The Mark of Betrayal (by Cooper) novel Chapter 24

Samara

The pack lands are gorgeous. As Roman walked me around, showing me different areas, places where the pups go to play, trails that lead to the lake, the lake itself which has already started to freeze over, and then to an area where we can see the snow-capped mountains, Ayla has become more and more restless. She's whining in my head wanting the chance to run. She’s never run in the north and I have to admit, the feel of the cool, crisp air on my face makes me smile. It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt the northern chill in the air.

“Are you sure you don’t want to let Ayla out to run?” Roman asks, obviously feeling her increasing desire to run through our link.

“Are you planning to give us some privacy?” I ask him.

“Not yet. Trust works both ways, Samantha.”

“Then no. I’ll figure it out.”

“I’m not Alpha William, Samantha. I won’t turn my head while you leave my packs lands hoping you’ll return safely.”

‘We don’t need to leave the pack lands, Samara. But I want to put my feet in that snow. I’ve never felt it.’ Ayla says, careful to block Roman and Pierce out of our conversation.

‘In the winter, you’ll blend right in, Ayla. Dad used to hunt mom in the snow. They both loved it because it gave Dad’s wolf, Felix, a bigger challenge. Simone, my mom’s wolf, would close her eyes and Felix had to find her by scent alone. If the winds were howling, it would take him a while, but he always found her.’

‘Of course he did. Just like Pierce would find me in the snow. He wouldn’t give up until he did,’ she purrs.

I turn and look at Roman, seeing him watching me.

“Change your mind?” he asks.

“What if I give you my word as an Alpha that I won’t run away?”

He blinks, surprised at my compromise.

“I’ll think about it. You were so adamant to leave me yesterday, I’m not quite willing to let you out of my sight yet.”

It makes sense, but Ayla and I look longingly at the forest and I make a promise to her that I’ll find a way to sneak out so she can run.

When we get back to the packhouse, everyone is settling down for the night. Everyone says goodnight as they pass, and I feel Roman’s aggravation increasing.

“What’s wrong with you? They’re just saying goodnight,” I say, frowning up at him.

“To you,” he growls. “It’s like I’m not even here.”

I turn and look behind us.

“Goodnight, Luna,” a couple of warriors say, waving at me.

“Goodnight,” I say, waiting for them to acknowledge Roman. When they don’t, I begin giggling. I try to stop myself, but I can’t.

“It’s not funny,” he grumbles. “It’s been like this since the moment you arrived.”

I giggle again. “It’s kind of funny.”

I look up at him, the smile still on my face.

He sucks in air and his eyes darken quickly.

The smile drops away and I frown. “What?”

“That’s the first time you’ve smiled at me,” he says softly. “I understand why the pack is so enamored with you.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

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