The Greystone Ridge Pack 6: The Red Blood Wolf
Автор
Arri Stone
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Nox’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he finds his destined mate, a bond that holds the power to unite werewolves and vampires. But this unique gift is under threat as enemies work to dismantle it, placing Nox and his new mate in grave danger. As the past resurfaces with a dangerous face seeking revenge, they must fight to protect their union and secure a future for their kind. Destiny is calling, but so is the peril that follows. Can they survive the forces conspiring against them?
The Search Begins
The Red Blood Wolf
NOX
The pack was unusually quiet today. Max was busy learning the ropes of pack leadership from his dad while Ayla was with our luna, preparing for her future role. I was left feeling a bit lost, unsure of what to do with myself in the midst of all this activity.
My mom walked in, sensing my unease. “What’s wrong?” she asked, settling herself on the couch and patting the spot next to her.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted, my voice heavy with frustration. “You’ve always said I carry the Conri blood and that a vampire king gave you his heart, infusing me with his powers.”
I swallowed hard, my throat tight with anxiety. “I feel this constant pull, like I’m supposed to be doing something important, but I have no idea what it is.”
My mom took my hand, her touch comforting. “Nox, none of us know what the future holds,” she said. “There’s one possibility, but I know Warwick is hesitant about her using her powers. I think it frightens him.”
She chuckled lightly.
“Jupiter?” I asked, a spark of hope igniting within me. I was familiar with Warwick’s twins, but Jupiter had always been a bit of a loner, unlike her sociable brother, Wolf. Her unique powers of insight were a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few.
“True Seers haven’t been born in many years, and after the alpha wars, they all vanished. No one knows why,” she said. “Maybe part of your destiny is to uncover that mystery? You’re a young man now, Nox, and as hard as it is for me to accept, I know you have your own path to follow.”
Her eyes welled up with tears.
“Mom,” I said, pulling her into a comforting hug. “I’ll go see Warwick and ask if Jupiter can help me.”
She kissed my forehead, and we stood. We headed to Alpha Hawk’s office, where the main phone was located. “Alpha Hawk is expecting us,” she said.
When we arrived, Max was already there. As I sat next to him on the couch, the reality of leaving the pack behind hit me, and I was overwhelmed by a wave of nervousness.
“You don’t have to do this, Nox. In a few years, we’ll be running this place together,” Max said, grinning.
“I know, but something’s changing inside me,” I said, tapping my chest. “Ever since I turned twenty-one, I’ve felt this burning need to be somewhere else, to be doing something else.”
It was hard to put into words. My wolf was unique among the others, including Max’s. He was larger and stronger than even an alpha wolf, and his deep red fur could look like blood in certain lights.
“Maybe it’s a mating call?” Max suggested, raising his eyebrows.
“Warwick says Jupiter is expecting you,” Alpha Hawk interrupted. “And she wants you to bring her something. She says you’ll know what it is.”
He shrugged.
“Thanks,” I said, scratching my head in confusion.
“I’m sure it’ll come to you,” Max said, clapping me on the back. “When are you leaving?”
“I’ll pack a bag and head out later today,” I told him, glancing at my mom.
“Go ahead, I need to speak with Alpha Hawk,” she said, smiling.
I didn’t have a driver’s license, so I’d have to avoid the main roads to avoid getting stopped by the police. Max walked me to my cabin.
“Why are you packing a bag? I thought you were just going to see Jupiter and get some answers,” he asked.
“I have a feeling this isn’t going to be as simple as her holding my hand and seeing my future,” I said, tilting my head at him.
“Don’t you find it strange that she never leaves her home? Even with all the gatherings we have, she’s never attended one,” Max said, sounding puzzled.
“Wolf says she likes being alone. Maybe she’s like Warwick was before he found his mate,” I suggested. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Jupiter than meets the eye. She only recently turned eighteen.
Max followed me into my room, and we chatted while I packed a few essentials into a rucksack.
“How’s Ella?” I asked, changing the subject. I’d been avoiding it for a while now.
“Ella’s been saying things are off at the Westerwick Estate. She’s not too fond of this commander guy. Gramps has been telling me he’s been a part of the Elite Pack’s management for years, but now that she’s there, he seems a bit rattled. After all, it’s her right to lead the pack now.”
“She’s an alpha’s daughter. It’s her birthright.” I remembered how much I despised it when she announced her plans to move three months ago. But we weren’t mates, and she had more to accomplish out there, like aligning the Elite Pack with the others.
Plus, her grandparents were passing the estate to her since Max was already leading the Greystone Ridge Pack. “Right, when we visited last month, I didn’t trust him either. There’s something shady about him.”
Max has always had a knack for reading people. “If he’s been a part of the Elite Pack’s management for years, who knows what Ella might discover?” I gave him a friendly slap on the back.
“If he tries anything, we’ll both go up there and kick his skinny ass. Surely he’s too old to still be in the same position?”
“From what Ella’s been telling me, he’s got his people in key positions, and she can’t just dismiss them. Even though they’re now part of this union among packs, Commander Diago Raven still thinks they’re superior.”
“Is Ella safe there?” Suddenly, I felt a wave of unease.
“They can’t just kill her. They’d have to kill my gramps too, and they know that would ignite another war with Dad.” He placed his hand on my shoulder for reassurance.
I finished packing my bag and took a last look at my room. What did she want me to bring? Max tilted his head to the side and nodded. Alpha Hawk was calling him.
“I’ll see you when you get back.” As we hugged, I felt a strange, unspoken emotion wash over me. I knew I wouldn’t be coming back, but I kept that to myself.
He left, and once again, I found myself staring at my room. Jupiter was a Seer, but as far as I knew, she’d never revealed her wolf. A sudden heat, followed by a tingling sensation, filled my right hand.
I clenched my fist and looked down. My heart pounded as I opened the bottom drawer and found a stone I’d discovered on a run. It had caught my eye because of its intricate pattern.
Now I knew what I needed to bring. I picked it up, and it felt warm in my hand. I slipped it into my pocket and grabbed my bag just as Mom and Dad walked in.
“Are you ready?” Her eyes were red from crying. Dad wrapped his arm around her and kissed her forehead.
“We’re both coming with you.” Dad extended his hand to me. “Let’s go. The sooner you’re there, the sooner we can figure out your purpose.”
The ride was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. We all knew this day would come. All my life, Mom had told me I was destined for great things, but my path was my own.
Dad glanced at me, then at Mom who’d fallen asleep. “What are you not telling us?” he asked through our link.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “And here I thought Mom was the intuitive one. I just have this feeling, like I’m supposed to be somewhere, or with someone, but I don’t know.” I expressed my confusion through the link. “I feel like my wolf is lost.”
“Growing up, we weren’t sure what powers you might have, but you’ve always had a knack for knowing the right course of action.” He raised an eyebrow. “We believe in you, son. You’re meant for something greater than just being Max’s beta.”
“All the events leading up to your birth, and you’ve always honored the pack. But your dad’s right. You’re more than just Max’s beta.” Mom opened her eyes.
“So you were listening?” Dad looked surprised. “Nothing gets past you, does it?” He rolled his eyes, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
We pulled up at Warwick’s, and the stone in my pocket was burning hot against my leg. I never told anyone about the stone I found, and Dad was right; my instincts did come naturally. Maybe I should visit Ella, check out this commander guy.
A wild-looking wolf stepped out of the house, grinning as I got out. His hair was slicked back and styled. Damn, he’d grown since I last saw him.
“Nox.” He welcomed us, arms wide open. We shared a friendly hug, and I felt a hearty slap on my back. “Let me take your bag. You can use my room tonight. I’m heading out to see my girlfriend.” He gave me a playful wink.
“How’d you know I’d be staying?” I trailed behind him up the stairs. “Wow, this place is amazing!” I realized it was my first time inside.
“Dad’s pretty handy, and creative too.” Wolf wiggled his fingers at me. “I’ve got a bit of that magic touch myself.” I got the feeling he wasn’t talking about woodworking. We shared a laugh, and I found myself liking Wolf.
“So, where is everyone?” I asked, noticing the quiet that greeted us on arrival.
“Sis is probably in her room. My folks should be back soon from a trip to town for groceries. I think you got here earlier than they expected.”
I felt a warmth against my leg from the stone in my pocket. Sliding my hand in, I was met with a heat that seemed to radiate from it. A tingling sensation started at my fingertips and traveled up my arm.
The distant hum of a vehicle engine reached our ears. Wolf grinned, announcing their return. I couldn’t pinpoint why I was nervous about being here. I’d been around Warwick and Scarlet plenty of times, but maybe it was because we were at his house.
We headed downstairs to find Mom and Dad pulling up in the truck. They shared a kiss before they climbed out, and we went to greet them. Warwick handed me some bags and motioned for me to follow him. Everyone else was milling about outside.
“You have questions that need answers, and Jupiter might be able to provide them. All the good parts of Athena went into Scarlet and from her into Jupiter. Athena couldn’t handle being a werewolf Seer because her wolf was dark and poisonous. Jupiter is beautiful inside and out, but very few know her true power. I’m entrusting you with this knowledge,” Warwick said, placing a large hand on my shoulder. “But be warned, she rarely touches people because of what she sees.”
“I understand.” Now it made sense how she could be both a werewolf and a Seer. She was pure. My heart quickened as my inner wolf sensed her.
“She’s calling you,” Warwick said, his eyes momentarily distant. “I hope you find your answers.” He handed me two bottles of water and a bowl of fresh fruit.
Each step up the stairs sent my heart into overdrive. I’d never felt like this before. My wolf seemed to be waiting for something. Everything felt strange.
As I approached her door, now slightly ajar, my feet felt heavy, as if I were wading through mud. I needed answers about who I was, why I was here, and what my purpose was.
I stepped into the room, which was filled with the divine scent of burning herbs. I closed the door with my foot and let my eyes adjust to the dim light. Candles flickered, casting a soft glow around the room.
“Sit,” a voice whispered in my mind. I obeyed, setting down the water and fruit.
The darkness in front of me shifted, and she removed her hood, revealing her breathtaking beauty. Her silver-white hair fell in waves around her, and when she lifted her head, my heart skipped a beat.
She was mesmerizing, leaving me breathless and stirring the wild spirit of my inner wolf. Was this even possible?
