No Ads Chapter 19 Chapter 19 I dont think Ive ever hated anyone more in my life than I hate Seraphina right now . Shes standing there , all doe eyed and dripping faux sympathy , handing me the list of materials for the Mating Ball like its some sort of sacred scroll . Theres only some stuff I havent been able to buy , I think I got a lot even after being stalked , and stayed in the cave back then . Does she need more stuff ? Her voice is sweet enough to rot teeth , her tone just concerned enough to make everyone in the room think shes some goddess of kindness . I really wish you didnt have to go back to the unclaimed lands , she says , her big eyes wide with faux worry . Its so dangerous out there . But youre just … so brave , Taryn . I bite down hard enough on my tongue to keep from spitting out every profanity under the sun . Brave , my ass . She might as well call me expendable . Right , I mutter , snatching the list from her perfectly manicured hands . My fingers twitch to crumple it into a ball , but I resist the urge . Oh , and dont forget , she adds , her saccharine voice grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard . That carriage youll be taking ? Its the one gifted by the late Alpha King . A true honor for our pack . Her smile is so sweet , its almost disgusting . Try not to mess it up , she chirps , her words sugar coated poison . I glare at her , my lips twitching into a tight smile that screams I want to murder you in your sleep . Thanks for the reminder , I say flatly . Ill make sure to put it on my to do list . Right under survive your bullshit . She blinks , her smile faltering for just a second before she recovers , spinning on her heel and sauntering away , leaving me seething in her wake . *** The carriage is waiting by the gates , its black lacquered surface gleaming in the sunlight . The damn thing looks like it belongs in a royal procession , not some errand to the unclaimed lands . You better not scratch this , the head maid warned earlier , her voice sharp enough to flay skin . Like Id go out of my way to ruin something that could probably fund my entire miserable existence ten times over . The coachman , a middle aged man with a permanent scowl etched into his face , doesnt bother helping me with the supplies . I hoist the bags up myself , gritting my teeth against the lingering sting on my cheek . Its fine , I tell myself . Just another day as the packs favorite punching bag . The moment I settle into the plush leather seat , I feel out of place . The carriage smells like polished wood and faint lavender , a stark contrast to my scuffed boots and mud streaked skirt . Shit , I should have insisted Ill shift instead . Give me a break , Im exhausted . I hear my wolf whine , and I roll my eyes . The carriage coach whipped the horse and we were about to leave when I hear it . Heavy , frantic footsteps pounding against the dirt , closing the distance like a freight train barreling toward me . The door wrenches open with a force that nearly rips it off its hinges , and Im face to face with Enoch . His emerald eyes usually calm and full of that odd childlike adoration are wide with panic . His chest is heaving , the strain of running or maybe sheer panic taking its toll . 1/3 Chapter 19 What is he doing right now ? Taryn , he breathes , like Ive just announced Im abandoning him in the middle of a war zone , For fucks sake , Enoch ! I snap , pressing a hand to my forehead . My patience has officially left the building , What are you doing ? Go ? he asks , his voice low , shaky , like a damn kicked puppy . Yes , go , I say , exasperated . Me , not we . Youre staying here , okay ? You dont have to be glued to my side every second ? His brows knit together like Ive just declared the sky is green . He doesnt move . I step out of the carriage , trying to level with him . Look , Ill be back soon . Im just picking up supplies . No danger , no drama . Just sit tight , eat something , maybe dont murder anyone- He still doesnt budge . His hands grip the doorframe like its the only thing keeping him upright . Taryn stay , he mumbles , his tone bordering on pleading now . I let out a frustrated sigh , my resolve cracking under his gaze . Damn it , why does he have to look at me like that ? Like Im the only thing keeping his world from crumbling to ash . Youre fine , I say , softer this time . Im coming back . It takes a minute , but he finally lets go , his hands falling to his sides . His shoulders slump like hes lost a battle , and he takes a hesitant step back . Good , I say , climbing back into the carriage . See ? Not so hard . But just as I think hes going to leave , Enochs posture stiffens . His head jerks toward the carriage , his eyes narrowing as though hes seeing it for the first time . Enoch ? I ask , my stomach twisting . He doesnt answer . His hand comes up to his temple , his fingers digging into his skin as if hes trying to claw something out Hey , whats wrong ? I slide out of the carriage again, panic setting in . His breathing gets heavier , his eyes squeezing shut as though the sunlight is too much for him . And then , just when I think it couldnt get worse , his eyes snap open . Theyre not green anymore . A deep , glowing red stares back at me , and my stomach drops straight to my feet . Shit , I whisper , taking a step back . Enoch ? He doesnt answer . His gaze flickers between the carriage and me , confusion and rage warring in his expression . Hey , its okay , I say , my voice trembling now . Youre okay . Just just breathe , alright ? But his body tenses like hes ready to fight or run or I dont know explode . And Im standing here , frozen , because what the hell am I supposed to do when the man Ive been babysitting suddenly looks like hes two seconds away from going full- blown psycho ? Everyone is going to see those eyes and would know immediately hes a rogue ! Enoch , I try again , more firmly this time . Look at me . 2/3 3/3 He does , and for a second , I think I see a flicker of green returning Per then he winces , ruching his head again , and the red Oh furk A.D Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!