"Here you go," I say, handing a bottle of water to an injured werewolf.
We're at another pack that was attacked recently. This time the attack was worse because they came during day-time. Witches created a spell allowing non-Originals to walk in the sun. The witches also helped them to kill most of the pack.
"Hello, Luna," a voice I never wanted to hear says behind me.
I turn around to see Scarlett standing behind me with a smirk on her face.
"Hello, Scarlett," I wonder what she's doing here.
"How are you, my Queen?" she asks, walking closer to me.
"I'm doing okay considering the circumstances, and you?"
"Same."
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to help. I brought some supplies, and I also plan to take some of the displaced werewolves back with me. I have space to accommodate new pack members."
"That's very kind of you, but you didn't have to come all the way here for that. You could've sent your Beta." I don't know why, but I have a feeling she didn't just come to help. She has ulterior motives.
"I know, but I had to see if the rumors were true."
"Which rumors?"
"That the Alpha King and his Queen are the best werewolf couple the kingdom has ever seen. Even though the Queen doesn't bear his mark," Scarlett doesn't bother sugar coating her words because she clearly wants to hurt my feelings. I won't let her know how sad it makes me that Theo hasn't marked me. I know it's because he cares deeply about me and doesn't want me to die. Ironically, he can't show the world he wants me with his mark, despite caring as deeply for me as he does.
"Where did you hear such a rumor?"
"Where I heard it doesn't matter. What matters is that they're true. After almost a year together, the Alpha King hasn't marked or rejected you," she says, smiling.
Before I can defend myself, Theo interrupts us.
"Scarlett, you made it. I'm so happy you're here. There's so much you can help us with," Theo says. I look at him, shocked. He asked her to come. How could he ask her to come here? Does he not know how much I hate her?
Theo looks at me, confused when he feels my emotions through our bond. He can feel it because he's in front of me. I'm hurt and betrayed by him.
"What's wrong?" he asks, rushing to my side.
'Did you ask Scarlett to come?' I mind link him. I don't want her to hear our conversation.
'Yes, I did. Do you have a problem with her been here?' Theo asks, and I look at him with my brows arched. How can he ask me such a question?
'Of course, I have a problem with her being here. Why are you asking me as if you don't know I don't like her?'
'Why don't you like her?' he asks, confused.
'Are you serious?'
'Scarlett is an amazing female Alpha. Why don't you like her?'
'I don't like her because she wants to take my place?'
'Take your place, where?' Theo asks, not understanding what I'm saying.
'She wants to be with you.'
'Scarlett? You think Scarlett wants to be with me? I don't think so.'
'Are you dense? The woman was all over you when she came to your birthday party. She even threatened to take my place the next time I saw her.'
'She did what?' Theo growls. I can already feel him getting angry. I'm sure he thinks she meant she'd kill me.
'Calm down,' I say, placing my hand on his chest. 'When I said she threatened me, I didn't mean my life.'
'Are you sure?' he asks, calming down.
'Yes.'
'Okay. I'm telling her to go back to her pack since you don't want her here.'
'No. She's already here, and she could be useful.'
'I'll send for another Alpha.'
'You don't have to do that.'
' Yes, I do. No woman who thinks she can threaten my mate is allowed near her, no matter how she threatens you,' Theo says and blocks our connection so I can't continue to argue with him.
***
I take off my clothes and walk into the hidden river I found. It's hard to take a shower in the packhouse because it's filled with blood and people everywhere. I was taking a night stroll to clear my head. Seeing so much blood every day isn't easy. Feeling responsible for it doesn't help. I dip my whole body into the water and try to clean off the blood and sweat. I helped the doctors treat a lot of werewolves, so I'm covered in blood and grime. Luckily, the water and the weather aren't too cold tonight.
As I bring my head back up, I feel a pair of hands go around my waist. Theo 's smell envelops me, calming me after the grueling day.
"Theo ," I say, turning around to face him.
"Hello, mate," he says, with his arms around me. Theo 's seen me naked many times by now, and we still haven't mated. I watch as Theo 's eyes caress my body under the moonlight. The moon is shining bright tonight, so he can see me clearly.
I think this is the first time he's seeing me naked and taking his time to look. I'm not just leaving the shower or changing clothes. As his eyes continue to ogle me, I cover my sensitive areas with my hands. I feel shy in front of him as I watch his lust-filled eyes stare at me.
"You're beautiful," Theo says, pulling my hands away from upper body. Suddenly, I realize I'm not the only one naked. Theo is also naked. Without thinking, I start tracing his abs with my hands.
Theo releases a deep growl from within his chest as I continue to run my fingers around his stomach. Theo pulls me to him, capturing my lips in a heated kiss. I feel his hands cup my butt under the water. He lifts me off the ground, and I wrap my legs around his waist. I feel him hard and pulsing against my stomach. I'd do anything to have him inside me. Theo pulls away from my lips and releases a frustrated growl.
"Fuck!" Theo growls and throws his head back in frustration. "I want to fuck you so hard you won't be able to walk for days," Theo says.
"I know. I want you, too," I say, resting my head against his chest.