Chapter 161: Chapter 161
Elara POV
I watch Mason walk out the door to meet Rhiannon, and I exhale deeply. I have been telling myself over and over that it will be fine, but my gut is gnawing at me. However, I cannot tell if it is because of Mason’s date or what happened last night.
It is still unimaginable that I would have overreacted like that. It was just a kiss. Why did I just not tell him no? Why did I use my powers to shove him into a tree? Do I really turn into a vicious monster when I am drunk, or is Mason withholding the truth? Either way, I am never drinking that much ever again.
“Elara, it’s time,” Kane says softly, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
“Right,” I nod.
“Ma, we’re going now,” Kane shouts down the hallway.
“Hush, Kane,” Gabriela hisses, walking towards us. “The kids are asleep.”
“Sorry,” he whispers. “We’re leaving.”
“Okay, don’t worry about the kids,” she replies. “And say hello to Braden.”
Kane takes my hand, and we walk outside where Axel is already waiting. We strip naked, place our clothes in a bag and shift. Axel takes the bag between his teeth, and the three of us run into the woods. We run until we are outside of Stillwood’s borders and find a secluded area. We shift back and get dressed.
“You should stand back,” I warn Axel and Kane as I raise my hands, palms up. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“We’re ready,” Kane nods as they hide behind the trees.
I close my eyes and concentrate. Soon, there is a breeze, and it quickly grows stronger.
Mason POV
I pull up in front of the Stillwood Inn and turn off the ignition. I reach for the bag I packed and get out. Cool night air hits me in the face as I walk to the outside door to the room where Rhiannon is waiting for me.
I am strangely excited about tonight. It will contain many firsts for me. Including my first step to claim Elara for myself.
I knock on the door, and she opens it. She is wearing a black, sheer robe and nothing else. Her eyes lazily glide over me from top to bottom.
“Well, well, well,” Rhiannon says, her eyes fixated on my groin. “You’re on time. Impressive for both the wolf and mankind.”
“Are you just going to stand there and compliment me, or are you going to invite me in?” I raise my eyebrows.
“Would you like a glass of wine?” She offers, opening the door. “We have some things to discuss before we get to it.”
“We sure do,” I smile, dropping my bag at the front door. “But no wine for me, thank you.”
“I have a legal agreement,” she says, sitting down and crossing her legs. Her robe falls open, revealing her naked legs all the way to her hips. “You will have no parental rights, but I’m not going to come after you for any kind of support, either.”
“I’ll sign it,” I shrug, sitting opposite her. “I don’t care what you do with the kid, I don’t want it.”
“And here I thought all of your kind were fiercely protective of your spawn,” she snorts, taking a sip of wine.
“We are,” I grunt. “But this will be your baby, not mine.”
“Okay,” Rhiannon shrugs. “What did you want to talk about?”
“I need two more potions,” I blurt out.
“Interesting,” she pouts, sipping from her wine. “What for?”
“A transmogrifying potion,” I reply. “And a love potion.”
“A love potion?” Rhiannon giggles, placing her glass down. “I assume it’s for our lovely hybrid Elara?”
“That’s none of your concern,” I growl. “Will you help me or not?”
“My dear wolf, there’s no such thing as a love potion,” she exhales deeply. “Lust, yes, affection, maybe, but not love. Elara’s in love with her mates, and her heart will not belong to you until she decides otherwise.”
“She loves me!” I bellow, jumping up, and Rhiannon cowers back into the chair. “She loved me before, and she will again.”
“Okay, okay,” she says. “Easy, tiger. I’m only trying to help. You can try the affection potion and hope for the best.”
“Thank you,” I huff, sitting down again. “How much?”
“I want you to owe me one,” she replies slyly. “You will do what I say, no questions asked.”
“Sure,” I shrug nonchalantly. “I’ll do anything with the exception of harming Elara or our children.”
“That’s it?” She leans forward, narrowing her eyes. “You’re willing to commit to a payment without knowing what it is? What if I ask you to commit a murder?”
“As long as it’s not Elara or my kids, it’s cool,” I smile reassuringly.
“We have a deal,” she says, standing up. “Let’s go to bed, and ...”
“Nope,” I shake my head. “We’re not getting between those sheets before I have the two potions.”
“You are relentless,” she rolls her eyes. “Do you think I carry the stuff around in my purse?”
“I don’t care what or how you do things,” I reply dryly. “We’re not doing anything without those potions. Standing my ground is my only leverage.”
“How do I know this isn’t a ploy to get out of this deal?” She asks, looking at me suspiciously and crossing her arms.
“I made a vow,” I stand up and walk towards her.
“I will take you to bed,” I continue, resting my hands on her shoulders. “And I will fuck you until you are lifeless and numb beneath me. Even when you ask me to stop, I won’t. That’s a promise.”
Rhiannon’s breathing increases, and she swallows hard.
“Okay,” she nods, stepping away from me. “Wait here, I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
“I’ll wait,” I nod.
“And Mason,” she glares at me. “I’m not a person you want to cross.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I smile sweetly.
She nods and walks towards the bedroom.
“You’re not the one I’m crossing,” I whisper.
