Saving Ellie (Lycans Book 1)

by Whitney R. B.

  Even though he brought it up, it doesn’t look like he actually wants to teach me. It makes my answer even easier. I shake my head. “No, it’s okay. I don’t mind you hearing them. But only you.”

  Ash places a kiss on my forehead. “Of course, no one else will be able to.”

  Russell walks into the room, and I slip off of Ash so Russell can hand both me and Ash a mug. Russell bends down and whispers something into Ash’s ear. Ash’s gaze collides with mine as I take a tentative sip of the hot chocolate.

  “What is it?” I whisper.

  Ash sets his cup on the coffee table. “They found Marcus.”

  My eyes narrow on him. “I thought we were taking a break?”

  “We were—are. They weren’t.”

  I give Russell a pointed look and ask, “Where is he?”

  “Italy,” Russell answers.

  “What is he doing there?” In all the years I lived with Marcus, he never traveled outside the country. He rarely traveled inside the country until I escaped.

  “There’s a pack there that’s run by an Original.”

  From what I learned about Originals and purebloods, he would have had to take the blood of one of the Elites. “Do you think the Original knows what Marcus has been up to?”

  “I’m sure Morbal orchestrated it,” Ash says this time with a scowl. “I had a feeling it was him behind it, but we still don’t know anything for sure. Just that Marcus is secretly a part of his pack.”

  “It’s no wonder he’s been able to get away with this for so long,” Foster says on the other couch, sitting beside Alice, his arm outstretched behind her.

  My memories are hazy, but after that dream I had… “What are Original lycans called when they are alpha?” I ask.

  “Head alpha,” Ash answers. “Why?”

  The blood drains from my face as I place my mug next to Ash’s. It couldn’t be, right? It’s too much of a coincidence. Could Marcus really be acting under an Original? What are we really up against? Marcus isn’t a pureblood and yet we’ve had a difficult time with him. How are we supposed to defeat an Original that’s also an alpha?

  “Ellie?” Ash shifts closer, concern in his eyes as he takes my hands.

  “If we’re up against an Original, what do we do?” I ask.

  “We’ll probably have a battle on our hands if we go there,” Russell says.

  “But we are going there, right?”

  Ash’s gaze doesn’t leave mine. “We are. We’re pretty sure he’s been the one killing purebloods and draining them of their blood.”

  “Don’t forget the disappearances of lycans, witches, and stryxes as well,” Sophie says, taking a wide berth from Russell as she walks into the room and sits on the other side of our couch.

  “Wait, how long has this been going on?” I ask. “And why has no one done anything about it?”

  “Because no one had the right leads,” Ash says. “No one still does, except for us. If Marcus wasn’t so hung up on you, and if we never met, you would still be on the run and my parents’ murder case would still be cold.”

  “But what about Morbal’s other lackeys?” I ask. “I’m sure Marcus isn’t the only one.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, but there’s no way to know who they are unless we go to the source, and even then it’s not likely,” Foster says, and Alice beside him fidgets with the blanket that’s wrapped around her. “It’s better to take out the main guy and slowly find the others. If we can’t, we’ll just wait until they resurface. Those with dodgy intentions just can’t help themselves. And when they make a mistake, we’ll be there to nick them.”

  I blink. Sometimes his phrases take a moment for me to understand. “But you all knew about the disappearances and the murders?”

  “Yes, but we haven’t been able to connect them to one person,” Ash says, looking around the room before meeting my gaze again.

  “We did know of some strange disappearances going on and that it was likely they were connected with the killings,” Sophie says.

  “We aren’t sure they’re connected,” Russell says, giving Sophie a sharp look, which she ignores.

  Everything they say just convinces me more that Marcus isn’t at the head, but maybe Morbal... “I think they’re connected. Marcus and Morbal. Before I ran away—at least I think it could be Morbal who Marcus was talking to—they talked about bringing me somewhere. I think that’s why he’s still after me…for my blood.”

  “Why wouldn’t they just drain you like everyone else?” Foster asks.

  “No idea.” I bite my lip. “It could be someone else, too, I just know Marcus was talking to someone on the phone after tasting my blood, and called them head alpha. And the person wanted to come get me.”

  Ash scowls. “I don’t like the sound of that. But it confirms our suspicions. Marcus isn’t working alone and is under an Original’s control. If you think it was Morbal and they were the ones that killed our parents and wanted to kidnap you…it ties the murders and kidnappings together. It seems like our next step is to start a war. If there are others still alive, we need to save them.”

  “And stop the killings,” Foster adds, and Ash nods.

  I swallow. This is getting real. Are there even enough of us to start a war and win? And how many does Morbal have under his belt? “Morbal is an Original lycan and still alive. Are there other Original lycans willing to help us? Or could they be involved with him as well?”

  “The ones who got along with Morbal have passed, from what I’ve heard,” Ash says. “The ones that might help us are Arlo Wagner, Sophie and Foster’s grandfather, and Layland Lancaster and Harriette Fletcher, Foster’s other grandparents.” Ash’s gaze moves to Foster, then Sophie. “Any ideas if either of your grandparents would help us?”

  Foster and Sophie share a look before Sophie answers. “They both probably would. Arlo is a bit old school, so he’ll probably want to be more involved than the others. I’m also pretty sure him and Morbal have had disputes in the past. Foster and I will contact them this coming week.”

  “Why hasn’t Arlo taken action, then?” Russell asks, still standing with his arms folded in front of him.

  Sophie turns her head away from him, refusing to speak. I look between them. Have I missed something?

  Foster rolls his eyes at them with an exasperated sigh. “Probably for the same reason we haven’t. One pack alone won’t be able to defeat him, and no one has had proof. We wouldn’t have been able to do anything either if Ash wasn’t the alpha.”

  “When do we plan on going then?” I ask.

  Ash frowns. “I rather you not go, but I know you won’t be okay with that. I was thinking in February. Gives us enough time to train you some more and to ask others for help, but not too long for Morbal to get suspicious.”

  “You’ll also need to choose a new lead warrior,” Sophie says. “I’ll need to be fully invested in my role as delta.”

  Ash nods. “Of course. After the funeral we can all talk about who should be the new leads.”

  My stomach drops. I forgot about the funeral. Sam and another wolf I didn’t know were killed. We’ll be burying the other lycans that died as well, but in a different location.

  Ash and I decided it would be best to wait until after Christmas, give everyone a time to enjoy the holiday and get things prepared. And now that I’m probably a part of the alpha couple with Ash, I should learn the names of the pack members. Not sure how I’m going to memorize five hundred members, though.

  “I’m going,” Alice speaks up, drawing everyone’s attention. She’s been silent this entire time until now.

  Foster turns a sharp glare on her. “No, you’re not. You’re still healing, Alice.”

  She scowls. “I’m going. I’ve learned to fight and have gotten pretty good at it. I held my own against three lycans just two days ago.”

  “Yes, and look how close to death that put you.”

  “That’s only because I was alone.” She pouts and his eyes
soften.

  “But you’re still injured, Alice.” He turns more toward her. “And I can’t handle finding you like that again. You could’ve died.”

  “I know, but I don’t even have to fight. I can be in the back helping those that get injured.” Alice looks over to Ash and me. “I just want to go.”

  Ash and I lock gazes. “I think it would be wrong to try to keep her away. She deserves to go wherever she wants,” I say.

  Ash nods in agreement and looks at Alice and Foster. “It’s ultimately her decision, Foster. But I think being with the healers is the best choice if you do decide to go, Alice. Along with Ellie.”

  “No.”

  Ash peers back at me, squeezing my hands. “I can’t lose you,” he says softly. “I almost did. You need more training, especially in wolf form, before you can go into battle.”

  I close my eyes. I know he’s right. Having almost died a week ago, it would be stupid to not listen. But there’s this need inside of me that has to be there to make sure Marcus meets his end. Reopening my eyes, I stare at him in determination. “If I train this next month, will you let me be more involved?”

  His eyes peer into mine, shifting between them. He relaxes against the couch with a sigh. “Fine.”

  I arch a brow. “You didn’t put up much of a fight.”

  A corner of his mouth tugs up slightly. “I didn’t expect to win in the first place.”

  We stop talking about Marcus and Morbal for the rest of the movie—Sophie chided us for discussing it on Christmas.

  She moves to the other couch with Alice and Foster while Russell sits in the recliner. I spread out, and Ash takes my feet, placing them on his lap. He gives them and my calves a much-needed massage.

  After the movie ends, Ash waits until everyone leaves before speaking. “I have something to give you.” He looks nervous, but a wave of jitters hit me as well. Sophie wasn’t able to get me the watch—it needs to be fixed first. Besides, no one brought gifts today, so I thought maybe I would be okay.

  “I don’t have anything for you,” I say, wringing my hands.

  Ash stands. “I wasn’t expecting anything,” he says as he helps me up. “I also have somewhere I’d like to show you.”

  “We’re going somewhere?”

  He nods. “I haven’t been able to keep my word and take you out on an official date. So, Ellie”—he faces me, taking both of my hands in his—“will you go on a date with me?”

  My mouth slightly parts. Who knew such a simple question would get my heart racing? I swallow and nod. “I’d love to.”

  A grin appears on his face, reaching his eyes. “I have two gifts for you.” He keeps one of my hands and leads me to his room where I find two wrapped presents waiting. “You can open them.”

  Grabbing one, I eye Ash while peeling the paper off. Underneath the wrapping is a white paper box. I lift the lid to find multiple sets of underwear—bra and panties. At least five of each in different colors. I blink then look up at Ash, seeing an underlining red tint under his light-brown skin.

  “Uh, thank you?” I say, my own cheeks heating up.

  He briefly averts his gaze with a hand palming the back of his neck. “They are the magic-infused ones I promised you. They won’t shred when you shift.”

  “Oh.” My eyes widen. I had forgotten about them. I set the box on the ground and shrink the distance between us and hug him. “Thank you so much.”

  He clears his throat and wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. “You’re welcome.”

  Removing myself from him, I grab the other present and find another white paper box underneath. I silently hope it’s not more underwear—I might die from embarrassment.

  Instead, I find a cute high-waisted pink and green two-piece swimsuit. Why would I need a swimsuit in the middle of winter?

  “Why don’t you try it on? I’m going to head to the bathroom and grab my suit while you do.”

  And just like that, he’s in the bathroom.

  I stare at the swimsuit. I guess this place he’s taking me to includes water.

  There’s no door, but since he’s already seen me naked, I try to ignore my nerves and take my clothes off and put on the swimsuit. I’m not really sure where we’d go swimming during this time of year. Must be somewhere indoors. Peering over my shoulders, I let out a sigh when I see some of my scars peeking out between the fabrics. Thankfully most of it is covered. If this was a bikini it would be a different story. I put my clothes back over my suit.

  “All done?” Ash asks, still inside the bathroom just as I finish pulling down my shirt.

  A smile forms on my face. He’s still showing me respect by giving me privacy. It’s only been that one time we’ve been intimate, but he must sense I’m still insecure about my body. Even though he made me feel so loved and special that night.

  “Yes, I’m done.”

  Ash comes out in black and blue swim trunks and a white t-shirt with a bag over one shoulder. “Ready?” he asks as he holds out a hand.

  I nod and take his hand. He gives me just enough time to stick my feet in a pair of boots and grab a coat before leading me outside and into his truck. The inside is already warm. Did he have someone come start it for us?

  He leans over the middle console and places the bag in the back on the floor before driving away from his house. The drive isn’t too long, only about ten minutes. We do most of it off-roading on a dirt path. When he stops, we’re in a small field, no buildings in sight.

  After we get out, Ash takes me by hand and leads me away from the field and through the trees. Different thoughts on what it could be filter through my mind.

  And although I shouldn’t be surprised that one of my guesses was right—I am. But it’s so much more than what I was expecting.

  “Is this on your land?” I gasp out, my eyes wide.

  The hot spring has large rocks and boulders almost completely enclosing it, giving a sense of privacy. Only one spot is clear of them, just wide enough for us to enter.

  The rocks and pine trees that surround us are covered in snow, but someone has already shoveled the snow away from the entrance to the spring to create a path that leads to a small circular wooden pavilion off to the side, with a few tables underneath.

  “It is.” Ash takes me straight to the hot spring, dropping the bag next to one of the rocks. He drops my hand and grabs the back of his shirt. I hold my breath as he takes it off and I can’t stop staring. His beautiful skin and hair contrast with the snow. His muscles bunch and move as he folds and places his shirt in the bag. He’s all muscle. He turns and grins when he sees me. His eyes travel the length of my body. “Are you going to take those clothes off?”

  My cheeks heat and fidget with my coat. How am I supposed to undress—even with a swimsuit underneath—while he stares at me?

  “Turn around,” I say. He arches a brow. “Please?”

  He chuckles. “I could help you. It’s not like I haven’t before.”

  I send him a glare. “Ash.”

  He smiles but turns around.

  With shaky hands, I remove my clothes and shoes, and clench them to my chest.

  “Okay,” I say.

  He turns around and eyes my bundle of clothes. “Here, let me take that from you.” I let him take them and watch as he puts it into his backpack.

  I clasp my hands in front of me as nerves get the best of me and look out on the water, watching the steam rise into the cool air.

  Soon, Ash’s body heat draws closer, and my cheeks grow warmer. He stops right beside me. I inhale sharply, his fingers lightly grazing up my arms and across my shoulder.

  Ellie. Butterflies flutter inside as I hear his voice in my mind.

  My breath hitches when his lips brush where he marked, sending goosebumps across my skin. He groans and lifts his head. Placing his hands under my jaw, he nudges my face to him. You look beautiful.

  His features turn golden in the setting sun. Looking into my eyes, I’m mesmerized at all
the love and adoration in his gaze. I’m overcome with emotions. How did I get to be so lucky to have someone look at me like this?

  “I love you,” spills from my lips.

  His eyes light up. “I love you too, Ellie,” he says and touches his lips to mine, stealing the air from my lungs. Sparks fly across our lips and warmth spreads from the top of my head to the tips to my toes. Too soon he leans away, and I take a shaky breath.

  “Let’s get in,” he says softly.

  I let him lead me into the water. Although, I no longer need its warmth. The water laps at our feet as we walk in together. As I sink in, I let my body relax and close my eyes. The water is almost too hot, even with my new tolerance to the cold and heat.

  “Ellie,” Ash says, his voice husky. I open my eyes to find him standing tall in the water, steam rising off his skin. He clears his throat. “Turn around, please.”

  My brows scrunch together, but I stand and turn around. He pulls me against him and lowers us both back into the water.

  His hands trail over my shoulders and across my scars. “You’re so beautiful, Ellie darling. Every single part of you. I want to dote on you. To make you feel loved and cherished,” he says, starting to gently massage my sore muscles. He begins at my shoulders and makes his way down my back. Taking his time, he makes sure he hits every spot. When he gets to my lower back, my chest tightens as a sudden wave of tears threaten to spill. He always makes me feel so loved. No one has ever shown this level of devotion to me before.

  Ash’s hands still. “Is this not okay? You’re tensing up.”

  I give him a quick shake of the head. “Thank you,” I say softly.

  “For what?”

  “For loving me.”

  He gently turns me around. Keeping one hand on my hip, the other comes up and caresses my face. “You don’t need to thank me, Ellie. It’s easy to love you, and I always will. I plan on showing you just how much for the rest of our long lives. This is just the beginning.”

  “So…does that mean I’m an alpha now? That we’re…the alpha couple?”

  He hesitates, searching my eyes with a furrow of his brows. “Is that not what you want?”