Chapter 48

Chapter 48

When my wolf hadn’t manifested when I became an adult, it had been recommended that I drink peppermint tea in copious amounts, to try and clear any toxins that might be effecting our bond.

It hadn’t worked for me, but maybe it could work for Gideon.

I had just planted some plants in my garden. If the wolf ate them, maybe it could help?

“To the garden!” I snapped my fingers at the idea and turned and took off running. To my relief, Gideon’s wolf followed me, loping alongside easily.

We skidded down the garden path and through the gate. I led Gideon’s wolf over to the patch of dark green leaves.

“Eat this.” I said, pointing. The wolf looked at me and whined.

“I think it can help, if Gideon ate something bad. You might throw up, but it should be ok p>

The wolf lowered its head towards the plant. Instead of eating it, it buried its muzzle in the leaves and inhaled deeply. The scent of peppermint filled the air.

Breath after breath, the wolf took. Then he turned towards me.

I flinched and covered my face as he sneezed mightily right in my face.

“Gross p>

When I opened my eyes, Gideon was standing where the wolf had been.

“Gideon!” I exclaimed, “Oh thank goodness you’re back. I was so worried p>

He looked pale, but otherwise himself.

“Avery.” His voice was stern and commanding. “Get the doctor p>

I swallowed and nodded but didn’t leave.

“Are you… are you okay?” I asked.

“Go!” Gideon snapped.

I turned and ran.

Thankfully, Hudson, Gideon’s brother and the pack doctor was not hard to find in the Gala. He was surrounded by ladies at the bar, who were all laughing at some story he was telling. I only heard the end of it as I dashed up.

“…so then he said, ‘If you didn’t want me to drink it, don’t put in it a glass p>

I interrupted the peals of laughter and grabbed Hudson’s arm.

“Gideon needs you.” I whispered in his ear. Concern crossed his face and he quickly excused himself to follow me.

“Do I need my kit p>

“I don’t know yet.” I said, honestly. “He’s in the garden p>

Gideon was pacing along the fence when we arrived.

“Stay there, Avery.” He warned me back as I approached, so I stood at the gate while Hudson rushed to his brother’s side. They talked in low voices, then Hudson left. As he passed by me, his face was grim.

“What’s going on?” I asked, but he just pushed past.

1/3

I turned to look at Gideon, but he had his arms crossed and was staring at me.

“Gideon, you’re scaring me.” I said, softly.

Still, he didn’t respond. He just paced.

A few minutes later, Hudson returned. He nodded to his brother.

“They were in floral arrangements on six of the tables. The ones nearest the dance floor.” He reported, “I’m having them removed now p>

I looked between the two brothers with confusion.

“Can someone please explain what’s going on?” I said finally, feeling the panic rising in my voice, “Please p>

Gideon walked up the path towards me and grabbed my arm, pulling me along behind him as we headed back towards the Gala. Still, he said nothing to me.

His face from where I marched at his side was set in stern lines. He seemed angry.

When we entered back into the ceremony hall the dance floor was empty and the lights had been turned back up to full brightness. Confused wolves stood in groups around the hall, talking in hushed voices. The music was turned off.

Gideon stepped forward and the room hushed instantly.

It was so quiet, I could hear my heart thudding in my chest.

“Tonight, someone tried to poison your Alpha.” Gideon’s voice was harsh and rough. He gestured with one hand and at his signal, warrior wolves stepped into the doorways and barred the exits.

“No one will leave here until I find out who did it.” His gaze swept the room and the wolves of Nightwolf stared back. Most appeared confused, some angry.

A long moment passed.

“If you confess, it will go better for you. Who placed angelica in the flower arrangements around the dance floor?” Gideon growled.

My mouth fell open. Wasn’t that the flower that Madelyn had told me was traditional at these events? The one I hadn’t found on my invoices but which was in the arrangements?

As if on cue, Jessica stepped out of the crowd and pointed directly at me.

“It was the new Luna, Alpha.” Her stare was malicious and her voice triumphant. “She was in charge of the flowers p>

“She tried to kill you p>

Olivia Harris

Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.