Untamed - Book 1

“Ah, Cora. You smell as delightful as ever. It has been far too long.” The deep, sinister voice calls out from within the circle of wolves.

“Darius, it has been a while, hasn’t it?” I walk closer and the wolves slowly part, revealing to me a face from my past that could only be present if he is bringing bad news. Darius is the lord of the vampire court and during my time on the run, I had done many jobs for him in exchange for supplies and security. He is a generous man, but a dangerous one as well. His tall, slender frame, pale skin, pitch black hair and red eyes make him look handsomely frightful.

“What are YOU doing here?!” The alpha growls from behind me. He takes a step forward, placing himself beside me and I place a hand on his arm. I feel his body relax slightly under my touch and I can feel his eyes shift to me.

“I came to speak with Cora. I have some information for you that I am sure you would not wish for our audience here to be privy to.”He gestures with his hands to the patrol surrounding him.

“I will go with you, but you can’t harm this pack.” I looks at me with a raised brow before looking at the alpha.

“I am not here to take you, Cora, and I have not come to harm this pack. I have come with information and a warning.” I turn to the alpha, my hand still resting on his arm.

“Please, I need to hear what he has to say.” I can sense his unease, but he places a hand over the top of mine.

“We will escort him to the cabin.” I nod and mouth a quick thank you before motioning for Darius to follow me. We walk to the cabin with the patrol still standing guard around us, not that they would be a match for Darius. The fact that they are still standing is proof that he did not come with the intent to harm anyone. We walk into the cabin and the alpha dismisses the patrols, insisting they return to their stations.

“What information do you have Darius?” He stands with his back to me as he studies the pictures on the wall.

“Are you sure he should be here, Cora?” I look at the alpha, assessing my next choice carefully.

“Yes.” Darius turns with an amused expression and I notice his gaze travel down to the ring on my finger.

“How is that working for you? Has it suppressed your…nature?” I fold my arms over my chest, tucking my hands out of sight.

“It has done as intended, yes.” He takes a step toward me, his eyes searching mine for something before a strange smile forms on his face.

“Such a shame. Denying yourself power and happiness and for what?” I step closer, my anger burning in my eyes.

“You know exactly why, Darius. Why are you here?” He chuckles darkly and moves to sit in the chair.

“He is coming for you, Cora. You won’t be able to hide much longer. Do you remember the Silver Light Coven?” I feel my heart drop as I nod slowly.

“Yes.” His strange smile drops and his expression becomes cold.

“He laid waste to the entire coven. He is getting closer.” I take a deep, steadying breath and let my thoughts focus on the present.

“Once I finish here, I will have to leave. Luca warned me, but I didn’t realize how close he was getting.” Darius stands up and walks over to me, pulling me into his arms.

“Even after all these years, he still watches over you. When you finish here, I want you to come stay with me. We will come up with a plan. I will not let him get to you, Cora.” He releases me and offers what is meant to be a reassuring smile, but his fangs dull the intent slightly.

“I will contact you when my task here is complete.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze then directs his attention to the alpha.

“Please take care of her alpha.” The warning in his tone is clear, but to my surprise, the alpha simply nods. We watch as Darius slowly fades into a black mist, dissipating until nothing remains.

“If he was able to do that,” He points to the place where Darius had just vanished, “Then why did he enter the pack lands the way he did? Why not just poof in?” I bite back my laughter at his question.

“He was trying to show that he was here peacefully. He was showing you respect.” He raises a brow, likely not believing someone like Darius to be capable of being respectful.