Page 12 of The Wolf's Mate

“You should know I received a report from my men that the Nephilim are no longer traveling in a single pack,” Malix says, pushing all my thoughts of Hettie to the side. “We lost track of Gadreel and his band of warriors around Demon’s Clan, presumably heading toward Pixie Cove.”

If Gadreel makes it to Pixie Cove, and they break their way into King Taivan’s kingdom, we stand no chance of eliminating them. Pixie Cove harbors most of the magic in Mescos. Access to that type of power for a Nephilim is as good as a death sentence for the rest of our kingdoms.

“But we have identified a horde consisting of ten Nephilim in your area,” Malix continues. “They were last seen talking to a group of wolves. Since you mentioned rogues, that makes more sense now.”

We have suspected the rogues are working with an outside force, but hearing it confirms our biggest fears. The rogues have proven themselves a deadly opponent, led by a wolf who wants nothing more than to bathe in my blood and take my crown. But with the Nephilim in his corner, I fear for the safety and lives of every wolf in my pack.

“The reason I want to meet with you, Rip, is not just to bring harrowing news, but to let you know you have the support of my kingdom. Whatever you need,” Malix says, shocking the hell out of me and Thorne.

“King Malix, your offer is very generous, but what is it you seek in return?” Thorne asks, echoing my question. From my experience, people rarely do shit out of the goodness of their hearts. There’s always a price or a demand, and I expect Malix to list his.

But he doesn’t.

“I want Mescos free of Nephilim. It doesn’t matter that Dragon’s Keep is free of Nephilim for now. We won’t truly be safe until the Nephilim are killed.”

Killed. Not imprisoned like they were so long ago. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our ancestors, it’s that these creatures don’t deserve redemption. Death is the only way out of this.

“You have a lot to think through, and my mate and I have taken up much of your time.” Malix stands, helping his wife out of her chair.

Both Thorne and I stand. The meeting provides more insight than I expect, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. Instead, I feel a heavy burden settle upon my shoulders, knowing my pack will need to prepare for battle.

Malix shakes hands with Thorne before coming over to me. “For what it’s worth, Rip, I don’t believe there’s a better wolf to lead your pack through this than you. You have my full support. If you need us, all you need to do is call upon us.”

We shake hands, something akin to mutual respect passing between us. We understand the burdens and trials that come with the title of kings. That, and the fact we were both young when we had power thrust upon us, expected to navigate it with little guidance.

Malix steps away, but Rose hangs back. She bites her lip, looking between me and her husband. There’s indecision on her face, like she isn’t sure she should do what she’s thinking. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she approaches me.

My body stiffens, not sure what the human woman plans to say.

“I know it’s not my place to speak on your new mate,” she starts, “but from someone who was in her place recently, I know what she’s going through right now. Changing from our world to Mescos is scary and overwhelming. We left behind so much, so just be patient and kind to her. If you’re anything like my husband, I know she’s going to love your pack.”

The thought of Hettie claiming my pack as her own is equal parts terrifying and dangerously appealing. Her words strike a chord in me, but I’m uncertain I’m ready to explore my relationship with Hettie at the moment. I can’t have distractions when I’m trying to keep my people alive. And if I allow myself, Hettie will be a big distraction.

“Little Dragon, we need to go,” Malix calls his wife, and she offers him a soft smile. Love and adoration are written plainly on her face, and for just a moment, I allow myself to wonder what that feels like.

“Remember, she’s key to your pack’s salvation. Don’t treat her like an outsider.” With that, Rose strolls over to her husband and takes his hand. The power between them is palpable, eclipsing the entire room.

Ender brought them together. Just like he brought Hettie to me. Perhaps I need to put my trust in The Guardian if I want to save my pack.

Chapter 6

Hettie

Isleep like the fucking dead.

I don’t remember falling asleep after Tallie showed me to my room. I remember the overwhelming feeling of being a stranger in a new place. I sat on the bed, with Grass jumping up next to me because I just needed a moment to myself. Apparently, that moment turned into crashing the rest of the day.

I wake up disoriented and in an unfamiliar room. This isn’t the first time I’ve woken up in a room that isn’t mine, but it is by far the comfiest and cleanest. Grass lies at my feet and doesn’t stir when I sit up in bed.

My eyes take a moment to adjust to the dark room. The only light comes from the open curtain, dousing the room in a light glow. It’s still dark outside, but the sun is starting to rise.

Two large windows overlook the pine forest, and I can’t help but think how beautiful it will be when a thin layer of snow covers the trees. I’m not even certain it snows here, but I secretly hope it does. Grym Hollow gets cold, and sometimes we deal with freezing rain, but never snow.

Besides the bed, there’s very little furniture. Two side tables with candles and a dark dresser that looks handmade are the only pieces adorning the room. It’s cozy but generic, and smells of sandalwood and pine trees.

Although the room is gorgeous, there’s very little in the way of personal touches. No photos, a stack of books, or even a spot of dirt. Nothing gives me a glimpse into Rip’s life or personality. Not even a family picture.

I’m assuming this room is also his, despite his obvious absence. Tallie mentioned Rip and I are the only ones down this hallway. There’s a slight dip on the other side of the mattress, outlining what I presume is where Rip’s body lies at night.

---