The Alpha's Hunt Chapter 154

Nora and I walked around outside the castle for a while- circle after circle, and I could feel the eyes of several Guards on us the entire time. She told me about her parents, her life of abuse and neglect after they died, and how she came to care for the pups in the pack like she was their mother. It was, unfortunately quite common for rogues to perish quicker than a pack-bound wolf. Some were killed hunting for food and getting caught by warriors of other packs, while others were killed internally by the leader of said rogue pack.

It was horrific and sad but a part of their everyday life. Many pups lost their parents at a young age. Most fatalities happened during fights when the rogues tried to take over other territories.

I asked her questions about her pack and the members to try and get a clear picture but it sounded chaotic. There was no real leadership and they lived for the day rather than planning for tomorrow.

“It’s good they’re here then, right?” I said. 

Her pack had been granted permission to camp inside the border of the Lycan pack a while ago and though trouble had stirred, they were still there and could relax instead of always being on guard. But Nora didn’t seem too happy about it.

“I guess,” she shrugged a creaseless shoulder but the ghosts in her eyes told me there was more. I couldn’t push her on it though, it felt wrong to pry and I could just hope that she would share it one day. 

After making our fourth round around the palace I heaved a sigh and reached out for the water bottle in her hand but Nora jerked it away.

Her eyes widened a fraction and she looked startled by her own response. She was always particular about her drinks and we never shared which was fine but- I mean, I didn’t need to let my lips touch it.

“I’m thirsty,” I whined and cocked my head, “you can pour it into my mouth if you don’t want my germs,” I said.

Her stiff smile weirded me out and she giggled forcefully.

“Let’s just go inside and get you something to drink,” 

I narrowed my eyes and nodded.

It was weird but we all had strange quarks. As I said, she had never been one to share- not drinks at least.

We grabbed a glass container filled with lemon water from the kitchen and the chef put a plate of chips with ground beef in front of us- he winked at me and walked back to preparing dinner.

I loaded on a good amount of meat and moaned when the flavors danced on my palette. This was my favorite thing of his, it was easy and fatty- the perfect combo.

That joyful feeling only lasted a second though before my stomach turned and the food grew in my mouth. I widened my jaw without parting my lips. I couldn’t spit it out, that would be rude and the chef was standing right there. 

“Are you okay?” Nora whispered and I shook my head. 

We looked around for a napkin, I refused to let her ask for one, and Nora’s face twisted in worry.

“Oh my god, you’re turning green!” She wheezed and put her hand under my mouth. “Spit it out,” 

Ew no.

I shook my head- maybe I could just run to the bathroom and spit it out there. But then I felt my breakfast rushing up and I gagged. My mouth opened and I spat the food out in Nora’s hand. She closed her fist and walked over to the trash, wiping her hands off, and closed the lid.

The meat tasted weird, maybe the chef put other spices in this time. 

“Taste it,” I said and gave her a chip. Nora chewed on it and shook her head unknowingly.

“It tastes like it always does,” she moaned and ate another one. “The chef is a genius!” She exclaimed and the chef’s shoulders shook as he laughed over the stove. 

He really was. I had never eaten anything that I didn’t like and the chef even made a mental note the first time I ate his ground beef, it was more of an experience rather than a dinner. 

I looked at Nora chowing down on the snack- particularly at her hand that she just let me spit my food into.

“You’re not afraid of germs,” I said.

Her frowning and the wrinkle between her brows made it clear that she didn’t know what I was getting at.

“You will let me spit out food in your hand,” I said quietly, “but you won’t share your water with me. Why?” 

There was still meat lodged in my teeth and every time the flavor returned I chugged down the lemon water to clean it out.

“I just don’t like to share drinks,”

“But my saliva and chewed food is alright?” 

“Yes,” she said sharply.

I dropped the subject and Nora took the plate as we headed out.

***

The following days were spent preparing, practicing, planning, and violently avoiding anyone who tried to hover over my shoulder. 

They were treating me like I was a helpless little mouse but who was it that survived this hell hole? Who took on the Lycan King’s most feared sides and survived? Me! 

I stood alive and thriving so I needed people to back the fuck off. It didn’t help that Darian had put Lauren on my ass like a shadow, following my every move in case I would need protection. Just for fun I teased him one night and asked if he could put Tam on my watch instead so that I would at least have something nice to look at. Didn’t go over too well and since then no male Guard has been allowed within three meters of me. 

When I couldn’t sit still anymore and the sight of the book I had been reading for four hours made me angry, I decided to take a walk around the palace. 

The palace was never as loud as it was right now with Guards and maids running around like they were in a maze. I saw my sister rushing out from around the stairs with Kiera hot on her tail and Elise breathless behind them. 

“Come back here!” Elise said sternly. Her tone caught my attention; she was never stern.