Kosta stepped away to find a restroom and I stood in front of the slope at the Apollo temple taking pictures with my phone. There was such a mystical feel in the air and a connection that pulsed through me. This place would have been mesmerizing to see in its prime all those centuries ago.
I lifted the camera and aimed it towards the temple, a man caught my eye who appeared to be watching me. I snapped the picture and acted like I hadn’t noticed him. Turning around slowly, I zoomed in on the photo to get a better look at him.
“Should we take a selfie together?” His voice startled me; he was looking over my shoulder smiling.
“Who are you?” I turned to face him; I could feel his wolf but couldn’t scent him.
“I think the more important question here is, who are you?” He asked.
This was definitely the motorcycle rider from Athens, he was wearing the same black riding boots, jeans and jacket. His light brown hair was wavy and ear length, his eyes a beautiful shade of green.
“Are you following me?” I asked.
“Maybe you’re following me. You are the one snapping pictures of me after all.” He grinned at me.
“You seem a little full of yourself.” I laughed.
“I like your kefi, you’ve got spunk.” He smiled. I understood the Greek word kefi to mean spirit or passion and wondered if he was patronizing me.
“Niko?” Kosta called out. “What are you doing here?” He seemed to know the young man.
“Same as everyone else. I’m taking in the sights; it’s been a while since I’ve been here.” He smiled.
“Imagine that, a true Greek, born and raised here and he’s out sightseeing like a tourist.” Kosta said laced in sarcasm.
“The same could be said about you.” Niko replied.
“I’ve got a visiting client.”
“I see that. Are you not going to introduce us uncle?”
“No, I’m not.” Kosta folded his arms across his chest with his biceps bulging.
Wait, did he just say uncle? Niko had to be a wolf too. Damn these Greeks and their scent masking herbs.
“Princess must be pretty special to have you at her service.” Niko said.
“She’s no one that would interest you.” Kosta told him.
“Her aura would suggest otherwise.” Niko replied and eyed me.
“You are mistaken, and we are leaving.” Kosta said and held my elbow leading me away.
“Keep walking.” Kosta whispered to me. He was looking around, scanning our surroundings and went into high alert. We walked quickly to the car and Kosta opened the door. “Quick, quick.” He said.
Moments later we were back on the road heading down the slopes of the mountain. I looked behind us to see if the motorcycle was following but saw nothing.
“Kosta, was that your nephew?” I asked.
“Yes, my late brothers’ son.”
“He’s a wolf.” It was more of a statement then a question.
“Yes, he is.”
“Why did we have to leave so quickly?”
“My job is to protect you and Niko runs with some very dangerous people. It’s best to avoid them all together.” Kosta said sounding nervous and looking at his rear view mirrors.
“What is this herb that masks scents? Should I try to find some?”
“It’s a Greek weed called Evvie, it grows in the northern mountains. Difficult to find, but not impossible. You steep it in water and drink it. It will mask your scent for three to five days depending on how strong it is.” He told me.
“Where can I find some? I’m getting tired of everyone scenting me when I can’t scent them.” I asked.
“It’s mostly found on the black market for wolves, it might hide your scent, but another wolf will still be able to sense your aura. You’re an Alpha wolf and you radiate strength; you won’t be able to hide that Raven.”
“I was able to sense Niko, is he a higher ranked wolf?”
“He’s Beta Born, just as I am.” Kosta told me.
“What happened to your brother?” It slipped out before I could control myself, but I was glad when he answered.
“He was killed trying to do the right thing. Our pack fell apart and some of us now live amongst the humans. Not necessarily rogues, more like lone wolfs.” He said.
His phone rang and he answered it speaking in Greek. I looked down at my phone and zoomed in on the picture of Niko. He didn’t look dangerous or scary to me. His Beta aura was strong, much stronger than Rocky’s. I could sense his immediately.
“Should we stop for some food?” Kosta asked me.
“That would be great.”
We stopped at the Hermes Souvlaki and Gyro stand near Delphi. I ordered the chicken souvlaki pita and Kosta had the Gyro. We grabbed our drinks and headed back to the car. Kosta seemed anxious to get back on the road and further away from here. I wondered if we were near pack territory.
The ride back was uneventful, and I replayed the conversation Niko and Kosta had. I wondered why Niko had been interested in me and why he had followed us to Delphi. It was late afternoon when we arrived back at the dormitory.
Kosta opened the car door for me and then walked me to the front lobby doors. “Raven, it’s best if you avoid any unknown wolves. If Niko is interested in you, it can’t be good.”
“Thank you Kosta, I promise to stay away from anyone I don’t already know.” I smiled at him.
I
