Clare’s POV
My breath caught in my throat. I had never been caught in such a position out in the open, kissing another member of the pack during training. I pulled away from John and adjusted my clothes, pulling up the strap of my top that had slid down my arm.
John and I both turned in the direction the voice came from. The rustling of leaves and foliage preceded the revelation of a man, a stranger, as he stepped out of the bushes. I had prepared myself to see a trainee. But as my eyes took him in, the entire world seemed to stop spinning.
Everything else faded away and I became breathless as my eyes looked over the strong, statuesque form of the stranger. He was no doubt a foreigner to our lands. I wondered where he might have come from as I took in his unfamiliar face and style of clothes in guarded awe and curiosity.
It was obvious he was a high-ranking soldier, wherever he came from. He wore a formal military uniform, too nice and crisp to have ever seen battle, which meant he was most likely here in official business. However, even through the thick fabric, his strong muscles were clearly seen, his broad chest and strong arms tugging against the fabric that encased them.
I felt my brows knit together as I locked onto his deep green eyes that took me in. I noted the open hostility and cold condescension deep within them. Who was this man to look at me that way?
I wanted to return his look of disdain, but I felt my mouth go dry and my heart rate increase with every second that our eyes remained connected. That scent, I noted, was coming from him. It was intoxicating and overwhelming.
He was obviously a threat and coming closer to me, but I made no move to distance myself from him. I remained in place as I felt a strange sensation, some unknown force drawing me toward him.
What was going on? I’d never felt anything like this before. I had to fight against the compulsion to advance as well and get closer to him.
The man walked toward me slowly, step by step. I shook off the strange sensations that were swirling in my body and fogging up my mind. I knew that my instincts should have put me on alert to attack, but they seemed to be dormant.
I pushed through the malaise I was experiencing and forced my body into a defensive stance to prepare for the fight this man was obviously intent on bringing. I wasn’t surprised when John stepped in front of me, putting himself between me and the threat of the stranger.
He was prepared to protect me from the danger, and I was grateful for a break in eye contact from the stranger. I took in several steadying breaths and regained my composure as the latent adrenaline filled my veins and my wolf pushed closer to the surface.
But then his cold snicker filled the air. “Wow, this is great!” he said, his voice dripping with biting sarcasm. “No, really. What a sight to see that this pack's Beta needs someone else to protect her. Your Alpha must be so proud.”
I felt my cheeks burn hot as my jaws clenched tight. I stepped from behind John, as clear-headed as I needed to be as I turned the humiliation I felt at his words into rage and fury.
“Are you that weak little Beta?” I ignored his words as I looked for an opening to sink my elongated claws into. “In that case, why have a pack at all? Shouldn’t you just disband?”
“Who are you?” I demanded, purposefully avoiding eye contact as I zeroed in on the thick jugular that was prime from my strike. I didn't give him time to say another word as I hurled myself in his direction and took a swing at his throat.
I wasn't surprised that he was fast enough to dodge it; however, I hadn't expected him to be fast enough to catch the next swing toward his neck with my claws protracted. He caught it mid-air and used the forward momentum of my body to twist me off balance and fold me into a hold that kept me in place and unable to move.
I struggled in his hold, but the true battle was against the scent emitting from him. I kicked at him and thrashed against his hold, wanting him to release me. But I was powerless to break free as he managed to dodge and maneuver out of the way of my every strike.
I tried not to notice his body heat seeping from his uniform and through the thin fabric of my clothes into my skin. I struggled to ignore the strong and steady cadence of his heart that seemed to beat in time with my own. I stopped struggling as my breath caught and I felt him relax his hold.
I took that opportunity and slipped from his embrace, quickly catching him off guard and forcing his retreat as he dodged one strike after the other. I became more and more frustrated and angry as he didn't even seem to break a sweat, avoiding my blows until finally he grabbed onto my arm and managed to lock me in a vice-like embrace.
Again his body heat and heartbeat overtook my senses and I looked up at him. He didn't look me in the eye, but rather his eyes traveled over the top of my head past my nose, and to my lips. My breathing became shallow as my eyes fell on his mouth in response.
The corner of his mouth ticked up and I looked back up to see that his eyes were on my neck. My heart skipped several beats as I swallowed anxiously. I redoubled my efforts, struggling against him, wondering if he too had designs on my jugular. He brought his head down to the space between my neck and shoulder and I braced myself for the piercing of his teeth.
But he only inhaled softly, his chest expanding against me as his embrace became even tighter. He exhaled softly as well, and his breath fanned my flesh, sending shocking sensations over my entire body.
“You smell so good.” His voice was a low rumble in his chest before he inhaled once again and turned his eyes to meet mine. He gave me an unexpected wink and said, “You are so very charming. What you do to me, little Beta.”
There was a mixture of awe and uncertainty in his voice. I could tell that he was perplexed and used the opportunity to headbutt his chest and fling my arms out wide to break free of his hold. He retreated, holding my gaze as I backed away from him as well.
When we were apart, John jumped between us and picked up the fight with the man. After a few swings and a short tussle, the man put his hands up in defeat. I felt my face crinkle in confusion as the man shot me an amused and playful look.
“We will see each other again soon,” he assured me before he turned away and left.
I knew John was ready to go after him, but I placed my hand on his arm.
“Stop,” I said, and John turned to face me. “Don’t go after him.”
“Why the h*ll not?” he nearly roared, the look on his face both angry and confused.
“Did you see that uniform?”
John nodded slowly, but I knew he didn't understand.
“On his sleeve, the logo was of the Avondale pack,” I told him.
“He must be on his way to see your father,” John said looking serious. “Your father has no choice but to make a decision now.”