Tasting The Enemy

Elaine POV

“The Ryker Alpha? Damn, he’s actually here?”

I nodded. This can’t be good. This means Nik’s here too. Did Blazer rat me out? He wouldn’t. He’s been so helpful lately and understanding but my Father was a hard man. He demanded respect and loyalty constantly.

I’d broken his sacred rules to always respect him and I wasn’t loyal. Not anymore.

My money was on Avena. No matter what I told my Dad about Avena he’d never believe me.

“Wait, are you sure we should go in there? These two hate each other!”

“I’m caught in the middle Rae. I should have married Neel and kept my mouth shut but I fell in love with Azaire.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I wouldn’t have batted a lash at the Alpha who braids his beard. You two have a beautiful thing going on.”

Dad didn’t see it that way neither did Nik. Our pack members might not agree either.

Rae sighed heavily. “Okay since we’re friends we go in together. Let’s go.”

It’s now or never, I thought.

“You’re not taking her anywhere!” Azaire’s voice boomed and met us at the door the second we walked in.

“She’s my daughter!” Dad shouted.

“She’s my mate. My fated mate.”

My heart jumped into my throat and I froze.

“Simple things a few words can take care of,” Avena said calmly.

Of course, the witch was here. Did she think I’d reject Azaire in her wildest dreams?

“You told me Elaine couldn’t find a fated mate because she was cursed. What the hell is this?” Dad demanded.

My jaw hung open. Avena told him what? That pushed me forward. I appeared in the living room full of angry Alpha wolves. Nik was beside his Father as always. The Shaw boys stuck together like glue.

“Dad, what are you doing here?”

“Don’t, Dad me! You’re a traitor, I should have you locked up or worse.”

His words hit me like a pot to the face. Rae lingered behind me now all eyes were on us including Nik and Blazer. Blazer looked uncomfortable beside Nik but he kept his mouth shut.

“Don’t talk to her like that,” Azaire snapped.

He crossed the room to tuck me under his arm but I knew this wouldn’t go our way. Dad stared at us in disgust.

“These monsters. They’re the reason so many wolf enhancers are going around!”

“Hey, don’t accuse us without proof,” Richie said firmly.

“We’ve got two suspects in custody right now. Wouldn’t be surprised if they sang your names like birds,” Lucas boasted.

I wasn’t sure he should have said that but it was too late and the problems were bigger now.

Dad left Avena’s side. The surprise was visible on her face. He stalked towards me but Azaire kept his stance.

“You’re coming home with me,” he ordered.

“No,” Azaire said for me. “You’re not laying a hand on her.”

“You can’t save her from the full moon. She’s cursed didn’t she mention? She’s a horrible creature in the eyes of the moon goddess and only her family can spare her the pain.”

“She’s also blessed, Laiken and you can’t deny that,”

I bit my bottom lip. That was another one of our secrets. Dad glared at me.

“You want to stay, Elaine? You want to switch sides? Okay, you can say goodbye to your brothers, your friends and all the information on your Mother.”

My heart slammed forward.

“Laiken,” Avena snapped.

He didn’t flinch. His aged eyes held my stare. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“You said she was dead,” my voice cracked.

“I didn’t say that. She’s alive. She thinks you’re dead.

My blood ran cold. I balled my hands into fists. How could he? Before I knew what I was doing my wolf’s anger spurred me forward.

I pushed passed Azaire and threw myself at my Dad. The only parent I’d ever known. I slammed my hands on his chest. He was the real monster. He didn’t want me in the first place. Why would he steal me from her?

Azaire’s hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me back. He held me to his arms and chest and caged me in his arms.

“It’s okay, baby. It’s all right.”

“No! It’s not all right. You’re a monster! A demon.”

He rolled his eyes as if my words were mere air. “Say what you like Elaine. Only I know where she is. You don’t even know her name.”

My lip trembled and my eyes glossed over.

“Low blow, Laiken,” Richie sighed.

Does it get lower than lying to a mother that her child is dead? She wasn’t even looking for me because she thought I was dead.

“Nik, Blazer, we’re going,” Dad ordered.

Like good little soldiers, they obeyed. At least Blazer had the guts to look at me as he walked passed.

“You’re just going to leave after dropping a bomb on me?” I yelled.

“What do you want Elaine? You’ve made your choice.”

“But-” a tear rolled down my cheek.

I felt Azaire’s hand on my waist. Just feeling his presence made my predicament harder. Avena glared at me from behind my Father. If I went with him I would be playing in her hands and she could easily kill me! Leaving Azaire was painful but not knowing who my Mother was was harder.

“Make a choice Elaine,” Dad snapped.

Azaire remained silent but his stare was hot on me. I turned to him with a tear-stained face. We just looked at each other. He didn’t want me to choose between him and my Mom.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

Dad’s hand wrapped around my arm yanking me away from Azaire. My wolf cried out as we were separated.