In the midst of the moonlit night, Alora found herself imprisoned in the relentless dance between shadows and restlessness.

The gentle swaying of the trees outside her window seemed to taunt her, mocking the elusiveness of slumber. Exhaustion gripped her body, begging for respite, yet her mind remained a battlefield of thoughts, refusing to surrender to sleep's embrace.

As the moon cast its ethereal glow upon her, she wrestled with questions that seemed to have no answers.

Why did her mind resist the call of rest when her body craved it so desperately?

Was there some elusive piece of information her consciousness was trying to shield her from?

Her mate lay mere yards away, drifting off into dreams, but Alora's mind waged a relentless war, denying her the same luxury.

In the quiet of the night, her internal struggle unfolded, and even her loyal companion, her wolf, could sense the turmoil within her.

Unable to find comfort, she tossed and turned, longing for the solace that seemed just out of reach. “Ahhh!”

Her wolf simply couldn't get comfortable, but it seemed that every time Alora was getting close to falling asleep, her wolf would poke her in the eyes and remind her how foolish she was being. Her wolf just wouldn't calm down.

‘Come on! Just be quiet and leave me alone to get some rest!’ She let out a yell in her head.

After ten minutes, she moved onto her stomach and buried her head in the pillow before continuing to sleep.

“What the fuck!” She couldn't shake the image of a certain pair of brown eyes that kept popping into her thoughts.

They continued to dance before her eyes, teasing her, challenging her, and smiling as if they were in on a secret that she was unaware of.

“Urgh!” She yelled into the mattress and thrashed her legs like a spoiled little girl as she rolled about on the bed. This strange feeling was driving her crazy, and she had no idea how to deal with it.

Alora finally got out of bed and started walking about the carpet, conscious that the clock next to her bed read two in the morning.

Her steps brought her to the door, but she swiftly turned around just as her hand was about to grab the handle on the door.

Alora hastened to the window in order to reprimand herself, and she did so there. She attempted to come up with a strategy while gazing out the window at the gently falling snowflakes.

How could a single guy have such an impact on her? Causing her mind to be muddled and leaving her so perplexed?

She had a pretty good idea what the answer was, but she refused to acknowledge it.

‘Mate...’

Alora clenched her eyes tight before turning around to face the woods, which had always helped her relax in the past.

She would go for a run in the woods and pound out her pent-up emotions whenever she had an important pack choice to make, whenever she was stressed out, or if she was furious with her guards.

Whenever she had an important pack decision to make, she would go for a run. She suddenly pondered what it would be like to jog alongside with her mate and questioned whether or not he would be able to keep up with her…

“Argh! Shut it, Alora! Shut it!” She couldn't stop thinking about him.

She shuffled her way to the front door and slowly opened it as her shoulders sagged in a display of capitulation.

Just to be sure he was well and that he was able to locate his room without any problems, she would check on him.

“Yes, that’s it.” She reasoned with herself as if there was something in this area that could pose a threat to a large, strong Alpha male.

“Or, it's possible that he was chilly. And maybe in need of an additional blanket?”

Whatever it was, she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to be near him, and she knew that she wouldn't be able to go asleep until she'd at least checked on him.

As she rounded the last corner, she saw that his door was slightly ajar, so she crept up to it on tiptoes. She peered through the crack and saw his cluttered bed, but he was nowhere to be seen.

‘Where the fuck did he go?’

Alora was able to detect his odor, which was a combination of the scent of newly cut grass, earthy tones, and maybe a tinge of pine needles.

‘Alora, get yourself together!’ She chuckled to herself at the absurdity of her own behavior and shook her head.

As she entered the room, she saw him standing at the window with his back to her, gazing outside. He was staring out the window. His back was exposed.

She noticed the moonlight dance on his toned chest as he moved his head slightly to the side. She couldn't suppress the gasp that came out of her mouth as she saw his well-toned abdominal muscles.

He turned his head and peered in her direction just in time to catch her as she staggered out of the room, the color rising in her cheeks.

When she was about halfway down the corridor, when he called her name, almost a whisper.

"Alora?"

She made an embarrassed grimace for a moment before turning around, at which point her expression reverted to one of cool steely indifference. "Yes? I-I was literally just...

"You came here to see me?" He said as he inched his way closer to her.

"Not really. Well, I couldn't sleep and just wanted to make sure you were okay... that's all," she said.

Howland displayed a smile that was only half-formed. Alora couldn't think of a man who was more attractive than him, even when his features were highlighted by the dim light that was falling from the skylights above.

To throw that out of the window, she must admit that he had an alluring body, and that's all there was to it.

The fact that he was just wearing boxers wasn't doing much to improve the situation. A shining metal arrow pendant was suspended in the center of a chain that was wrapped around his neck, and it rested on his chest.

The cord was made of black leather. Alora got back to her senses and raised her eyes in order to get a better look at his face.

"Neither could I sleep," he said, raking a hand through his unkempt head of jet-black hair as his arm muscles puffed out in response to the activity.

No matter how hard she tried, she was unable to pull her gaze away from what she saw.

"Is that it? I mean… why? Are you all right?” She made a fool of herself by stuttering. "Is the bed not comfortable enough for you-"

"Alora, I think you already know the reason why both of us couldn’t sleep." As he continued to approach, she found it more difficult to maintain even breathing and to think clearly.

Howland put out his hand and ran his fingers from her shoulder to her elbow. When she realized what was happening and what was supposed to happen, she stepped back.

"No, stop!"

"No? Stop? What again?" He asked and he had a bewildered expression on his face, and his eyes were still fixed on hers.

“No, simple as that! Just don’t do anything stupid, Howland. I know what you're trying to do, and sorry to burst your bubbles but it won't work." She said as she turned to go.

"Alora, please! We both know that you can't fight it any more than I can!" he pleaded with her.

"You’ve underestimated me. Because yes, I am able to. I didn't get to be a powerful Alpha for no reason. I will not allow you to fool around with me in any way,” she stated.

“Huh? Wait… What do you mean by that? It's only that-" He was about to explain but Alora cut her off.

"I can tell you're attempting to entice me sexually and lead me to bed. Then, after we've mated, you're going to legitimately assume leadership of my pack!” Alora shouted at him.

"What the hell? Of course not, I can't say that I did-"

"Stop the nonsense! Don't tell me any lies. I am aware of your motives. You just want this pack, but I will never hand it over to you. Never!”

Yes, she did at long last regain her sense of logic. Her thoughts were racing around in circles as she tried to decipher him, and she was successful.

"Even if you’re my mate as you say so, no. You’ll never have this pack!" She snarled the final phrase to emphasize her point.

"Then tell me, Alora. What exactly is it that makes your pack so essential?" He put his hand on her arm.

She struggled to get free and turned on her heel while yelling, "Get your hands off of me. Don't touch me."

"Please, Alora. Listen up, if you could just please..."

Howland was still talking but she didn't pick up on what he said. She returned to her quarters with such haste that she didn't even notice until she was standing at the entrance that she was donning her nightgown with the thinnest straps.

What kind of an idiot could she be? She hurried into the bedroom, threw herself into the bed, and pulled the covers up to her chin.

‘It seemed like we were in for a very long night.’

“Argh!”

…..

The brisk air of the morning did wonders for Alora’s splitting headache, and the way the snow crunched under her running shoes always managed to settle her down when she was feeling anxious.

Alora rushed through the forest along her favorite path, making a U-turn at the enormous oak tree and then tracing her path up the ridge that ran between two hills.

The view was absolutely breathtaking, as it extended all the way to the mountain range in the north. She was able to stare out over the snowy tops of the pine trees for a short distance before the branches again blocked her view.

Then she was back at it, zigzagging between the trees and the trunks that had fallen, all the while juggling the complicated ideas that kept racing through her throbbing head.

She was shivering, so she decided to change positions, despite the fact that the activity was making her hot.

It was usually easier for her to retain her balance in the winter when in wolf form anyhow, and after having twisted her ankle once before a few seasons ago, she definitely didn't want to repeat that.

Therefore, she decided to stay in wolf form for the winter. Especially not with a menacing Alpha sitting back at the mansion, just waiting to point out any gap in her ironclad command structure that may appear.

Her wolf deftly navigated her way through the brown foliage and up a massive rock without any difficulty.

Her soft fur, which was flecked with various colors of brown, was illuminated by the sliver of sunshine that made its way down through the canopy of trees.

Her mother had always told her that she resembled a gooey caramel treat, but Alora continued to see the color of her wolf as being similar to that of burned toast.

Alora heaved a sigh and then sat down on the rock, momentarily shutting her eyes as she did so amid the peacefulness of the woods.

As she did so, the image of her mother's kind face floated softly over her mind.

“Mama…” Even though it still hurt, she was able to recall her mother and her father without sobbing as time went by. It was a gradual and steady process.

Would they feel proud of her accomplishments?

Would they be able to witness how she had transformed their pack from one that was weak and injured to one that was strong and thriving?

Would they respect her unwavering drive and will to ensure that nothing ever comes between the pack and its happiness again?

Alora put the questions to the side before they could devour her, and she sprinted as rapidly as she could the rest of the way home, transforming before entering the territory of the pack.

She was in awe at the way the gloomy spires on the roof showed out starkly against the clear blue sky, as well as the sturdy turrets that kept watch over the castle at all times.

She always felt secure returning home to this spot, as if it could defend her from a multitude of invisible foes or the forces in her own mind that frequently collapsed like an old, deteriorating wood shed.

She went to the kitchen and took off her racing jacket once she got there. Her tank top and shorts were both drenched, and she couldn't wait to have a refreshing shower so that she could get the day started.

She downed a large glass of orange juice before searching the kitchen cabinets for a bowl and some breakfast cereal.

After hastily preparing some food for breakfast, she went to the sink to fill her glass with water and set it down.

After every strenuous run, she made it a point to drink a lot of water to rehydrate.

"Hello there, gorgeous."

Alora was startled when she felt two warm hands on her hips at the same moment that his voice tickled her ear.

She hastily spun around and pulled away from him as fast as she could. The contents of her glass flew all over Howland and landed in various locations.

The early morning light sent a glimmer on his naked chest. He seemed to be in a state of disbelief as he stood there, and she couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

Nevertheless, as soon as his eyes caught hers, she quickly straightened her face.

"Woah! Look what you’ve done. You drenched me to the bone!" Howland exclaimed.

"Serves you right! What did you expect when you put your dirty paws all over me? Do you expect me to give you a kiss on the cheek for the morning?" she said in an irritated manner.

"Wouldn’t it be? I mean, after last night, I thought we..." he sputtered as he wiped water from his stubbled chin. His chin is really impressive in both strength and beauty.

"You thought what?" she inquired, shifting her gaze to the wall behind him in an effort to keep her thoughts under control.

"I thought we had an understanding already?" his voice rose at the end as if he was pleading for her approval, and he shyly touched the back of his neck.

"Wait, what? Was that some kind of funny joke? As that has got to be one of the funniest things I've ever heard! Well, here's another moment to add to your box of happy memories!” She spatted as she threw the remaining water in his face with a sarcastic smirk on her lips.

After which, she bolted out from the kitchen, her cheeks blazing with some emotion or sensation that she was unable to place.

Over the course of her life, she had experienced a wide range of emotions, but never this one, “Damn that guy!”

Not the way that her pulse raced every time he came near her, or the way that he gazed at her intently with those chocolate brown eyes of his, or the way that his lips raised slightly in a grin as if he knew a secret and would only tell her about it if she begged him to.

None of those things mattered to her. Never.

If she wanted to maintain her authority over her pack, it was imperative that she regain command of her emotional state. Her pack.

Alora vowed to her dying parents that she would never breach the promise she had made to them, and she would never give up, or let go of all that they had taught her.

“He’ll never shake me off!”

…..

It wasn't until Alora was standing in the shower with ice-cold water dripping down her back that she suddenly recalled a crucial detail.

"Grr, I forgot my breakfast!" She muttered under her breath, as she pounded her fist on the icy tiles.

After getting out of the shower and drying off, she violently washed her hair, almost ripping it all out in the process.

After going to her wardrobe, she selected a pair of her most comfortable and baggiest sweatpants as well as a blouse with a loose fit.

There was no way that she was going to put on a costume for anybody or anything today.

She managed to go to her office without knocking into anybody by carefully tiptoeing across the room on her way there.

She sat down at her desk and glanced at the pile of papers that, no matter how many times she went through and organized, somehow always seemed to become higher.

Alora thought to herself as she put on her glasses and turned on her laptop that breakfast was a waste of time since she wasn't really hungry in the first place.

She took a few moments to herself to gather her composure before focusing entirely on the task at hand, which was packing.

To be able to bear all of the stresses that Alphas are subjected to, the mind must be trained and disciplined, and Alora had always taken great pleasure in her superior mental capacity.

She was not going to let a particular guy spoil her track record at this point.

Alora was astonished when someone knocked on her door a few hours later.

‘Hi there, it's me!’ Tyra mindlinked her.

"Come on in." She yelled out.

“So? Do you have something to tell me or discuss with me?" Tyra inquired as she entered the room and afterwards sat down on the sofa.

When Alora didn’t responded, Tyra spat another question, "Have you found solutions to every issue in the world yet? You've been in this room for far longer than necessary."

"Let’s get straight to the point, shall we? What exactly are you trying to say with that?"

Alora muttered out a bit loudly in a quite hostile manner. Normally, she didn't mind when her friend interrupted her, but right now she was in a mood where she didn't feel like being kind.

“Uhm, there's nothing about that. Well, I’m just concerned. It's only that you skipped breakfast as well as lunch, and the warriors told me that you were going to practice with them later on today. But right now, I can see and say that you have a lot on your plate?” Tyra stated with a confused look.

"Yeah, you have that completely correct. Please let them know that we will need to postpone the training. They can go on without me for the time being,” Alora stated.

"Fine!” Tyra stated as she crossed her arms.

"And how are things with everything else? Have the fresh construction supplies been delivered to the carpenters?” She inquired without even looking at Tyra.

"Yes, it was already done. The shipment was delivered first thing this morning. The construction of the new homes is scheduled to begin the following day.”

"Good. What about the school?”

"About that, well… only half of the children were present. I think the fact that this is the last week of classes before the vacation doesn't help much," Tyra regarded her Alpha with a sly grin spread over her black eyes as they interacted.

“What about Axel? How are things progressing with my beta?" Tyra did not respond, although she did smile a little bit.

"What?" Alora asked once more.

"Would it be possible for you to ask the question that you and I both know you want to ask?" Tyra retorted.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Alora responded before hurling an eraser in the direction of her buddy.

Alora took a blow to the head as a result of Tyra's catch and subsequent throw of the object.

"Of course, you are." She leaned back on the sofa, sluggishly draping her legs over the edge, and tucking her arms behind her head to form a fetal position. “He'll be fine. Oliver is now guiding him through the pack.”

Alora paid no attention to her and that’s when Tyra asked another question. "Are you not going to go to the boarder with him and personally escort him?"

Alora pretended not to know by asking, "Hmm, you mean who?"

"Howland Gossom! Your mate? Who else?"

“He’s already too old for that. He can do it and find it himself," Alora said as she busied herself with rearranging papers that were already in order.

"Oh, really?" Tyra asked being astonished. Her eyebrows moved slightly as she laughed. "I don't believe that he wants to leave the pack. Neither do you, by the way-"

"Would you just keep your mouth shut! Do you not see that I am attempting to work here?” Alora yelled, but her tone became softer almost instantly as she noticed Alora frowning.

"Please forgive me, I was just... I'm sorry, but I don't want to speak about Howland right now, is that okay?"

"Hmm, sure." Tyra gave a sly grin before pressing her lips together. She watched as Alora crumpled up a piece of paper and then threw it away in the garbage can. "What the heck was that?"

"Oh, just another rejection from Alpha Gab regarding the land," Alora said.

"But... we are in desperate need of that land!" Tyra exclaimed.

"Yes, I am aware. I know that,” Alora said as she ran her fingers over her hair, "Let’s just add it to the long list of issues that cannot be resolved.”

"Is there anything that I can do to help?" Tyra expressed her question with sincere concern. Because they were such good friends, Alora was aware that she always had her best interests in mind and would go to any lengths for her.

"Nothing… not unless you and Axel want to invade his territory and demand the land," Alora explained.

"You know we’re on it! That would be something entertaining to do! I have been advising you for a very long time-" Tyra was cut off when Alora spoke.

"I already said no about that, Tyra. No, and no, once again! I've been trying to explain to you that it is not the approach that is used when dealing with issues in our community.”

"I understand, you don’t have to be worried." Tyra stood up and began walking towards the exit while saying, "Well, I'll let you know when dinner is ready. Alora, you really need to have a break at some point."

Alora gave Tyra a kind grin before rubbing the bridge of her nose after the noise level in her office had returned to normal. "Thanks, Tyra."

What was her plan to make this situation better?

As the sun began its ascent, casting a soft golden glow over the waking world, the routine of Alora's days remained unchanged. Like a well-choreographed dance, each day seemed to mirror the last, leaving her caught in a repetitive rhythm that offered no respite from the turmoil within.

The mornings found her seeking solace in the quiet embrace of dawn, her brisk walks serving as a desperate attempt to shed the tensions that lingered from the previous evening.

With every step, she tried to outrun the thoughts that threatened to consume her, thoughts that always seemed to lead back to him. With his enigmatic charm and those haunting brown eyes, had become a constant presence in her thoughts.

His smile, like a teasing echo, followed her everywhere, challenging her resolve and stirring emotions she was not ready to confront.

And so, she found herself moving like a shadow through her own home, tiptoeing through the silence to evade any unwanted encounters.

The kitchen became her refuge, a place where she could steal moments of peace before the rest of the world stirred awake.

After that, she would go to her office, where she would immerse herself in her job in order to effectively avoid anything else that may agitate her or put her patience to the test.

She didn't seem to have much of that these days, particularly in regard to that man who persisted on smiling at her whenever they occurred to cross paths.

Howland would always sit at the opposite head of the table to her when they had supper with her command and the leaders of the organization, and he would toss looks and perplexing smiles at her.

While she ate in quiet, Oliver and the other warriors would engage in a spirited discussion with him.

Alora, on the other hand, would simply eat. Which was just how she liked it. It was pointless to argue as they did on the first night and make everyone else uncomfortable throughout their supper.

‘Alpha, you have got to come see this.’ One busy day, her beta connected to her through mindlink as she was working in her office.

‘Is there a critical situation?’ Alora inquired.

‘Yes, somehow. We would like to request for your presence on to the training grounds as soon as possible, Alpha.’

Instead of speaking in panic tone, Axel, ever the most gentleman, used a lot of fancy phrases and provided very little information.

‘Copy, I'm already on the way.’ She removed her glasses, closed the lid of her laptop, and grabbed her leather jacket on the way out of the office before putting them in her bag.

Alora quickly ran downstairs and out into the courtyard, where she stopped to inhale deeply of the clean air.

She detested the fact that she had been confined to her house for the whole week, as well as the manner in which Howland had made her feel like a prisoner.

She freely stated that the whole thing was just in her own imagination. Why did she give him the opportunity to treat her like this?

"Yay! Here, here. Flower… for you, Alpha," she heard a sweet voice that caused her train of thinking to be interrupted.

A small pup, a girl with brown pigtails, rushed up to her and presented her with a violet flower. "For you," she smiled with a wry expression between her two gapped front teeth.

"No, I don't like flowers," Alora muttered under her breath, as she hurried by her without so much as a glance down. She did not see the girl's face as it sank into defeat and wished she had.

"Madi! Madeline, please return to this spot!” A woman's voice could be heard calling. She immediately apologized to Alpha and took up the little kid. "Sorry, Alpha.”

A guy who was also one of Alora's warriors joined Alora and walked beside her as they headed in the direction of the practice field.

"She's got a mind of her own, our little one," the man said. "Always running off," he grinned at his young kid as he waved at her. “You probably don’t mind about this, but my mate and I are expecting another member of our family!"

"Oh, really? That's good," Alora exclaimed, while displaying a very tiny frown. "Our group will become more powerful."

"Yeah, I know. But why don't you sound happy?" As he saw Alora's displeased expression, his excitement began to wane.

She confronted him with the question, "Grecko, how many more pups are on the way?"

"Hmm, wait… let me see," he said with a wrinkled brow as he thought about it. "My wife have mentioned something about a dozen more women becoming pregnant before the end of spring.”

"Okay then, as I expected," Alora said with a pout while nodding. "That means we are going to need more land."

"Yes, Alpha. And the lumberjacks are working in accordance with your orders to clear a portion of the east woods."

"I am aware of this, but I do not enjoy clearing the land. It is my intention to broaden the frontiers," Alora stated.

"Yes, Alpha. We know that.”

If she ever opened up and expressed some of the challenges that she was facing, her warriors would understand they should simply listen without giving too many thoughts or comments.

Only those in her direct commanding ranks participated in the planning and meetings for the operation.

As they made their way down the forested path, they eventually got a glimpse of the practice grounds.

Warrior fans were gathered in a circle around the action taking place in the arena's center.

"Alpha, she won't pay attention to what I have to say.” Axel raced up to her and sneered at her as he jerked his head towards the battle.

"You've got to talk some sense into her," Axel begged to her.

Alora was able to confirm that the woman engaged in the furious conflict was Tyra, who was engaged with one of the soldiers.

She had no idea who was triumphing, but she was certain that Tyra could hold her own against the majority of the warriors. Because of this, she was promoted to become the Head Guard.

She yelled above the applause and jeers directed at Tyra, "Tyra, what's going on?"

"Ha! This one! He told me that I wasn't good for anything, and that I shouldn't be the head guard! Ahhhh!"

Tyra let out a scream as she was striking her opponent with punches and kicks and attempting to choke him. “Fight back!”

The man was visibly fuming mad, as seen by the several bruises that were already beginning to develop on his face.

“That is due to the fact that you are a female! And everyone... knows... that… I… I-I'm the greatest warrior here!" he cried as he slung Tyra over his shoulder.

"No, damn you! You are not!" Alora muttered under her breath, before leaping to her feet and bringing him to the ground once again.

“I am!” The man retorted.

"No! If I said no, then no!" she said as her hands flew into his face, sending her black hair flying in the process.

"Enough! Put an end to this nonsense right now!” Alora hurried towards them and made an attempt to pull Tyra away from the helpless man.

However, Tyra was not yet finished. She sprang up onto the shoulders of the warrior and immediately began pulling on his hair.

"I said enough!" After much effort, Alora was eventually able to get them to part ways when she took a stumble backward and Tyra landed on top of her.

As they tumbled, she was hit in the face with an elbow, which made her eye hurt, “Ouch!”

"Goodness! Alora, my goodness, I'm so sorry! I’m really sorry," Tyra freed herself from the knot and assisted her Alpha in standing.

"What in the world was that all about?" Alora demanded once she had picked herself up, pinned them both with her Alpha stare, and brushed off her clothes.

"This freak here, he was questioning my position!" Tyra glared at the man and said, as she pointed her finger in his direction.

"She started it! She belittled me by claiming that I fought like an elderly man!" The warrior, whose name was Matteo, crisscrossed his incredibly muscular arms across his similarly ripped chest.

"How petty! You couldn't just talk it out like grownups like you should have? You have to argue over it like you were in grade school?" Alora inquired, her temper on the verge of exploding.

Why did they bring her all the way out to this location for this?

Tyra's attitude of folding her arms, smirking, and rolling her eyes was one that she had honed over the years and used most often on Axel.

"Well, I had to get you out of your stupid office somehow," she said, folding her arms.

"Seriously? In the name of everything that is holy! How petty!” Alora groaned as she ran a hand over her cheeks and then rubbed her eyes.

Alora kept her hands on her hips as she scanned the room, looking everyone in the eye. "Alright, let's go back to the workout. Everyone of you must join the training!” Her temper flared up.

"Sure, and that goes for everyone, including the Alpha."

"Tyra..." she started, but then she leapt on the lady and tackled her to the ground.

They had been sparring and training for a quarter of an hour when all of a sudden, Alora halted them.

During that time, they had been circling each other, pouncing, targeting kicks, and blocking blows. She was huffing and puffing as she bent forward with her hands on her knees.

“I didn’t see Oliver here, where is he?” It was her mandate that all of the rated guards and warriors needs to practice once a week to maintain their strength and prepare for the possibility of an assault occurring in the future.

"That kiddo! Well, he's out at the campground for a camping," Tyra answered after she gulped her water.

"A Camping? What the hell goes in his mind this time?" Alora inquired as looked at Tyra as if she hadn't heard her answer correctly and continued to gaze at her.

"Yes, he went on a camping, together with his new buddy, Howland. You see, Oliver was eager to demonstrate the layout of the pack's area, so they chose to go camping for the next several days,” Tyra explained.

"Howland?"

"Yeah, you know-your mate," Tyra said with a smug grin.

Her line of thought was disrupted when all of a sudden, that guy managed to force his way back into her thoughts, just as she had finally managed to put him out of her head.

‘This has got to be some kind of joke.’

“But they should be returning soon, and they should have a lot of wood with them. To get her black tank ready for the Nuit de feu,” Tyra cleaned the grass off of it.

“You don't happen to have forgotten that it's tonight, do you? I mean, with the new moon and everything else?”

Alora was staring out into the horizon as her thoughts went completely crazy. No, she did not recall doing it.

She should have made it a priority, but other things appeared to need her attention more at the time.

And now that moronic mate of hers was being treated to a tour fit for a king and queen of her domains.

‘How thick-faced Oliver was?’

Alora was suddenly startled when she saw him and Howland step out of the woods and begin down the hill with their arms full of firewood and bags on their backs.

It was as if they had been called by her thoughts. They were giggling and having a good time as the air from the setting sun carried their deep voices.

Alora balled her hands into fists. “These morons! They’re getting into my nerves!”