The Broken Wolf

(2) Dominic

There was an incessant tugging in my chest a pull that wouldn’t go away no matter how much champagne I drank or how much I ignored it.

My wolf was restless pacing back and forth his ears twitching.

We were in the grand hall surrounded by various loathsome wolves so perhaps that was the reason. But I couldn’t help but think it was more.

“Alpha Dominic.” She crossed through the crowd like she floated on air her shoulders squared and relaxed, an arrogant tilt to her chin as she offered a mock smile. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

“Vivian.” I nodded my head in acknowledgment. As a liaison for the palace the alpha held an odd position within many packs including ours. She’d been the one to secure our invitation to this year’s royal gala so I was inclined to be polite.

Her gaze shifted to my right and grin broadened. “Haze. I knew you’d look dashing in a suit.”

To his credit my second makes no quip about his blatant discomfort. He grew up wild covered in mud running barefoot through a forest—dress shoes and a suit are not items typically found in his closet.

“I am glad you made it. This room is so stuffy year after year.” Her eyes flashed as she smiled at me.

“It’s an honor.” A practiced line considering my history with a numerous number of guests.

She laughed, “I’m not sure I believe you.” She swept her gaze through the crowd before returning to me. “Theres no violence in the grand hall.”

“I’m well aware of the rules.” The only rule, really. Enforced by the guards lining the walls ready to dispel any would be brawls. It was imperative in a room like this one. One filled to the brim with power hungry wolves.

“I saw the Sterling family arrive but a moment ago.” She hummed her eyes zeroing in on my suddenly clenched fist. “Only the children of course. The pack alpha doesn’t have time for these affairs. Sends his support in form of donation.” There was a slight hint of displeasure as she added, “Though as you’re aware a sacrifice of blood would be a far greater contribution.”

Vivian Blackwater is well informed on my sordid history with the Sterling pack. She knows I would give anything to tear their pack alphas head from his neck. She wouldn’t be the palace liaison if she didn’t. Still, I don’t understand what she gains from telling me the children of my greatest enemy have entered the room.

It’s all I can do to stifle the harsh growl that threatens to billow out of me.

“A time and a place for everything.” Her mock smile returns and she flashes Haze another sultry look. “I’ll be seeing you both later.”

Then she’s gone just as quick as she came.

“What an odd woman.” Haze uttered twisting his collar away from his neck.

“Quit messing with it or Jolene’s going to have your hind.” I growled. He dropped his hand with a grumble. “Stay focused. We can’t afford to be caught with our defenses down.”

We were outnumbered, two wolves against dozens. Though I felt confident I could make quick work of more than half. Greed had a funny way of twisting a wolfs nature, turned them into fat slobs interested in filling their coffers. The wolves in this room were masquerading as humans—it was a wonder our entire species hadn’t been wiped out yet.

My wolf growled the sound harsh and disgruntled.

He continued to pace beyond that awkward boundary that divided us his tail flicking back and forth.

When another waitstaff passed by I snatched another flute chugging the champagne before placing it back on the tray with too much force. The server narrowly managed to avoid dropping his whole trail shooting me sharp glare only to bare his neck when I growled in response.

Haze said nothing. His own wolf feeding off of my agitation.

Fuck.

I needed to reign my wolf in but he was temperamental even in friendly situations.

The room moved bodies shifting and my eyes snapped to the far side of the hall like a line pulled taunt.

She was dressed in some sort of fluffy dress her hands twisting the fabric that ended just above her knees revealing long toned legs, her neck was twisted eyes fixed on something I couldn’t see her hair had been pinned back the dark curls barely contained in the updo loose strands tracing her nape in tantalizing taunt.

My wolf was quiet then attention fully ensnared.

What was she looking at?

What would it take for her to look at me?

“Dude you’re growling.” Haze whispered baring his neck when I ripped my eyes to him.

Smothering the sound, I rubbed at my chest meanwhile my wolf huffed in annoyance he didn’t understand why we were over here if she was over there.

“Who is she.” I nodded my head towards her unable to look away as she seemed to sigh dropping her gaze to the space by her feet, unwittingly bowing her head. The move both delighted and agitated me. She shouldn’t be bowing her head in this place.

Haze stepped closer to me his eyes sought her out and I narrowly avoided violently chucking him in the other direction. “Don’t know. Her picture wasn’t in that folder Jasper made me memorize. Why?”

Something had begun to grow in my chest something was tugging at me and the longer I ignored it the more my wolf seemed to grow frustrated. And that insistent pull finally had a source.

Her.