Chapter 12

Ava couldn't sleep. The ointment Doctor Mary had applied on her did help, but she still felt a bit itchy. She sighed, slipping a silky robe over her shoulders before stepping out into the cool night. Maybe the midnight air would help.

Her feet carried her without direction, and before she knew it, she was in the training yard. She liked the quiet. There was a peace in the solitude she rarely had.

She sank onto a bench, her mind churning with thoughts. If the concubines were targeting her, she had to tread carefully. These weren't enemies she could fight with fists and claws. If she wanted to survive here, she needed to be smarter. More calculating. The only authority she had was the one the Alpha allowed her. And that wasn't enough.

She needed more. Power that didn't come from borrowed status. Power that was hers.

The sound of footsteps broke her reverie. She turned slightly when a deep, familiar voice followed.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Gamma Kade stepped out of the shadows.

He was shirtless. Again.

Did this man have an aversion to clothes? Even in the cool night air, he was bare-chested. Taut muscles rippling with each movement. Her eyes lingered for just a second too long, taking in the sculpted ridges of his abs before she forced herself to look away.

"I could take a picture for you, you know."

"Do you ever wear shirts?"

Kade smirked, settling beside her on the bench. "You ever consider that maybe I just like feeling the wind on my skin?"

Ava huffed out a soft laugh. "Or maybe you just like showing off."

He grinned but didn't deny it. Instead he sniffed her.

"What is that?"

"Doctor Mary's ointment," Ava answered.

Kade's gaze drifted to her exposed shoulders, where faint red scratches marred her smooth skin. "Let me guess… Did you piss someone off?"

She snorted.

"This looks like you bathed in the devil's beans."

"Quite literally."

"You want to talk about it?"

Ava exhaled heavily. "The attacks at Crimson Pack were always direct. Here? It's like they want to attack me from the shadows. How do you even fight that?"

Kade leaned back, "Use your wits. Be smart. Be discreet. Don't show your hand until your cards are complete."

She tilted her head. "Didn't know you were so wise, Gamma Kade."

He chuckled. "I have my moments." Then, more seriously, "You're training your body to fight, but your mind is just as important. That's how you survive when you're ambitious… and hungry for power."

Ava's smile faded. "And how does someone like me, an outsider, a girl without a wolf, gain power here?"

Kade studied her for a long moment. "You'll find your way. Everyone does."

They sat in silence. Then, without warning, the sky opened up, rain pouring in torrents.

Kade was up in an instant. "Come on."

He grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward a nearby training room, a small, enclosed space where warriors stored their gear and changed after sparring. As soon as they were inside, he shut the door behind them, trapping the cold breeze outside.

Ava turned to face him, her breath coming faster than it should have. She was soaked, the flimsy fabric of her nightdress clinging to her curves. Kade flicked on a light, and the moment he turned back, his pupils dilated.

The wet material had turned almost sheer, molding to her skin, her nipples standing against the thin fabric. He swallowed hard.

Heat coiled in her stomach.

"Uh… your clothes…" His voice was strained.

She glanced down at herself, then back at him. "I could take a picture for you, you know."

Kade exhaled sharply, "Ava…"

She stepped closer.

He stiffened. "You're the Alpha's concubine." His voice was rough, but it lacked conviction.

Because the truth was, this had been brewing between them from the start.

Ava reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over his chest.

Kade sucked in a breath, his restraint snapping.

In a swift movement, he yanked her against him, their bodies colliding. His lips found hers, kissing her like he was claiming her.

Ava melted into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands slid down her back, then lower, gripping her hips. He lifted her easily, pressing her against the wall.

His mouth trailed down her throat. He pulled her robe down, along with the straps of her nightdress, exposing her bare, luscious breasts.

He groaned. "I have wanted to do this since the night at the club."

His mouth found her nipple, his tongue flicking over it before drawing it into his mouth. Ava gasped, her head falling back against the wall. The sensation was electric, sending a jolt of pleasure straight between her legs.

Kade's fingers slid beneath her dress, finding her wet and ready. He cursed under his breath, teasing her with his fingers.

He covered her lips with another kiss. His fingers worked her until she trembled, until she broke apart.

His own control was slipping. He reached into his shorts, his cock heavy in his hand, stroking himself until he spilled all over himself. She was the Alpha's woman. Anything more and they were both dead.

"This… can't happen again," he said hoarsely.

Ava swallowed hard, nodding. "You're right."

Ava had no idea it would feel this good. In fact, she had no idea what she was doing. Kade was a distraction that she didn't need.

Maybe it was time she took matters into her own hands and made the alpha take her. Maybe this feeling of wanting Kade would melt away just like it had appeared.

Tomorrow night, she would visit the alpha, and she would make sure he took her even if it would rip her apart or kill her.

She thought back to her first night in the Silver Pack. The night the alpha realized she was a virgin and the way he had taken Sarah in her presence. He was like a man possessed; it was quick, but it was intense.

Sarah had a wolf, and she could barely walk out of that room, but whatever happened to her, it was the path she must walk.