Chapter 446
446
446
Third Person’s POV
“What about your mating plans? Haven’t you given them
a thought?” Adelaide asked.
Paisley lazily replied, “Nope. Either they’re too good for me and I can’t stand them, or they’re too poor to match up. It’s a no–win situation. Why tie the knot? Staying single suits me fine—I can go where I want , do what I please.”
Adelaide knew Paisley’s free–spirited nature all too well.
She was used to absolute freedom. Trapping her in a household would be positively cruel.
Ssider ordinary families for marital
The Stephens family, a prominent clan, would naturally no
alliances.
Yet, if Paisley were to align with another powerful werewolf pack’s Alpha family, the ensuing complex social dynamics would be nothing short of a headache.
Paisley said, “Several she–wolves in our Stephens family remain unmated. Wealth allows such luxuries . As for me, you know I’m in charge of the Crimson Flame Pack. Managing a pack is far more fulfilling than mating, don’t you think?”
Adelaide looked at her carefree expression and recalled her own past.
Once upon a time, she had been just like Paisley. They used to discuss mates and mating ceremonies, even joking about never getting mated.
Now, while Paisley remained resolute in her singledom, Adelaide had already undergone two mating ceremonies.
Memories of their past conversations filled Paisley’s mind, and her sulfur–laced pheromones surged with disdain.
She glanced sideways at Adelaide, a flicker of mischief in her wolf eyes, “You’re so hypocritical. We once vowed never to seek mates. Yet here you are, having had your second mating ceremony.”
Adelaide’s cedar pheromones rippled with a hip
of mischief, “If you have the guts, say that to Lance.”
Paisley immediately deflated, the red fur on her ears drooping slightly.
The white musk mixed with Lance’s iron–rust Alpha aura was overwhelming. Even when restrained, it felt like an invisible wolf’s claw pressing/against her throat, instinctively silencing her.
Paisley admired Adelaide’s fearlessness.
Adelaide seemed to be naturally/immune to Lance’s aura. When facing him, her silver–blue wolf eyes never showed the slightest hint of subordination.
Lance, too, was a different person outside of battle. The sharpness he displayed when issuing commands was nowhere to be seen.
446
The journey back to the capital was steady, akin to a wolf pack’s migration, unimpeded by the snowstornin that had slowed their outbound trip.
Marsh leaned against the modified vehicle, the faint scent of medical gel still on him.
Lynette’s honeysuckle pheromones enveloped him like soft down, and their combined auras formed a stable vortex.
Lynette no longer suffered from motion sickness, and the burning pain of Marsh’s wounds eased under the soothing effects of the pheromones.
The others radiated an eager restlessness, their longing to return home almost palpable.
Lance had sent word ahead to the capital via courier stations. He anticipated a grand welcome ceremony, especially since the Department of Culture would likely organize something elaborate.
After all, the minister’s own sons were part of the returning group, their joy unmistakable.
At every stop, letters carrying their pheromones were dispatched to the capital.
The once weather–beaten men, after a stay at the Frostbite Town station, had lightened in complexion.
Now, on the road, the sun painted their cheeks a reddish–black, and the new wolf hair behind their ears gleamed healthily.
Lance was no exception. His shoulder and back muscles were more defined in the sunlight, like a wolf poised for action, yet the softness in his white musk presence was more pronounced than ever before.
Despite their tanned skin, there was no trace of past pànic. No longer did they have to furtively pass – messages; thus, they seemed more robust than before.
Their wolf–like muscle structures were more refined, their lean bodies more muscular, and their gaunt faces slightly fuller.
With the shadows of the past lifted, they indeed appeared transformed.
As Paisley put it, their “wolf eyes, bright as diamonds in the sun, noses high and sharp, were much clearer and more handsome to look at.”
Paisley and Adelaide wore sunhats, shielding their heads and faces. Only their hands on the steering wheel were tanned, with little effect on their complexions.
Now, standing beside Lance, Adelaide’s fair skin made Lance’s face look like ebony kissed by the sun.
Teasing him, she said , “Lance, your skin is thoroughly tanned, as if enchanted by the sun.”
Lance didn’t care about his appearance: “I already have a mate. It doesn’t matter.”
intensified. Since Adelaide had expressed her longing for him, he no longer hid his affection, always seeking opportunities to be alone with her.
His gaze
However, the journey back was filled with trivial matters and constant interruptions from others , leaving little time for them to be together.
2/8
446
45 Free Coins
Even at night, solitude eluded them–Adelaide shared a room with Paisley, and Lance with Tommy.
Lance was particularly annoyed by Tommy’s snoring, which showed no restraint.
In the middle of the night, Tommy would kick Lance’s bed, but Lance would just turn over and fall back asleep.
Lance was eager to return to the capital.
On the highway, a car had flipped over, blocking most of the road.
The off–road vehicle could pass, but the medical van carrying Marsh couldn’t.
Tommy drove the off–road vehicle forward and saw two people righting the overturned car. Another vehicle was broken down nearby, its engine likely overheated.
A woman in a wide–brimmed hat stood at the edge of the road, her maid holding a parasol for her.
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