Far from others

Two weeks on the road felt excessive. Her husband purchased four horses from the villagers, and contrary to what he had claimed, wolves did ride horses. The two-week journey shrank to just one week. He might have been toying with her. The very idea of him mocking her pricked at her nerves.

His companions treated her far better, their words softer and their demeanor more considerate. They camped near the borderlands, lighting a small fire to grill their fresh hunt. Ren sat close to the flames, the rich, smoky aroma of roasting meat stirring her appetite.

During their journey, she grew familiar with Coran, the blue-eyed gray wolf who had escorted her to the Altar on her wedding night. He seemed to be the one closest to Kai, often addressed as Beta Coran. Fiercely loyal and protective of his Alpha prince, he exuded an aura of quiet strength. Yet, his aloofness made him difficult to read, or approach, and his words, when he spoke, were scarce, blaming and warning the pack members.

Siamon, on the other hand, was gentle and attentive, a truly kind soul. As an Omega butler, he held a surprising level of respect from her husband. He returned three nights ago after warning King Benkin about those goblins and the evil creature with them. She was still stunned at how he tracked them easily.

Two other notable companions were Axe and Rail. Axe, a massive brown Gamma wolf, stood out immediately with his fiery red hair and the claw-like scar etched down the left side of his face. Nearly twice Kai's size, he was an imposing figure who often kept to himself. However, he repeatedly insisted that, as the Alpha's wife, Ren needed to learn how to fight. Still, he never failed to praise her horse-riding skills, though she could tell it unsettled him. For wolves, riding horses seemed less like a skill and more like an insult. Additionally, they had duties based on their nature and the rank they were given to.

The last was Rail, the youngest of the group, a white Gamma wolf with a cheerful and energetic demeanor. He affectionately called her 'Sister Ren' and quickly forged a bond with her, leaving her with a sense of ease and security in his presence. Yet, she couldn't ignore how her husband seemed to disapprove of leaving them alone. No matter who Ren tried to get close to, Kai always appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

It was clear he felt uneasy having her around his pack. She was a witch, after all. This sort of treatment toward her kind was inevitable, and there was little she could do but embrace the loneliness it brought.

"What's on your mind, Sister?"

Rail's voice broke through her thoughts as he caught her staring into the fire as if seeing something invisible to everyone else.

"Nothing," she replied softly. "I was just wondering if I could continue my studies as a healer in Thegara."

"Of course, you can," Rail said with a reassuring smile. "You'll learn a lot from our healers."

Her cheeks flushed at his encouragement, but her gaze instinctively shifted to her husband. Would he allow her to pursue her goal?

"Can I do that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kai leaned back against a rock beside her, his long legs stretched out and his arms crossed over his chest. As she expected, his expression was dark and unyielding. He clearly didn't approve of her chatting with the others.

"You don't need to ask," he said, his tone firm. "You can do whatever you want, Doe-eyes. There's a large abandoned library in the castle."

Ren flashed him a soft, sweet smile, her eyes meeting his with an innocence that sent an unexpected jolt through him. His gaze darkened as she spoke her thanks, the warmth in her voice only adding to the rush of sensations coursing through him. His heart thudded, wild and erratic, for reasons he couldn't fathom.

The bite's effect was starting to take root, and every moment of restraint felt like an unbearable weight. The torment of keeping his distance from her, the pull of her scent—intoxicating and sweet—was a silent agony. What was she thinking? Why hadn't she mentioned it? Why wasn't she the one to speak of the consummation, to seek him out, to beg for it?

He ground his teeth, unable to tear his gaze away as her soft pink lips parted, the sight of her eating something so innocently driving him to the brink of madness. Every delicate movement, every subtle gesture, was a temptation, a wicked pull that mocked his willpower. She was unknowingly drawing him in, coaxing him toward a surrender he wasn't sure he could resist.

"May I ask a silly question?" Ren blurted out, unable to hold back her curiosity about life in Thegara's castle.

"Yes, I'm curious to hear it!" Rail laughed, winking at Kai, who let out an exasperated sigh at his reaction.

"How many people live there?"

A heavy silence followed, and both men exchanged a look of disbelief. Why would she care about that?

"Are you planning to attack us?" Kai's voice was laced with reluctance, his distrust clear as his eyes narrowed.

"No, of course not!" Ren's voice wavered slightly before trailing off. "I just… I like being around many people. It makes me feel safe."

The males exchanged wary glances. She appeared sincere, but there was a caution in their eyes that couldn't be neglected. Wolves, after all, weren't known for their friendliness toward humans, and she hadn't yet encountered their less welcoming side. Especially now, when they were unaware that their alpha had married a human, leaving a group of single females—those who hadn't found their mates or who were still in love with him and wouldn't exactly welcome her presence. He might have plenty of mistresses fighting over him, to share bed with him. 

Rail let out a sheepish laugh as the air thickened around them, clapping his hands. "That's not a bad question. Why are you all making such a big deal of it?" He turned to Ren, his golden eyes wide. "Yes, sister Ren, you'll find plenty of friends." His smile faltered, and the sincerity drained from his face. He was lying, and for blunt folks like wolves, it wasn't easy to hide it.

"Stop talking and give her some food. She needs rest before we move," Kai ordered, his tone sharp. "Reapers are on watch, and then it's your turn."

The Reapers were the other six wolves Kai had brought with him, silent, lethal, and trained to deal with any danger on their way to the hellish path ahead. To dispatch any beast on the road to hell.

"Yes, you're right!" Rail nodded, quickly unsheathing his dagger and slicing a generous portion for her. Ren wasn't sure if she had ever tasted this kind of food before, but being with the people of Thegara had shown her just how much she appreciated the grilled lamb, seasoned with the spice Rail had bought from the first village they'd stopped at.

"Mmm, this is delicious. You're a good cook," she murmured, savoring the flavor.

She complimented him, and Rail's face lit up with a delighted smile as he scratched the back of his head, clearly pleased. "Thank you! You're the first one to say that." His voice held a note of genuine happiness as if her praise meant more to him than she could know.

Ren wasn't sure how she managed to finish it all, but their eyes never left her. It seemed they were astonished by the capacity of a human stomach. Despite the weight of their curious stares, she continued eating until a sharp pain in her stomach finally made her pause, as she was completely stuffed.

As Ren wiped her mouth, Kai suddenly stood, his movement swift and decisive. He strode toward her, extending his hand. "Come with me."

Ren's throat tightened, a knot of anxiety forming. Was he going to chastise her for the compliment she'd given? She had only wanted to show her gratitude. Her stomach twisted painfully, adding to the unease settling in her chest.

Once they were far enough from the others, he stopped, tilting his head as his gaze locked onto hers.

 Ren bit her lower lip, her eyes darting away in an attempt to avoid his gaze. She winced, certain he was angry. But instead of the harshness she expected, his hand reached out toward her.

His expression softened, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly in a hint of a smile. "There's soot on your cheek." He brushed her thumb on her cheek as if he was touching a feather.

A wave of relief washed over her as she exhaled, the tension in her chest easing.

"Why… did you bring me here?" Her voice was calm and serene as always, her heart still pounding. She realized with a jolt that she could no longer see the flames of the fire, the warmth and light now distant and faint.

He dropped his arm to his side and sat on the ground, leaning against the trunk of a tree. "You'll sleep on my lap tonight, far from the others."

Ren's mouth nearly fell open. What? On his lap?! He patted his thigh. "Hurry up! I don't take no for an answer." His face grew intense and serious, and though she screamed internally, she found herself surrendering to his will.

"I have a few questions for you, Doe-eyes. Think carefully and answer wisely, because once you do, there's no turning back."

Ren felt a flutter of nerves, disconcerted by his sudden change in behavior. He had been kind to her over the past week, yet there was always an air of mystery around him, a wall he kept up that prevented her from getting any closer.

"Okay," she said, her voice steady despite the rising anxiety.

He stared at her, his gaze unflinching. "Do you like me?"