Chapter 38
Rachel’s POV
Not long after I returned to my room, Victoria told me that I had to pack up today and head for the Emerald City.
I sat on the edge of my bed, watching Victoria flutter around the room like a hummingbird, tossing garments into the open suitcases spread across the floor.
“You absolutely need this ice–blue evening gown! And this ope… oh, and this is essential too!” Victoria exclaimed, holding up a delicate silk dress against the light.
I sighed softly, twirling a strand of my copper hair between my finger. “Victoria, I really don’t want to go to Emerald City. It feels… too dangerous for someone like me.”
Victoria paused, her amber eyes softening as she regarded me. “Rachel, this is Alpha’s order. I can’t change Nathan’s mind—honestly, his temper has been worse than usual lately, so I’d rather not provoke him.”
“Does he ever not scowl? I asked, attempting a weak joke. “His gray eyes always seem to carry a storm.”
“Only when he’s sleeping, I imagine,” Victoria replied with a light laugh. Her expression shifted into a mischievous grin. “Although, I bet his mood improves considerably when he’s with you.” She winked causing heat to rush to my cheeks.
A firm knock interrupted our conversation. The door opened to reveal Tyler, his amber eyes–so similar to his sister’s–quickly scanning the room.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
Victoria rolled her eyes. “Almost.”
Tyler nodded to two waiting Ironjaw warriors who entered to collect the luggage. “Alpha Nathan wants you to ride with him,” he informed me, then glanced at his sister. “Victoria, you’ll travel with me.”
“So I’m in for a silent journey, then,” I murmured. “I should bring my book.”
Tyler’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Was that a joke?”
“Yes, it was,” Victoria answered proudly. “Our little Rachel is slowly coming out of her shell.”
I remained quiet, merely hoping that the alpha wouldn’t dislike me during this journey.
In the main hall, Madison and her father’s Beta, David, were already waiting at the bottom the stairs.
Madison wore an elegant traveling outfit, her eyes gleaming with ambition when Nathan and Raymond emerged from Nathan’s office. The air immediately thickened with Alpha pheromones.
Madison’s gaze swept over my simple white dress, her lips curling with disdain. “Why is she coming to Emerald City?” she asked, not bothering to lower her voice.
She turned to Nath her expression transforming into a honey–sweet smile. “Nathan, I’d like to ride with you. We have so much to discuss about the alliance.”
Nathan’s sharp gaze immediately landed on me, causing my wolf to ir nervously.
“If you prefer, Nathan, Raymond suggested smoothly, “Rachel could travel with me. That would give you and my daughter some…
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Chapter 38
private time.” His eyes flickered with something predatory that made my skin crawl.
“Thank you for the offer, Raymond,” Nathan replied coldly, “but Rachel travels with me.” He completely ignored Madison’s expectant expression.
Before Lcould even begin to fathom what was unfolding around me, jolt of pure shock coursed through my system. In an instant, Nathan’s warm hand shot out and firmly gripped my wrist.
With his eyes fixed firmly ahead, he pulled me forward with long, determined strides and made a beeline straight for the entrance of the castle.
Inside the car, I settled across from Nathan, immediately enveloped by his cold pine scent. My body responded with a rush of warmth that pooled low in my stomach, bringing a blushy to my cheeks.
I felt ashamed of my desire for him. He only sees me as a breeding tool, I reminded myself harshly.
As soon as the vehicle began moving, Nathan became distant, focusing on reading documents and answering messages on his phone.
The stence stretched between us like an invisible wall.
I tried to distract myself with the novel my mother had left me, but after an hour, I gave up the pretense of reading.
I’ve never been to Emerald City before,” I said softly, hoping to break the uncomfortable silence.
Nathan glanced up briefly, his gray eyes meeting mine for a split second before returning to his work without a word.
Even knowing I’m just a means to an end for him–a vessel for creating his heir–I can’t control my attraction to him. When he touches me, my entire world ignites…
