Chapter 64: 65: Playing Hooky

ARIEL

“A-TEN-HUT!” Steve shouts at the line of warriors in the open field outside the barracks. “PRESENT, ARMS!”

The warriors unsheathe their swords and hold them at the ready.

“CLOSE RANKS, SQUADRON!”

The warriors assemble into a tight circular battle formation and point their swords outward.

I smile from my seat across the field as I see how far the squad has come under Steve’s command.

~My squad…~

Steve took over the training of my warrior squad when I took up a different kind of training.

~Luna~ training.

I wish I was over there with them right now…

Grunting out drill commands.

Running through defense maneuvers.

Listening to the satisfying sound of steel against steel.

Rolling around in the—

Snapping fingers in front of my face pull me out of my daydreams.

Dianne clicks her tongue. “Ariel, pay attention. Your focus is dreadful.”

“I never have trouble focusing in the heat of battle,” I mutter under my breath.

My attention returns to the tea party that I’m being forced to endure, a stark contrast to the fighting happening several hundred feet away.

I was also forced—literally—into the dress I’m wearing.

It’s so tight at the top that I can barely breathe.

But it’s so loose at the bottom that I feel completely vulnerable to attack.

~This thing was NOT designed for battle.~

Most people would think that armor is the more restrictive clothing, but not me.

Give me a durable breastplate and leather pants over this frilly nonsense any day of the week.

“Afternoon tea is a pivotal weapon for a queen to have in her arsenal,” Dianne says as she places a shiny teapot in the center of the table. “It’s the perfect way to gather all the juiciest pack gossip.”

Dianne referring to this tea party as a “weapon” only makes me wish I had an actual sword in my hand, and not a porcelain teacup.

My wolf is whining, restless to fight with the other warriors.

~Quiet,~ I hiss at her. ~I don’t like it either, but we agreed that we have to do this for Alex.~

“Now, the proper way for a hostess to greet her guests is—” My wolf starts whimpering even louder, and it drowns out Dianne’s voice.

“Dianne,” I say sharply. “I think I could use a break.”

~Or my wolf is going to give me a migraine.~

“Fine, but don’t be too long,” she says. “Maria will be here with the other ladies soon.”

“Can’t wait,” I say sarcastically as I jump up from the table.

I retreat into the gardens where I can get some alone time, and my wolf finally calms down.

I hate that I’m shirking warrior duty for tea and scones… It just doesn’t feel right.

I sit down on a stone bench near a wall of roses and pull out my phone.

~I need my best friend’s perspective.~

Ariel

Hey, how’s the Scripture Pack?

Ariel

I wish you were here

Amy

It’s great but I can’t wait to get back home!

Amy

Honestly I miss the hell out of you!

Amy

At least we’ll see each other soon for my mating ceremony!

Amy

It’s going to be so freaking beautiful having it at the palace ✨

Amy

And of course the bachelorette party 😏🎉👯‍

Ariel

I can’t wait! I need you here.

Ariel

Dianne and Natalia are driving me crazy

Amy

Oh goddess, I can only imagine

Ariel

And I’m taking luna lessons…

Ariel

To teach me how to be a proper queen

Amy

Ewww, WHAT??

Amy

😨😨😨

Amy

That doesn’t sound like you AT ALL

Ariel

Well, a lot has changed in the Royal pack since you’ve been gone

Ariel

And I’m having a hard time keeping up…

Amy

Well, don’t let the bastards get u down (or bitches in Natalia’s case)

Amy

Just stay true to you, girl ❤️

Amy

And if luna duties have you too busy to kick Natalia’s ass, I’ll do it for you

Ariel

Haha thanks Amy

Ariel

I know you always have my back

I put away my phone and sigh. I’d better get back to afternoon tea before Dianne sends a search party.

But at least Amy’s words give me some strength. ~Stay true to you.~

~I’ll do my damnedest.~

ALEX

“Dom, she’s heading for the swords!” I shout as little Camelia crawls toward a display of ornamental weapons.

Dom lunges across my office and scoops up his daughter in his arms just before she pulls down a battle-axe.

“Goddess, how did this kid get so fast,” Dom pants as Camelia giggles.

“Maybe we just got slower,” I say, sinking into my chair. “Helena is going to kill you if one hair is out of place on her head.”

“Hey, you volunteered to help babysit too,” Dom says. “And your office is in ~dire~ need of babyproofing.”

“Well, I don’t have a baby, do I?” I shoot back.

“Not yet,” Dom replies with a grin. “But who knows, maybe—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow your roll,” I say, holding up my hands. “I’ve already placed enough pressure on Ariel with this luna status. There’s no way she’s ready for a baby. And neither am I, for that matter.”

“Okay, sorry, Goddess Almighty,” he says, raising his eyebrows. “Just thinking out loud.”

“Well keep those kinds of thoughts to yourself,” I say. “Ariel is having a difficult enough time as it is.”

Camelia spits up on Dom’s shirt, but he doesn’t seem to notice. “I’ve been meaning to ask… How are things with you and Ariel?”

“Like I said, this has been tough on her. Don’t get me wrong—I wouldn’t trade what we have for the world, but sometimes, I just wonder if she’s really committed to this.”

Dom nods, smiling. “You and Ariel are a lot alike. Remember how you used to sneak out of the palace to come play pawball with me in the streets? Or how we’d get drunk at the water tower when you wanted to blow off some steam?”

Camelia digs her tiny claws into Dom’s arm as he continues. “She has to have the freedom to make mistakes in order to learn. She has to feel like she can let her hair down. You know better than anyone how uptight the royal life can be.”

Dom’s advice gives me an idea. “You know what—for once—I think you’re actually right.”

“Wait, what do you mean ‘for once’?” Dom asks, annoyed.

“Are you good watching Camelia on your own?” I ask as I shoot up from my desk.

“Sure, but where are you going?” Camelia’s wide eyes watch me as Dom bounces her up and down on his lap.

“I’m gonna give Ariel a chance to let her hair down,” I say.

ARIEL

After about a dozen cups of tea and an equal number of tiny sandwiches to match, I’m feeling pretty burnt out on the whole concept.

I’m supposed to be learning how to be a good hostess…

~But is it normal for the hostess to feel the desire to set fire to her own party?~

I can’t bring myself to join in the chatter happening around me, even though Dianne provided me with an exhaustive list of talking points.

Dianne planned everything. Chose all the decor. Curated the guest list.

~I don’t even know who any of these women are…~

“Ariel, you look miserable,” Helena whispers from beside me. At least she’s here to keep me company.

“I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” I say wearily.

If this was beers with the squad, it would be a piece of cake—and not the irritatingly small and unsatisfying cakes that are at this party.

But chitchat with nobility is a completely different game.

“Don’t worry,” Helena says, giving me a wink. “When your mom wasn’t looking, I switched out all the green tea with Sleepytime. These ladies will be out like a light in no time.”

“Oh my Goddess, you’re the best,” I say, trying not to laugh.

“Ariel!”

Everyone’s heads turn as Alex comes racing across the lawn.

“Ariel, I need your help immediately,” he says as he stops in front of me. He extends his hand, and when I take it, he pulls me from my chair.

“Alex, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Maria asks, looking worried.

“There’s no time to explain,” he says. “But I need my luna’s ~full~ cooperation.”

Maria gives Alex a strange look, like she knows something that I don’t, then smirks. “Sounds serious.”

Dianne looks like she’s about to protest, but Alex is already pulling me away from the party.

“Wait, what’s happening? Did rogues attack?” I ask, about to extend my claws.

When we’re far enough away, Alex starts laughing. “No, nothing like that. Sorry to be dramatic, but I really had to make it convincing. Mom will cover for us.”

“Make what convincing?”

“I’m helping you play hooky for the day,” he says, grinning. “No luna lessons, no royal matters. Just you and me.”

***

“Turn left here,” Alex says, as he holds my waist tightly. I turn my motorcycle down a narrow dirt path deep in the woods.

“It’s just up ahead…there!” Alex points to an old water tower.

I idle my bike and park it next to a rusty ladder. “What is this place?” I ask.

“It’s my secret spot, where I like to come and unwind,” he replies. “I want it to be a place where you can do the same.”

I’m touched by his gesture. He always seems to know exactly what I need, even before I know it myself.

Alex hops off the bike and starts climbing the ladder. “Race you to the top! Last one there is a runt!”

And what I need right now is a little friendly competition…

~Challenge accepted.~

Instead of climbing beneath Alex, I start clambering up the opposite side of the ladder, matching him rung for rung.

~Thank the Goddess I changed out of that ridiculous dress.~

~Now I have some real mobility.~

When we near the top, I reach my hand through the ladder and grab Alex by the collar of his shirt.

“Come here, you sexy alpha.” Our lips meet between the rungs, and I kiss him passionately.

But just as he eases into the kiss, I pull away and swing around to his side of the ladder. Within seconds, I’m at the top, leaving my mate looking bewildered.

“You tricked me with your sexiness! I feel so used.”

“All right, runt, get up here.” I reach down and help Alex up to the scaffolding. My heart is pounding in my chest, and when I place my hand on his, I can feel his pulse moving in time with mine.

We begin to kiss, for real this time, and Alex’s hand glides up my shirt, squeezing my breast.

Our tongues wrestle as we roughly flail around on the precarious perch.

Alex’s fingers tangle in my hair as he pushes me onto my back.

My hair hangs over the edge of the water tower, and the feeling of being so high up is exhilarating.

Alex’s kisses trail down my collarbone to my stomach. He unbuttons my pants and slides his other hand into my panties.

I moan as his finger hits my sweet spot. “Oh, fuck yes.”

I feel myself getting wet as he simultaneously uses one hand to massage my sex and the other to tweak my nipple. “Alex…” I close my eyes, giving in to the pulsing sensations.

My wolf is about to howl with pleasure when—

~Bzzz-bzzz-bzzz.~

Alex’s phone vibrates against my hips as he lies on top of me. “Oh shit, sorry,” he says, pulling it from his pocket. “It’s Dom…”

“Answer... it could be important,” I say, actually thankful that I’m able to take a breath.

Alex slides his thumb across the phone screen. “What’s up, Dom?”

Dom starts speaking anxiously: “Alex, where the hell are you? My calls weren’t going through.”

“Sorry, I’m outside pack territory with Ariel. At the water tower.”

“Well, you both need to get back here. ~Now~.”

My heart beats faster as I lean toward the phone. “Dom, what’s wrong?”

“We have a problem with the prisoner…”

The call breaks up for a moment, then, “…with Xavier.”