Barbara’s Book
“Are you ready for the tour?” Frost asked, his tone friendlier now that Kaius was gone. “There’s much to see in Ravenhollow
The thought of being paraded around the pack, subject to stares and whispers, made my skin crawl. “Is there a library here?” I asked hesitantly. “Something quieter pethaps?”
Surprise flickered across his face. “Of course, why? Not much for crowds?”
“I… I need to pick up some books to read; that’s if it’s allowed,” I added, suddenly self–conscious. “I’ve always found comfort in reading.”
Frost smiled gently. “I wonder who goes to the library in this modern time. Most wolves prefer screens now. He gestured toward the door. “And yes, it is allowed; let’s go.”
As we stepped into the hallway, anxiety crept up my spine. “Could we go through the routes that are less crowded? I’m not ready for all the attention.”
He nodded in understanding. “That’s why you won’t take a tour? You don’t like the stares? They’re just curious about their new
Luna.”
“Yes, I would learn to endure those when I settle in,” I said, attempting to sound more confident than I felt. “Just… not today.”
Of course,” he assured me. “There is a private library close by; no one really goes in there.”
Relief washed over me. “That would be perfect, thank you.”
We walked in companionable silence through a series of less–traveled corridors. Frost moved with easy confidence, occasionally pointing out a notable feature or piece of art. Unlike Kaius’s oppressive presence, his company felt almost… comfortable.
“Here we are,” he said finally, pushing open an ornate wooden door.
The library beyond was smaller than I’d expected, but beautiful–all dark wood shelving, leather–bound books, and a large window seat overlooking the mountains. The scent of old paper and leather filled the air, instantly soothing.
“Take your time,” Frost said, settling into an armchair near the door. And maybe we can get you something to eat when we return.”
I wandered among the shelves, trailing my fingers along the spines. History books, classic literature, treatises on pack law all meticulously organized. In a far corner, partially hidden behind a larger volume, I spotted a thin book with a worn leather cover. Curious, I pulled it out.
“Barbara’s Fantasies,” the gold–embossed title read. I opened it to a random page and felt heat rise to my cheeks. It was a personal diary that described, with explicit detail, an intimate encounter between a she–wolf and her Alpha. I couldn’t stop reading, my eyes growing wider – I was shocked but somehow drawn to the vivid descriptions and wild fantasies.
“Elowen? You alright? You look a bit flushed. Found something interesting?”
I snapped the book shut, tucking it quickly among the history volumes I’d selected. “Yes, yes, I am done; we may leave. I’ve found enough to read.”
Frost rose from his chair, looking relieved. “So soon? This might be my lucky day.”
As we left the library, he glanced at the small stack of books in my arms. “What books did you pick? Anything I might know?”
“Just some history books,” I lied, acutely aware of the contraband hidden among them. “Nothing special.”
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Barbara’s Book
“You are into those? History of the packs?” he asked, seeming genuinely interested.
I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. “There wasn’t much to select from. I take what I can get.”
Back in Kaius’s room, Frost arranged for food to be brought. Soon, a thaid arrived with a tray faden with fresh bread, cold meats, cheese, and fruit. My stomach growled at the sight, reminding me how long it had been since I’d eaten properly.
Frost noticed my reaction. “When had been the last time you ate? You seem pale.”
I hesitated, then answered honestly. “A few days
ago.”
“Days?” His voice rose in shock.
I nodded, uncomfortable with his reaction. things were.”
used to it. I was born an omega; I am used to staying days without food. It’s how
I saw anger in his ice–blue eyes. “Omegas are to
fed too, just like every other. That’s barbaric.”
“Not in the Mistwood Pack,” I said with a shrug, though his indignation on my behalf touched something deep within me. “That’s just how it was.”
“It would be different here,” he said firmly, his voi
carrying a genuine promise. “I give you my word.”
As we ate–or rather, as I tried not to devour everything like a starving animal–I studied Frost covertly. His kindness was unexpected in Kaius’s Beta, the man who should be unquestioningly loyal to an Alpha I was increasingly certain was dangerous.
“This is nice,” I said, gesturing to the food, the peaceful quiet of the room, the momentary sense of safety.
He nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “I agree.”
“Did Kaius tell you about the party?” he asked after a comfortable silence.
“The one at sundown? Yes, he did,” I confirmed, dread already building at the thought.
Frost looked thoughtful. “Oh, that’s good.”
Something in his tone made my stomach clench. “It’s just a party… Right?” My voice trailed upward with growing uncertainty.
Frost hesitated, watching my reaction carefully. “It is a party, but no, it is not just that. It is the joining ritual. Something more… significant.”
“Joining Ritual?” Alarm shot through me. “He hadn’t told me anything about that. Not a single word.”
Frost ran a hand through his silver–blond hair, frustration evident on his face. “I knew it; damn Kaius, he didn’t see the need to give you a little heads up at least? That’s not fair to you.”
“What is the joining ritual, Frost?” I demanded, my food forgotten. When he didn’t immediately answer, I pressed harder. “Just tell me straight.”
He sighed, resignation in his ice–blue eyes. “Okay, he would be marking you. Putting his mark on you as his mate.”
“What?” The word came out as barely more than a whisper.
“That’s expected of you both as ‘mates,” he explained, the slight emphasis on the last word reminding me of our charade.
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Anger flared through me. “He Didn’t tell me a Thing about that; he did this on purpose.”
Frost’s expression confirmed my suspicion. I studied his face, sensing there was more. “There is more you aren’t telling me.”
He looked away briefly before meeting my gaze again. “You are to be marked before the whole pack, and there could be some… other things involved.”
My heart began to pound. “What other things, Frost?”
“He is an Alpha wolf; during the joining, his hormones spike up, and most of the time, the Alpha and his mate are required to be…” he trailed off, clearly uncomfortable.
“Intimate… as in…” I couldn’t bring myself to
say it.
“Sex. Yes. His bluntness left no room for misinterpretation..
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