Chapter 12 - Shadows
Ava couldn't sleep. Not that she expected to, given the ridiculous itch plaguing her skin.
"Doctor Mary's ointment will help," they said. "You'll feel better in no time," they said.
Liars.
She huffed in frustration and draped a silky robe over her shoulders, deciding that maybe a little night air would do what the ointment couldn't. Her feet carried her on autopilot to the training yard. The one place she felt powerful.
The quiet was comforting. Unlike the scheming concubines and their well-placed venom, silence had no ulterior motives. No whispered threats or sugar-coated daggers. Just peace.
Ava sank onto a bench as her mind whirred. If the concubines were targeting her, she had to be careful. If she wanted to survive, she had to be smarter. More cunning.
More powerful.
The realization settled heavily in her chest. She needed power, not the borrowed kind that came with the Alpha's favor. She needed something of her own.
Her brooding was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Then a voice.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Ava turned slightly, already suspecting who it was before he stepped out of the shadows.
And there he was shirtless! Again!
"Do you own shirts?" she deadpanned.
Kade smirked. "Ever consider I just like feeling the wind on my skin?"
Ava huffed out a dry laugh. "Or maybe you just like showing off."
He didn't deny it, which was not surprising. Instead, he sniffed, his nose twitching like a wolf catching a scent trail.
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"What is that?" he asked.
"Doctor Mary's ointment."
Kade's gaze flickered to her exposed shoulders, where angry red scratches marred her skin. His eyes darkened. "Let me guess... you pissed someone off?"
Ava snorted. "It's a talent."
"This looks like you bathed in the devil's beans."
"Quite literally."
He settled beside her. "You want to talk about it?"
Ava hesitated before sighing. "The attacks at Crimson Pack were always direct. Here? It's like they want to stab me in the dark and act like it's a misunderstanding."
Kade leaned back. "Use your wits. Be discreet. Don't show your hand until your cards are complete."
She raised a brow. "Didn't know you were so wise, Gamma Kade."
He chuckled. "I have my moments." Then, more seriously, "You're training your body to fight, but your mind is just as important. That's how you survive when you're ambitious... and hungry for power."
Ava's lips pressed together. "And how does someone like me—an outsider, a girl without a wolf—gain power here?"
Kade studied her for a long moment. "You'll find your way. Everyone does."
The air grew thick between them. Before either could break the silence, the sky decided to intervene—by opening up and dumping a bucket of rain on them.
Kade was on his feet instantly. "Come on."
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward a nearby training room. It was small, mostly used for storing gear and changing after sparring. As soon as they were inside, he shut the door behind them, locking out the cold breeze.
Ava turned to face him, breath coming faster than it should have. She was drenched, the flimsy fabric of her nightdress clinging to her skin.
Kade flicked on the light. And then... he froze.
His pupils dilated. His jaw tightened.
Ava glanced down.
Oh.
The rain had turned her nightdress into a second skin, and—yeah. Everything was visible. Every curve. Every peak. Every single detail.
Kade swallowed hard. "Uh... your clothes..."
She looked up and smirked. "I could take a picture for you, you know."
Kade exhaled sharply. "Ava..."
She stepped closer.
He stiffened. "You're the Alpha's concubine." His voice was rough.
Because the truth was, this had been brewing between them from the start.
Ava reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over his chest.
Kade sucked in a breath, his restraint snapping.
In a swift movement, he yanked her against him, their bodies colliding. His lips found hers, kissing her like he was claiming her.
Ava melted into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands slid down her back, gripping her hips. He lifted her easily, pressing her against the wall.
His mouth trailed down her throat. He pulled her robe down, exposing bare skin.
He groaned. "I have wanted to do this since the night at the club."
His mouth found her nipple, his tongue flicking over it before drawing it into his mouth. Ava gasped, her head falling back. The sensation was electric, sending a jolt of pleasure straight between her legs.
Kade's fingers slid beneath her dress, finding her wet and ready. He cursed under his breath, working her until she trembled, until she shattered against him.
His own control was slipping. He reached into his shorts, his cock heavy in his hand, stroking himself until he spilled all over himself.
She was the Alpha's woman. Anything more and they were both dead.
"This... can't happen again," he said hoarsely.
Ava swallowed hard, nodding. "You're right."
She had no idea it would feel this good.
But Kade was a distraction she didn't need.
Maybe it was time she took matters into her own hands. Maybe if the Alpha finally took her, this feeling for Kade would melt away.
Tomorrow night, she would visit the Alpha. And she would make sure he took her, even if it ripped her apart.
She thought back to her first night in the Silver Pack. The night the Alpha realized she was a virgin—the way he had taken Sarah in her presence.
He was like a man possessed. It had been quick, intense. Sarah had a wolf, and she could barely walk afterward.
Ava's stomach twisted. But if that was the path she had to walk, then so be it.