily. What do you mean but?

Well, when I expressed that I was interested in spending some more time with her. That isn’t exactly a lie. I do want to spend more time with her, my lifetime’s worth. She ran away.

She did what?

She ran away, he repeated.

Why did she do that? In fact never mind the why, how did she do it? She could barely walk in those shoes I gave her let alone run.

She abandoned the shoes, he explained calmly. She did apologise to you. They may still be out on the balcony if you wish to retrieve them.

I went to all that effort to bring her here and introduce her to some nice males and then she runs off.

I would like to apologise to her for whatever I did wrong.

It had nothing to do with you Sebastian, Eric isn’t comfortable around males that express a romantic interest in her. The girl is paranoid about – Anna smacked a hand over her mouth realising that she may have let too much slip, but Sebastian smiled on as though he hadn't heard a word of the latter part of her rant, while storing it away for future reference.

I would still like to apologise and perhaps get to know her as a friend, he continued. Mates can be friends, he justified. Very good friends.

I’ll tell her you said sorry.

If possible I would like to deliver the message to her, if you could just tell me what clan she’s from then that would be much appreciated.

She hesitated a moment, taking in his bright eyes and honest smile. Well I suppose it couldn’t hurt, besides I don’t know what’s wrong with that girl running away from an attractive man like you. If I knew you before I had met my mate… She trailed off allowing his mind to fill in the gaps before responding to his question. Eric and I are from the West clan.

Thank you very much for your help. I should stop taking up all of your time and let you get back to the party.

Don’t worry about it, it’s not as though it was a hardship to talk to you.

Thank you. He smiled before disappearing into the crowd.

Are we going after her now? His wolf demanded.

No. I said that we were going to give her tonight alone and I meant it. We will be spending enough time with her later; there’s nothing wrong with us leaving her alone for a night. Besides she should have some time alone to overcome her aversion to taking a mate. But tomorrow is a different matter. He grinned, slipping out of the ballroom to make his way back to his own rooms.

The night passed slowly for Sebastian as he struggled to subdue his wolf’s incessant needs and urges. Remnants of her scent lingered on his skin and while they made his wolf increasingly frantic in its demands that he go to her that night, he was reluctant to wash the smell from himself, breathing deeply and allowing his senses to linger over the trace of her existence. At least I didn’t have to wait two hundred years like Tobias. He grinned trying to console himself despite her rejection of his claim. She exists and that means there’s hope. I know where to find her and come morning, I’ll go to her directly. Sleep, however, didn’t come easy. As soon as he closed his eyes images of Erica flitted across his eyelids and the wolf’s demands would begin anew. When morning finally arrived he sprung from the bed, showering reluctantly as he assured himself that he would be in her presence again soon enough and her scent would once again linger on his skin.

He raced along the corridors; desperate to reach the entrance and be free to visit her once more, however a loud commotion in the entrance hall caught his attention. A large man was screaming loudly, demanding attention and receiving it.

A worker from the kitchen ran to his side. Lord Sebastian thank the heavens that you’re here, we don’t know what to do with this man. You have to help us.

He sighed, eyeing the open doors with desire in his gaze. Fine, let’s hope that this is over with quickly then. He stepped forward until he could tap the man lightly on the shoulder.

The man spun round small dark eyes locking with his own. Who are you? the stranger spat.

I’m welcome here, I’m not sure the same can be said of you. What do you want here?

I’m here for my daughter.

Your daughter?

Yes my daughter and I’m not leaving until you give her back to me, I know she’s here.

You think we have your daughter here?

The stranger prodded Sebastian in the chest with a thick finger to emphasis his point. I know that you have her here and I want you to bring her to me otherwise I’m going to call the police.

Do you think we’ve kidnapped her or something? We’re not criminals.

I don’t care how she came to be here all I know is that she’s here and I want her back.

What’s your daughter’s name?

"Her name is Alexandria. Now that you know, you can