Bloodbound to the Witch Heir: Claimed By Four

Luther’s POV

*****

"Luther!" Lysandra’s shrill yell behind him made him want to rip his hair off his head. "Luther, where are you going? You’re leaving the Crimson Expanse."

Yeah, no shit.

After Celeste stood her ground against Lysandra’s friends minutes ago, Luther couldn’t pretend anymore. He was still mad at Lysandra for sending that picture to Blood Eye.

And even madder that she showed no remorse. She NEVER shows remorse.

When he got to the entrance gate leading out of the field, he glanced over his shoulder for a second. Lysandra was basically sprinting with her friends, face red with anger and embarrassment.

She almost tripped on the red sand a couple of times, but that didn’t stop her from yelling again. "I swear, if you don’t stop so we can talk about whatever is happening with you, I’ll—"

He didn’t wait for her to finish.

’You’re thinking the same thing, right?’ his wolf questioned with a knowing huff.

’Mm-hm.’ Luther nodded, swinging his head back to the gates.

Without warning, his bones snapped, muscles shifting. Snow white fur sprouted out from his skin. His snout enlarged, a howl leaving his mouth as he fell on his knees.

"L–Luther?!" Lysandra gasped right when his transformation was complete. "What are you doing? The break is for only thirty minutes. Are you really going to—"

Whoosh!

He sprinted, his wolf’s nimble limbs moving him like the wind. White fur blew into the air around him as he brokeinto the forest, navigating past roots, vegetation and sprawling trees in seconds.

The Academy wasn’t his destination though.

No, that would be somewhere else—

.

.

9:15 AM, Asheville city.

When he got behind a truck, he shifted back into human form, snapping his neck with a sigh. He could’ve done that in public since humans were pretty used to the supernatural.

But he desired stealth.

’Yes, because it was very stealthy of you to bolt out of an ongoing inter-school competition while your psychotic girlfriend was yelling after you,’ his wolf sniggered. ’Will you ever get tired of her?’

’Not now,’ he grumbled, stepping onto a sidewalk.

The roads weren’t all that busy today—only a few cars drove past once in a while. This part of the city was serene, devoid of huge skyscrapers or any serious industrial constructs.

Instead, to his left and right were lines of hotels, cafes, bars, and restaurants, amongst others.

His eyes were already set on his favourite bar in the city.

Sapphire Corner.

’Drinking before you compete? Really?’ his wolf judged hard.

’Oh, relax.’ he adjusted his uniform, hoping fewer people would pay attention to it. ’I don’t plan to get drunk. A few shots to clear my head won’t hurt.’

’I doubt even alcohol can clear the clutter in this head. But... Oh well.’

Upon opening the double glass doors leading into the bar, he heaved. His senses were immediately hit by the smells of vodka, beer and other liquor. Then the usual laughter from men who probably didn’t find their jokes funny.

The room was lit with a soft red and blue light, with jazz music playing from speakers.

Almost instantly, a few heads turned to him. Some gawked with shock. Others whispered to themselves, underestimating his wolf hearing.

"A student from Bloodoak." A man slurred, the stench of Bud Light heavy even with the distance. "What’s he doing here?"

"I saw some fancy cars in the city earlier this morning," Another one murmured. "Them supernatural kids must be expectin’ company or somethin’."

"Word on the streets says Europe’s Luna Queen is around."

"Her? Jesus, what’s such an important figure doing here?"

"Beats me."

Straightening his posture and ignoring the gossip, Luther strode to the counter.

A female bartender with a pixie cut and practised smile stood behind it, immediately raising her head when he drew close enough.

"Hey there, Jess," He smiled as well, sitting on a stool. "Can you get me my regular mix? Extra strong today... With a few extra drops of moon dew."

The lady arched a knowing brow. "Yikes. That school already stressing you out this semester?"

She has no idea...

"Something like that." He shrugged, drumming his fingers on the counter. "Just make it quick, please. I’ve got to head back soon."

"Sure." Jess nodded, about turning away. "What about you, miss?"

His brows furrowed.

Miss?

"I’ll have what he’s having." A soft feminine voice remarked behind him just then. "Maybe add some ice cubes though."

Soon enough, the person shifted into his view, sitting beside him. And making him freeze in a mix of shock and instant suspicion.

Long silver hair. Donned in a white and silver uniform with a smile on her face that masked a fierce, calculating young woman.

She—she’s—

"Rebecca Whiteflame," she turned, offering him a handshake. "Pleasure meeting you, Alpha Luther Hale."

As Jess went to handle those orders, Luther blinked with stupefaction. Other than her mind-boggling beauty, there was still the shock of how she was here to begin with.

And more importantly... WHY?

Reluctantly, he shook her hand, expression cautious. "I doubt you mean that."

"Oh, but I do." Rebecca withdrew her hand, smile widening. "Ever since you first competed last year, I’ve been curious to meet the so-called ’strongest Alpha in Europe’. Now that I have... Well..."

Those last words felt equal parts condescending and complimentary. The most annoying part was that she probably didn’t care enough to realise.

Clenching his right fist, Luther questioned. "What do you want? Trying to seduce your way to victory?"

Surprise flashed across her face at first, until she chuckled. "Wow. Well, is it working?"

"Not quite."

He meant that.

Yes, she was beautiful. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit that. But in his eyes, there was one other woman who beat her beauty.

No—it wasn’t Lysandra.

"Anyway," Rebecca cleared her throat, "as much as I’d like to point out her telling it is that you’d reduce a woman’s worth to ’seduction’—"

"Wait." He shook his head, face heating up. "I didn’t mean it like—"

"—I’m here because I saw, Luther." She continued, voice softening. "You and Lysandra. I also found out you two are dating. While you’re allegedly mates with Celeste."

His instincts became defensive instantly. "Mates? Who—"

"I said allegedly." She didn’t back down. "And if that’s true, especially since I know how intense bonds with an Alpha King descended lupine is... I can’t help but feel curious."

She paused, leaning in by just a few inches. "Perhaps a bit concerned too."

Rebecca studied his face carefully before adding. "You don’t act like someone in love," a pause. "You act like someone being steered."