Page 38 of Framed and Forgotten
With cold resolve, I raised an eyebrow at her, casually looking at my forearm as though nothing was wrong. As if it wasn’t my biggest secret, the revelation that could put what was left of the Ashen Wolves at risk. As if exposing the mark of werewolves’ most hated enemy was no big deal.
“This?” I stretched my arm out toward, paying no mind to the horrified gasp that broke through Nerine’s lips, as if I had nothing to hide. With a shrug, I spat the best lie I could come up with. “I saw this pattern in a book at Whispering Hill’s library last year. It caught my attention, so I decided to tattoo it.”
My explanation was brief and precise. Calculated. Claiming the mark was artificially inked into my skin could be backed up. In the two years Nerine had lived with me, she had neverseen the mark on my arm. Nerine knew I hadn’t been born an Ashen Wolf. Since I was the first confirmed case of a regular wolf turning, it certainly wouldn’t make sense for the mark to have suddenly appeared on me. So, my story was probably the most believable.
And when I noticed her expression soften with a hint of relief, I knew she’d bought it.
The adrenaline rushing through my veins started to fade gradually. Once my secret was protected and I could finally think about the situation, questions swirled in my mind. Why had she snuck into my room? Was this another one of her schemes to make me fall in love with her? The thought flooded me with rage, but I pushed it down, urging Col to stay calm. We were supposed to be under the effect of whatever enchantment she had put on me.
Swallowing my anger, an even more important question struck me. How did she immediately recognize the mark of the Ashen Wolves? As far as I was concerned, Crystal Pond had no participation in their demise. Even as the alpha of a pack who had directly aided in taking out the guardians of the lycans centuries ago, I used to think it was only a myth until Avril came along. Of course, she instructed us to hide our marks in case someone could recognize it, but to most wolf shifters, it should mean nothing. However, Nerine’s reaction made it obvious she feared the creatures as if she believed they were very much real.
And I needed to find out why.
Putting on my best act, I stepped toward my ex-wife. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would scare you. I wasn’t expecting to find you here, either,” I said, my voice sharper than intended. Clearing my throat, I forced the bitterness away, feigning ignorance as I continued, “Did you say this is the mark of an Ashen Wolf? What’s that?”
Although she looked less frightened, I could see Nerine’s distrust in the way she stood still, watching me with wary eyes. “You permanently branded something on your skin without knowing what it means?”
Stand your ground, Koen,I commanded myself.
“Like I said, I thought it was just an old legend,” I offered assertively. Tilting my head slightly, studying her, I switched the focus to her. “But you make it seem like it’s more than just that.”
Her posture shifted, and for a moment, it looked like she was the one caught in a lie. She quickly averted her gaze, crossing her arms and biting her bottom lip nervously. I simply waited, letting my unwavering presence suffocate her, the silence stretching between us until she realized there was no slipping away without an answer.
“It’s not just a legend, Koen,” she gave in, her voice barely a whisper, as though she was speaking forbidden words. I furrowed my brows, listening attentively as she continued, “Whispering Hills really helped take the Ashen Wolves down in the past. We thought they were extinct, but…we have reason to believe they’ve returned.”
My eyes widened as concern took hold. Caught off guard by her revelation, I couldn’t mask my reaction - but I hoped it came across as shock or fear rather than worry for Avril and Azure Smoke.
“Who’swe?” The question tumbled out before I could catch it.
As if she hadn’t heard me, she brushed it off, quickly slipping back into her usual innocent and sweet demeanor. “Anyway, it was just a misunderstanding. You should be careful showing that tattoo around other wolves - it could give off the wrong impression,” she warned, a hint of caution slipping into her tone one last time.
Then, with an apologetic smile, she added, “I’m sorry for barging in. I didn’t mean to catch you coming out of the shower. I’ll make sure to knock next time.” Before I could process what had just happened or ask anything more, she was gone.
For a few minutes, I just stood there, replaying our conversation. How did she know about the Ashen Wolves, and what made her believe they were back? Who was she working with? Could her ploy to lure me in be connected to whatever all of that was?
Now more than ever, I was certain I couldn’t leave without figuring it all out.
Suddenly, the sound of my phone ringing pulled me from my thoughts. I rushed to grab it, expecting Avril’s name on the screen. I felt both relieved and disappointed when I saw it was actually Theo. After double-checking that the door was locked and Nerine wasn’t spying, I answered the call.
“Yes, Theo? Is everything okay?”
He didn’t bother answering, his tone frantic as he implored, “We need you back here, Alpha Koen.”
I stiffened when I heard him address me by that title. I didn’t deserve it - not after what I’d done. But I would earn the right to carry it. I’d uncover what Nerine and the other packs knew about the Ashen Wolves, and we’d use that information to turn the tables in our favor.
Despite the urgency in the beta’s tone making my heart tighten, I had to focus on my mission. “Theo, I just discovered something major,” I told him. “I need to stay and investigate.” With a deep breath, I tried to control the worry in my voice as I asked, “Is Avril safe?”
“Yes, Alpha, but-”
“Then I trust you’ll make sure it stays that way until I return,” I interrupted.
If I listened any longer, I might lose my resolve. All that mattered was knowing Avril was safe. Any extra details could cloud my focus, and if I was going to redeem myself and protect my new family, I couldn’t afford that.
After a moment of hesitation, Theo finally agreed. “Yes, Alpha.” He paused, then added, “Stay safe, and hurry back.”
“I will,” I reassured him before ending the call.
Once the shock wore off, I paused to carefully plan my next steps.
