Captured By A Ruthless Vampire King
|3|~The Way To A Wolves Heart~

Unedited.

Embry POV.

Koda refused to allow my new guards and my babysitter inside of her home. They are currently in her yard, searching for an invisible threat.

The moment, we step inside of her Shepherds Hut. My eyes enlarge and nostrils flared.

Right now, I am still standing in the middle of her home embracing the wondrous aroma. It smells delicious. Ignoring the party in my tummy my eyes scan and take in my new environment.

There is a strong peppery and sweet cinnamon aroma, which blends perfectly around the tightly confined space, making my taste-buds tingle and my mouth are starting to water. Plus, her home is fascinating.

The kitchen, living room, dining area, and bedroom are all in one room. There are a red, white, and green checkered stripe curtains that hang in the windows over-top of the matching colored striped sofa.

The tiny kitchen sits on the right side of the sofa. That holds one painted Irish green wooden cabinet, a matching wooden stink, which connects the miniature red refrigerator. A small iron stove plate and an even smaller oven, which are the host of that splendid smells, by the way.

There are built-in shelves, with multi-colored cups and pots sitting directly over-top of the miniature refrigerator and some other colorful dishes that sit on a boarded shelf on top of the wooden cabinet overall.

The bed is to the left side of the room with the cutest red and tan wolf printed quilt and a nice size heater sit right beside the front door. As my eyes finish exploring the wonders of the house all I can think about is how my life is way more complicated than it needs to be. This is simple. This is life.

“Are you hungry my dear,” the older she-wolf by the name of Koda asks me? My growls and nostril-flaring wider provides the answer to her question. Her lips form into a satisfied grin.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Get yourself comfortable, my dear. While I grab you a bowl of my famous chili and a plate of cinnamon cornbread. ”

“You don’t have to do that,” I tell her, being polite. I don’t want to intrude, even though I secretly do want to intrude.

“Nonsense,” She says while grabbing a bowl from off the top of the counter, and some red oven mitts from the side of the sink. Then, she opens up the oven to reveal some golden bread.

“It’s an honor. Now, sit!” she firmly directs, leaving no room for arguments. I take a seat onto the sofa and continue to study my surroundings.

My mind starts to wander. All I can think about is how spoiled I’ve been.

I am just a wolf. So, I am not used to grand mansions and extraordinary Palaces.

However, I am used to life at the pack home. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that other wolves don’t have that luxury. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that other wolves still have to go out and hunt for each and every meal.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that a lot of wolves stills enjoy living on their own and embracing life without a pack.

They prefer to be somewhat Rogue and not have to deal with the civilizations and rules that come along with being a pack member. Most of the wolves, a part of the outside territories use to belong to a pack, but there are those few who once were considered rogue.

Rogue wolves were either born without a pack due to their ancestors being kicked out. Or they are pack-less due to them being kicked out themselves. They were once considered to be wolves, which lived, slept, and roamed alone. My people like to call them the savage beast.

Growing up listening to those stories I always disagreed. I felt like they were independent. They didn’t have someone else hunting for them. They didn’t have protection and sometimes they didn’t even have shelter. They didn’t have the protection of an Alpha or the bondage of family. They did what they wanted to do. When they wanted to it, now that’s true freedom. I wish I was that brave.

They also, raised their pups to live by the same rules, free and independent. How extraordinary?

“Have you ever had chili, my dear? Do you have any preferred toppings,” She suddenly asks.

“Sour-cream and cheese, please, if it’s not too much to ask for,” I answer and she nods her head.

“I should have known. You did use to live fairly close to the Southern Border.”

Instead of answering my lips form a soft smile. Chili is a Southern Wolf thing. My dad uses to travel down south a lot when we were younger. Whenever he returned he would bring back a big batch of chili, fresh peaches, and gallons of pomegranates juice.

Those were the days.

My dad uses to always say The Southern Alpha sure does have a lot of southern hospitality. My entire pack was obsessed with her.

I was always obsessed with the legendary Southern Alpha, who happens to be a woman, and my dad used to love telling me stories about her. He really was a caring, and charming dad once upon a time. Now, I don’t know who he is.

“The people who love to eat are always,”

“The best people,” I finish her sentence. “My father use to say that all the time when my siblings and I would ask questions about the wolves in The Southern Pack.”

The older she-wolf places down two bowls full of the mouthwatering chili onto the small table. Followed by, her placing down a plate stacked with the golden cinnamon-scented bread. After handing me some napkins and a spoon, she takes her seat beside me.

“Your dad is a smart man, which shouldn’t be surprised with him being a Wilde wolf,” she says, pushing the bowl towards my direction. Once, again the stronger peppery aroma invades my sense. The cheese is already melted and the sour cream is thick, yet sturdy. I take my first spoonful, slowly not wanting to look like a starving beast. Yet, one sip of this mouthwatering dish is all it takes to bring my savage out. My taste buds explode. The chili tastes ten times better than it smells.

It’s warm and oh, so got darn delicious! So delicious! The texture and blended powerful flavors are just right. The cheese and sour cream together is pure bliss. The spicy heat runs down my throat, providing a sweet sting.

It’s spicy, but no unbearable and so addictive. So, so addictive... I finish the bowl in less than a minute and I can’t help but to lick the spoon several times once the delicious soup is gone. Geez! I want to lick the bowl.

The older she-wolf, Koda releases a snicker from the other side of the table. My head snaps up, freak I was so lost in chili wonderland I almost forget that she was there. How embarrassing? She doesn’t hide her smile, as she cheerfully pushes over the plate of golden bread. I feel like a mouse being swayed by cheese.

Just a whiff of the cinnamon is enough to trap me. Halfway through the cornbread, I’m dead and have gone straight to heaven. Gosh, that’s good. The bread is soft, moist, and loaded with flavor. The cinnamon blends very well with the buttery finish, providing a cake-like texture... I’m in a happy bubble, and no one can pop it or take the buzzing blissful feeling spreading inside of me away. Even my wolf agrees. We are at peace.

Food is truly the way to one’s heart. No wonder why she is the town’s keeper. She can provide law in order with a single dish.

“It’s that good huh,” Koda question me, releasing another snicker.

“Thank you. I see why your chili is so famous and that cornbread was the best I’ve ever had. You sure do know your way to another wolf’s heart,” I admit, finishing up some crumbles.

“Through food, water, shelter, and protection,” her snicker turns into a silly chuckle. “You don’t have to thank me, child, it’s my pleasure and I’ll let you in on a little secret. Lycans are no different, even the most powerful and relentless of all creatures, thrive off a full belly. Their Prince is not excluded.” She tells while taking my empty bowl and plate to her tiny sink.

And just like that my happy bubble burst. Suddenly, I start to fidget with my hands, once again lost in my own thoughts.

“What’s troubling you, my child?” The older she-wolf question as she makes her way back over towards me.

“I’m fine.” I lie. I really hate lying, but I don’t want to place my baggage on someone else’s shoulders. She raises her eyebrow. I know she knows that I am lying. I’m a horrible liar! Plus, we are wolves, who happen to be blessed to have advanced sense. Your heartbeat gives you away, every time Embug! That’s what my dad use to say. “I’m just full, thank you again.”

“I told you already, my child. You don’t have to lie,” she scolds me, making me feel extremely bad. “You are horrible at it. The worst got darn liar that I’ve ever met,” she adds in releasing another snicker.

She sure does laugh a lot. I like it. Town Keepers are usually always serious. Well, that’s what Celine would always tell me. Now, I’m not so sure. “The best people are the ones that like to eat, remember,” she reminds me while taking her seat. She takes a huge spoonful of her delicious homemade chill. Then, she places her warm brown eyes back onto me. “Your secrets are safe with me. Now, tell me the truth. What’s really bothering you my child?′ She asks again.

“I am afraid,”

“Afraid,” she doesn’t look as surprised as she sounds. “Afraid of what, my dear.”

“Everything,” I confess. Then I start to pour my heart out to her.

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thanks to Koda.

I told her everything. From how my father used his Alpha aura to force me into accepting the Lycans Prince and I arranged union. I also explained that the Lycans have only agreed to fight for us because of it and confessed that I was born on the last Luna Passing day. I told her how much I fear the Lycan Prince and advised that I don’t believe that I am worthy enough to call myself his mate.

She made a face at that part however overall Koda is a great listener. She sat quietly the entire time, listening to my story without any interruptions. She didn’t judge. She didn’t place her two cents into the equation. She just listened and that’s exactly what my soul needed. Koda is truly amazing.

“I honestly feel like we all can get along. We should all be able to co-exist.” I continue to ramble on. We are now, discussing the vampires while we're in the kitchen washing dishes.

She rinses. I dry. “Now, don’t get me wrong I get it. Vampires have done terrible things. They have enslaved the humans, all in the name of vengeance, and killed many of our own. But we are no better. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Us werewolves have done the same thing to them once before. ”

“You cannot compare apples to oranges, my child.” Koda expresses while dipping another dish into the soapy water. “Were people are nothing like those monsters. Vampires kill for sport. They always have and they always will. Werewolves kill to defend ourselves, and protect the ones we love.” she hisses, while turning off the water. I take the last bowl from out of her hand, dry it off and then place the dish inside of her counter.

“I’ve lived for many centuries, Embry. I’ve seen the horror that those things are capable of. I’ve seen them kill with no mercy,” Koda warm eyes are now cold. “Especially the one who calls himself King of this land,” she says the same thing that I’ve heard so many times. “He the worst of them, truly ruthless. I am glad that he shall soon meet his end.”

I lower my head.

“Now, I don’t agree with what your pack and the Lycans are doing concerning you,” she continues. “However, I would be lying if I said that I’m unhappy about Lycans and Werewolves teaming up to bring him down,”

“Needless vengeance is not the way forward,” I whisper.

“It is when it comes to a wolf,” she ends the conversation once and for all.

I sigh and hand her the towel to dry off her hands. Koda offers a soft smile. “Thank you, my dear.” The warmth in her eyes is now back like it never has left.

“You’re welcome,” I respond as she hands me a coffee mug full of rich hot chocolate.

Mm mm Mm mm! Good. I think myself to myself as the warm texture slides down the back of my throat. The older she-wolf really knows how to make one feel at home. We stand in silence, sipping our drinks, and enjoying the rich and savory taste.

This is so peaceful. Oh, how I wish my life could always be this simple. During Koda and I conversation earlier she told me that I have nothing to fear, and to be grateful. “It’s an honor to be mated to a Lycan,” she said. Count your blessings. You are a lucky wolf.”

She was wrong. She is the lucky one. If I had it my way I would pick her life over mine any day. She has it all. A simple life, yet fulfilling life. No obligations. No arranged unions. No worries.

Who is the real lucky one? Suddenly, Ruq burst inside, scaring the life out of me. The two Lycan Warriors are following close behind him.

I jump and drop the coffee mug in the process. The glass shatters, cutting my foot. Which is the less of my worries, I am more concerned about wasting a perfectly good cup of hot chocolate. Awe man!

Without warning, Ruq snatches me up by my arm, “You need to come with me now,”

“How dare you? Koda questions him with a growl, following behind us with bright yellow eyes. Her wolf is present. “You have no right barging into my hut,” she growls, really loudly causing a scene.

He ignores Koda and drags me out deeper into the fresh night air. “I will report your constant disrespect to your Alpha, young man. Who the hell do you think you are?” The villager wolves start to surround us.

Ruq stops in his tracks and turns to face her with a glowing golden eye. “You go right ahead, you old hag.” He snaps. “Who orders do you believe I am following?”

She releases a growl, however before she could say another word the two Lycan Warriors take Koda by her arm and yank her back towards her hut.

The village wolves watch the commotion in complete silence. No wolf has enough courage to question a Wilde wolf or a Lycan. At less that’s the impression that I had.

“What is the meaning of this,” someone shouts from out of the center of the crowd.

My brother wolf releases a growl, “None of your god damn business,” he snaps. His wolf is certainly present. Higher authority wolves do not like to be questioned or challenged by lower-level wolves and the last time I checked there are no other wolves in this town that outranks Ruq.

“Then I’ll make it my business,” the unknown voice snaps back and the surrounded wolves slowly, spread apart as the unknown person make it's himself know. My nostrils flare widely with every step the unknown person takes. My wolf starts to feel unsettled. The scent is weird, it is a scent that we are not familiar with. This person aroma is a fruity floral blend of peach, watermelon, jasmine and that’s it. Which is strange as hell, all wolves have a woodsy aroma that mingles with their own distinctive scent.

In other words, we all smell like earth, woodsy and so does the Lycans.

This wolf, in particular, does not. It has its own scent like a human would have. The weird-smelling wolf makes its way front and center, shocking the hell out of me.

To my surprise, it’s not a wolf but a hunter. What the hell is a hunter doing here? Hunters are basically humans with enhanced senses. They smell like humans, so that explains his scent. They look, humans, will maybe a tad bid more attractive and they aren’t immortal like humans.

The major difference between a human and a hunter is their advanced sense, and their ability to tangle with any supernatural creature, meaning they have a chance of fighting against one of us and actually winning. They are basically human-designed killing machines. Oh, yeah! Plus, they are born with markings that identify their strengths.

This one, in particular, has many markings. He is scary looking too, with his unnatural glowing Irish green eyes and an unshaven face. He looks wild and untamed.

The hunter approaches my brother and my heart skips several beats.

“Who the fuck are you,” questions Ruq.

“No one,” says the hunter. “The real question is who are you?”

“Again, that’s none of your God damn business, hunter. Go back to the hell hole that you crawled out of,” snaps Ruq, turning his back on him and pulling me away. The crowd starts to depart, I guess they figure that if they won’t see any drama they minds well head home. Typical wolves!

“Well actually it does, if you are a member of The Northern Pack,” the hunter says.

“So what if I am,”

“Then I think you would be happy to learn that I and my group saw The Cold-Hearted King get off the plane, dragging you’re rumored to be dead Luna behind him on a leash.“Dead Luna? He couldn’t be speaking about Uncle Maddox mate. That’s impossible.

Ruq stops in his tracks. “She has already contacted us,” he hisses. “So as I stated how about you go back to whatever hell-hole you crawled out of the filth.” He spits, with golden eyes. Omg!

No way.

The hunter Irish green eyes flash brighter and I suddenly feel like a twig caught in a tornado all I can do is pray. A fight between a hunter and a werewolf can be deadly. I for one, cannot stomach the bloodshed. Plus, Ruq is my brother. I don’t want anything to happen to him.

Thankfully, my prayers are answered. “Into next time,” responds the hunter, looking my brother straight in the eyes.

“There will be no next time,” responds Ruq.

“Oh, it will be,” says the hunter finally turning away. Ruq watches him for a while and then starts to play tug of war with my body again.

“Ruq, that was uncalled for,” I say, as we get further away from prying ears.

“Silence, Embry,” he hisses, now placing his golden eyes onto me. “What has gotten into you. First, you challenge dad and now you call yourself telling me how to handle a situation. I expect the village old hag to speak out of line, she has no home training. I expect the hunter to do the same, he has no home training.” With each word, his wolf shows itself further.

Ruq lets go of my arm and then starts to poke my chest like I’m some sort of disobedient pup. “However, you were taught better than that. Don’t forget your place. The way I’m handling things is for your own protection,” he almost shouts.

My wolf growls inside of me, but my human side is less aggressive, more compliant. To further elaborate, I’m a coward. A huge coward! My act of disobedience with my father was only because I was caught off guard. Embry Wilde knows better than to challenge authority. Ruq is right. I was raised better than that.

I do not agree with Rug's aggressive behavior towards Koda or the hunter. However, I am grateful that he cares about my well-being. He is just concerned about my safety.

“Please forgive me,” I ask, lowering my head, giving him my complete submission.

“You’re forgiven,” he says, leaning down to evaluate my cut. I almost forget about that. “Come, let's go get this cleaned up, Embug.” He says, picking me up and entering the hut.

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