A Touch of Fear: Wolves of Ayorlyn Series: Book 1 (The Wolves of Ayorlyn)

by KC Kellersen

  This shocked me a little, I knew there was a reason I kissed her, but my thoughts were jumbled, and I couldn’t think straight. The only thing clear was fire building between us. But when I heard the cough coming from the doorway, it all snapped back into place. Alina jumped slightly and pulled her lips from mine. She rocked back on her heels. I kept my arms around her as I looked over towards the door. Ryan and Cord looked smug, and Dale looked downright shocked. I was right, he had caught my lie earlier. But now he was doubting himself.

  “Oh damn!” Ryan said.

  “What the hell are you guys doing here?” I asked a little harshly. I felt Alina trembling, so I gave her a little squeeze to reassure her. I wasn’t sure if it worked or not.

  “Uh, right… we were just leaving,” Ryan said with amusement in his eyes.

  When I heard the front door close behind them with a click, I released Alina and took a few steps back. Fynn was very irritated but he didn’t comment. I wouldn’t have listened anyways; I was waiting for Alina’s response. Afraid that fear would come back and replace the little bit of trust I began to see.

  “Care to share what that was all about?” Alina asked her cheeks flaming red. It made me happy to realize she didn’t have much experience with men.

  Remember your mate??

  He was definitely irritated with me, but it’s not like I had much choice. And he knew what happened and why, just as well as I did. Maybe he knew something I didn’t? I squashed the hope that flared, there was no room for hope in that area.

  You didn’t have to kiss her.

  Anything less would have caused suspicion. “Well, I might have used you as an alibi earlier when I went off to find the spy… obviously that was before I knew it was you. Luckily, it worked out for us. Now they won’t suspect you as the spy and involuntarily tell Lillian about it,” I explained. I watched her face, to try and read her emotions. The shock, embarrassment and confusion fell a little as I spoke then turned to amusement.

  “You used me as an alibi?” she asked with one dark blonde eyebrow raised. Shit, I didn’t think about how she would interpret that… Then again, how did I want her to interrupt that?

  “Uh… yeah. Look I am sorry about kissing you without permission, that’s not really a normal thing for me,” I said awkwardly.

  She laughed at my words and sat back down on the sofa. If anything, she seemed more relaxed than before. I smiled. That’s a good start, I just needed to earn her trust completely. Maybe hiding her from the alphas was the best thing that could’ve happened.

  “You might never live that down though. With what little I have seen of the guys, there is some major ribbing coming your way,” she said laughing again.

  “You have no idea.” There was probably money changing hands as we speak.

  “Tell me why Dale looked so confused? I know I have seen them all, one time or another, flirting with women out in the territories before. So, why that kiss should have confused him, confuses me.” Her cheeks reddened slightly again. Fierce and a little shy. Perfect.

  “You’ve seen them. Not me. They don’t have their wolf-spirit to berate them like I do. I haven’t exactly kept my views of their behaviors to myself over the past 10 years. So, for him to see me with you like that, was a bit of a shock,” I clarified. I wasn’t sure she would understand the complexity of having two different spirits inside one body, but it was worth a shot. At least the conversation wasn’t as awkward, or filled with anger, as I thought it would be.

  “Wait! They don’t have their wolf-spirits??” She looked absolutely horrified.

  “Oh, I guess I didn’t explain that earlier. Sorry. After we all got our wolf-spirits, Sarina bound our wolves inside us. Why it didn’t work on me is another mystery I don’t quite understand. I don’t usually talk about wolves with the guys, because I know it is painful for them. They feel the loss inside themselves and yearn to hear their other halves again.”

  “That’s so sad! So, not only do we have to figure out a way to undo the spell that Sarina uses to control the guys, we have to find a way to unbind their wolves as well.” We. My chest flared with hope, that would be enough for now. “it’s getting late and Irene will be on my ass harder than normal if I am late in the morning. I should go.”

  “Alright, I will be around tomorrow since I am supposed to be looking for a spy. I will come find you and we can make some more plans.” I hoped she would want to see me again. I needed her and she needed me. Plus, it was really nice to talk to someone openly. There was no doubt in my mind I could trust this girl, it felt nice to not have to worry about slipping information or having the wrong facial expression. Refreshing.

  “That sounds like a good plan.”

  I followed her down to the bottom of the tower and she slipped off down one of the hallways and out of site. When I returned, I didn’t go straight to bed. I laid on the sofa she had sat on in the library and let the events of the day unfold. I was up at the crack of dawn, rode hard all day, in a pretend ambush, gave the Queen the bad news, took care of the guys after the spell, confessed most of my secrets to the alphas, found the girl that freed me from Lillian’s commands, found out she’s the spy and oh yeah, and I kissed her. My mind lingered on the kiss, but I asked Fynn, what do you think of today’s events?

  Today is a day worth celebrating.

  Yeah, but the only person I could celebrate with, just left. I sighed and left the sofa. I showered and crashed into bed; the exhaustion quickly took over my body.

  ***

  Alina’s silver eyes bore into mine, no anger only lust. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her body close to mine. Her heart was racing as she reached her arms up over my chest. Her eyes dipped to my mouth and I breathed out her name as I lowered my mouth to hers, slowly. The anticipation was building. My lips pressed against her gently. Slowly. She opened for me and my tongue dueled with her. The slow movements turned fierce and she was suddenly beneath me. Her naked body completely covered with mine. She moaned my name pleading for me to move; With one thrust of my hips I filled her soft heat with my hard length. I moaned and closed my eyes with the immense pleasure.

  ***

  When I opened my eyes, I was in my bed. Alone. Though I was glad for the change in dream, a regretful groan escaped my lips as my groin throbbed with every heartbeat. I briefly thought about using my hand and imagination to finish where the dream left off, but the thought made me feel a little dirty. I could feel Fynn’s approval. But we were one, I could also feel his need for release. I couldn’t do it though. Alina was my friend now, and I wasn’t sure I could look her in the eyes if I did. I tried to dampen down my throbbing body.

  I left the bed and thoughts of Alina’s soft body behind, as I got ready for the day. For all appearances sake I had to look for a spy today. I waited for the redheaded servant to bring my breakfast up to my office, as was the normal routine when I was here.

  When I finished, I went to each of the alphas towers looking for them. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Alina, I just wanted to make sure we both didn’t end up with false information. She was right though, all three of them were gone, but breakfast plates had been delivered. Lillian didn’t think that through all the way. If the spy was part of the staff, they would notice their food hadn’t been touched, and they were nowhere around.

  Not that Alina ever cleaned the towers. Irene usually had her cleaning the main building. When thoughts of her brought the dream to the surface, I decided a trip to the market might help keep my wandering mind from straying too far. Where it shouldn’t go.

  I spent a couple hours talking to people down at the market but not many people were open to talking to me. There were enough whispers, that I caught the gist of the rumor going around. Apparently, me and the alphas killed the entire pack and all who lived in the Ironridge territory; Leaving not a single man, woman or child behind. If Lillian got word of this, she would make them believe it, use it to her advantage to control the other territories, to whateve
r sick end she had in mind. It made me sad to think that so many people would lose faith in the alphas because of this.

  I left the market and headed back for the castle, none of the staff was allowed to leave so it was easy to find everyone. I talked to every member of the staff, saving Irene and Alina for last. After yesterday’s interruption, I could hear Irene’s cruel words to Alina throughout the day. Each one made me grit my teeth, but I did my best to ignore them. I couldn’t interfere without making it worse and drawing attention to her and I. Unless I had a reason, that’s why I saved them for last.

  When I found them, they were in the second kitchen. The spotless one that no one used. Alina was, once more, cleaning the floor on her hands and knees. I could see the effort it was taking her physically but the fire in her eyes never dulled. She was pissed and hurt, but she was not breaking like Irene was aiming for. It made me proud, she was strong!

  “Irene, get out I need to talk to this servant.”

  “This broken little human?” she asked with anger and jealousy showing through her words. There was nothing broken about Alina. When I didn’t respond she continued with a purr in her voice “If you want to talk to a woman alone, I am the much better option here.”

  So gross.

  “Leave Irene,” I commanded, keeping the disgusted humor off my face. I couldn’t even imagine touching her, but for her to think she was a better option than Alina was laughable. I kept it in, barely, as she stormed from the room. As soon as she was out of ear shot, I finally let out a loud roaring laugh that had me doubled over.

  “What is so funny?” Alina asked with irritation.

  “Oh, I am sorry Alina. Here.” I extended my hand to help her off the floor. I had stopped laughing but I could keep the smile out of my voice, “I wasn’t laughing at you. That woman is delusional and quite frankly hilarious.”

  “Oh right, so funny,” she replied with heavy sarcasm.

  “Kitten, I wasn’t laughing at her comment about you. I was laughing because she actually compared herself to you. I’ll be on my best behavior promise.” I let the humor slip from my voice, and I asked her with more intensity than I meant, “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine.” She gazed into my eyes and I felt the memories of my dream back creeping in, I looked away briefly breaking the connection. When I looked back, she was still staring. An emotion flickered across her face, and I felt myself really being pulled back into the dream. Was that lust I saw? Probably just my imagination. Yeah, that’s all it was.

  “Alina don’t be mad at me. I thought we were friends?” I asked with sincerity, getting my brain back on the right track.

  “uhm... we are?” She looked a little startled, which was weird.

  “Yup, we are. Now, are you alright? And no lying this time,” I chastised gently.

  “I really am okay. I’ve got bruises covering almost every inch of my body, every muscle is achy, and I am completely exhausted. But I will be okay. Just two more weeks, I can deal with two more weeks.” That gave me an idea.

  “Are you done working?”

  “I am technically done with all my work, and hers. So, I could be finished, but it’s not ever over until Miss Trunchbull gets tired or someone interrupts us.” I roared out another laugh at the nickname. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who followed human movies and books. And apparently, she was not in the joking mood, she glared at me.

  “Alright consider yourself interrupted. I will take care of Irene. You go get a change of clothes, not this god-awful uniform, and meet me at my unit. I will be up there shortly. I have just the thing to make you feel better.” I ignored her look of panic and uncertainty and left the room.

  First, I headed for the guards at the gate. I left them a message that only Irene would be the only allowed to exit the castle. Second, I went back in search of Irene. I knew she couldn’t be too far from where Alina was supposed to be waiting for her. Sure enough, I heard her in the hall headed towards the second kitchen. I stopped her before she could enter and realize Alina was already gone.

  “Irene, we need to talk.” She stopped and turned towards me with hope in her eyes. I beat Fynn to the punchline this time. Gross!

  “Oh… did you finally change your mind?” she purred as she walked towards me.

  “No. There is a traitor amongst us. A spy. And one of the household servants is the suspected culprit. Since the gates have been closed to all staff, you will be the only one allowed access in or out of the castle gates. All the orders that should have been picked up, you yourself will need to go.” She groaned aloud. “You are the only one the Queen trusts.” I walked away from her and down the hall, to the kitchen.

  “Henry, will you have the servants deliver the alphas food to my unit tonight?” It was a risk since Irene would help have the food delivered. But if asked about it, I would just say I was covering for the Alphas having left early. I smiled as my plan fell into place. I headed towards my unit, hopefully to the woman waiting.

  Chapter 11

  Alina’s POV

  I hurried off to my room to change, with a lightness in my heart. He really did come back to talk to me today and even saved me from more time with Irene. I didn’t think I trusted him completely, but he was off to a good start. I wished I could trust my instincts with him, but I knew that my attraction to him was throwing me off. Damn icy blue eyes melted me.

  From the wardrobe, I grabbed a pair of black pants, a tee shirt and fresh undergarments. I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by an extra set of clean clothes. But whatever it was I hoped this was alright. I stopped at the washroom on my way to his unit, to clean up a little. What I really wanted was to wash away all the dirt and grime from cleaning on my hands and knees all day. It could wait until after spending some time with Oliver.

  With my bundle of clothes tucked in my arms, I checked the hall for Irene and snuck back towards Oliver’s unit. I had no idea what I would say as an explanation if anyone saw me. They would probably assume we were sleeping together. Well, wasn’t that what he let the alphas believe? I guess I could use that. Luckily though, I didn’t pass anyone on my way.

  I hesitated at the top of the steps, what if he really thought I was a human and wanted to have sex with me? A new fear ran through me, as well as excitement. I tamped both down and realized I was being ridiculous. Majorly ridiculous, on both parts. He said himself that it wasn’t normal behavior for him.

  With a boost of courage, I opened his door and went to the library. That was the only room I had been in, so I figured, it was a safe starting point for whatever he had in mind. I didn’t have to wait long until he came into the unit.

  “Alina?”

  “In here,” I called back. He came into the library and his eyes were alight with mischief. It was the same look his brother wore when he was up to no good. I eyed him with suspicion and asked, “Why did I need a change of clothes?”

  He laughed at my expression softly, “Don’t worry I won’t attack you again. I promise. I just have something here that you don’t have in the servants quarters. Come on, I will show you.” He walked back out of the library and I noticed he was carrying something in his hands. I couldn’t tell what it was, but let it fall to the back of mind as I looked around.

  Aside from the main entry and the library I hadn’t been in any of the units. I knew from the map that it was quite large but seeing it in person amazed me. This single floor of the tower alone was as big as the entire packhouse back home. The halls were wide just like the castle below. Unlike the main portion of the castle, the walls were drywalled and painted a light cream color, instead of block. The dark cream tile of the entry turned into plush carpet. Were the towers one of the more recent additions that my mother was talking about? Or maybe they were just renovated recently. Either way, it was beautiful.

  He pointed to a door as he passed it and said, “This is my suite here.” He didn’t stop or even hesitate at it, to my relief. He kept walking towards the next door, opened it a
nd walked inside. “This is another suite, but it has the largest bathroom. Inside you will find a large jetted tub. That should help with those aches and pains from dealing with Irene.”

  I wanted to scream with joy! I had only ever read about them. The rest of Ayorlyn didn’t have these types of amenities and I thought they just never made it across the shroud to the human world. Forgetting all my worries, I squealed in delight as I went into the room after him.

  The same carpet flowed into the room, but the walls were painted a light green in here. The large poster bed had a dark green covering and cream pillows. There was a small sitting area near the windows, but they were drawn tight. I bet the kingdom looked great from up here, but I didn’t get a chance to look; Oliver was gesturing to the open door inside the suite.

  I went in and he followed after me. He showed me how to work the tub, warning me that it could get too hot if I didn’t turn on the cold water. It was definitely a royal problem to have. After showing me where to find the towels he handed me the small package in his hands.

  “This is medicine that I use after I train. It is a muscle rub. If you rub it on your bruises and sore muscles after you get out of the bath, it will help them heal. Come back to the library when you are done, dinner should be up shortly.” He left the room and closed both doors behind him as he went.

  I surveyed the washroom. The tile that covered the floor matched the cream tile in the entry, but the walls had a white tile all the way to the ceiling. I ran my hands over the smooth white counters as I walked towards the tub. I turned the water on hot and quickly realized he was right, too hot. I added the cold water to even it out. When it was just cool enough that it didn’t burn my fingers, I let the tub fill.