Tasting The Enemy

Elaine

“That is an odd and maybe rude question,” the stranger said.

“I think it’s really important.”

What if he didn’t know who his Dad was?

“It has nothing to do with why you feel so damn familiar,” he barked.

“Yes, it does! I have suspicions,” I said, biting the inside of my cheek.

“Care to share?” he raised a brow.

“That your Dad could be my Dad,” I said quickly.

He backed up and blinked as if someone threw sand on his face.

“That’s impossible I’m an only child,” he confessed.

“Are your parents together?”

He stared at me with confusion. “No but that doesn’t matter. My Dad’s an honest man. He’s never lied to me and if I had siblings he would tell me.”

My throat grew thick from a blend of emotions. “Is your Dad’s name Laiken?”

His eyes narrowed and his muscles tensed. It was true I knew from his reaction. He didn’t want it to be true but it was. This was my brother and he was a hybrid too!

Rage built inside me.

“What is wrong with that man?!” I shouted.

“Stop. You don’t know what you’re saying,” he said in disbelief.

“You’re not an only child you have two other siblings besides me.”

“You don’t know we share a dad for sure. Fuck, I’m out of here.”

“Don’t run away! Now I know you’re my brother because this is exactly what the other two do.”

He growled but continued marching.

“Please don’t go,” I pleaded.

He turned and threw his arms in the air. “What do you want from me? I don’t believe this.”

“I just want the truth. My Mom told me about you but it was the first time I heard about it. Laiken’s good at keeping secrets. He made my Mom believe I was dead all my life.”

“That doesn’t sound like my Dad.”

“He’s Laiken Ryker isn’t he?”

He ran a hand through his hair and growled. “Yes. I’m Lawrence Ryker.”

Oh goddess I have another older brother.

“Elaine!” Azaire barked.

I froze. Lawrence’s eyes narrowed. Azaire appeared he assessed the situation and turned on kill mode. I jumped in front of my mate to stop him.

“Relax! He’s my brother.”

“What? The Hybrid’s your brother?” Azaire asked.

Lawrence folded his arms and rolled his eyes. “Great, you know that.”

“Don’t the vamps know?” Azaire asked.

“No, only wolves can tell. I’ve been careful all this time I don’t need you two screwing things up for me.”

“Tell that to your Father,” Azaire spat.

Lawrence lunged at Azaire. I got between them and shoved Azaire backwards.

“It’s okay. We’re not going to cause any trouble. I’m a hybrid too except Dad never told me that.”

Lawrence looked disappointed. I understood though. He needed time to take this all in.

“I’ve got things to do,” he turned around and walked off.

I didn’t stop him though. If he needed me we would cross paths again.

“Your Dad’s a real piece of work, Elaine,” Azaire spat.

I growled. “Do you have to pick fights with all my family members?” I threw my arms in the air.

“What? You don’t even know him.”

“I know he’s my brother,” I crossed my arms.

Azaire closed the gap between us. He rubbed my arms and stared deep into my eyes.

“You’re insane.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I threw my arms in the air. “Why did you follow me?”

“Because you looked upset or something when you walked off.”

“I wasn’t upset that your fabulous ex-girlfriend showed up to hang out.”

He clenched his jaw. “Is my gorgeous girlfriend jealous?”

“No… I was more upset that I wasn’t involved in the daily running of the Pack back home. I was just an object to be married off. I want to be involved too. My dreams of being a doctor seem so far away now.”

“Don’t think that way, Elaine. You have a lot of time.”

He pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead.

“Winter’s here to help us. We’ve come up with a plan.”

“What plan?”

Azaire shifted uncomfortably. “The guys we caught at Luna’s family hotel led us to a small group working with witches. Oliver confirmed the information and Ross reconfirmed the information.”

“Do you trust your cousin?”

“No, but I trust Ross. The group’s coming in and out of Black Claw pack at a whim.”

“So we’re going back to Ophelia Falls?”

Azaire nodded. “We are. Besides, the Heat’s coming.”

“Oh…”

This would be my first Heat with a mate. It’s supposed to be intense for all wolves and incredibly special. I forgot about the event. The Heat took place at night when the full moon was out but the effects of Heat started the day of the full moon. Everyone was so touchy and sexually active. Heats were very lonely for me before I met Azaire and I never had a long-term boyfriend. Quin would always taunt me about how incredible her Heats were and she would push me to find someone and fuck them but it wasn’t that simple for me.

I wanted a real connection I guess a part of me was holding out for my mate and now he was here.

“Are you nervous about it?” Azaire tilted my head to meet his gaze.

“No, but it’s going to be special.”

“Of course it is. Might be intense too.”

I bit my bottom lip. “Yeah…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. I won’t hurt you.”

“I know you won’t but what’s the plan again?”

“We’re going to host a party and get someone to supply the wolf enhancers.”

“Are you sure that’s going to work?” I planted a hand on my hip.

“Yes, because Blazer’s going to help us.”

I bit my bottom lip. “I hope this doesn’t go sideways.”

“We have a little problem.”

“What now?”

“The party’s got to be the day of the Heat.”

Oh crap.