Page 30 of The Wolf

“But you are,” Clara insists, her tone firm. “I know what it’s like to feel trapped, like the fear never really leaves you. I spent years waitin’ for the past to come back and haunt me. But you learn to find strength in the people around you. And you learn to trust again.”

Meg’s eyes narrow, but there’s a flicker of something softer in them. “But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Being thrown into this world, being told I have somewolf genein me… it’s a lot. I’m used to dealing with threats I can see and put a bullet through on my own. It doesn’t feel like I’m in control anymore.”

I take a step closer and sit on the sofa on the opposite side of Clara, meeting Meg’s gaze. “You’re right. It is a lot. But you don’t have to face this alone. We’re not asking you to give up your strength. We just want you to know that we’ve got you.”

Meg’s lips press into a thin line, and for a moment, I’m not sure she’ll accept that. But then, she lets out a long breath. The tension in the room seems to shift, almost like the air itself has softened. Meg’s frown fades, and for a brief moment, she looks less like a warrior braced for battle and more like someone willing to step out of the shadows—even if it’s just one step.

“Just don’t expect me to start knitting—” she glances from Clara to me “—or baking pies or anything.”

Clara laughs, the sound warm and bright, and I feel a smile pulling at my own lips. “Quite the opposite,” she tells her. “Julia wanted to learn how to fight. Sounds like you’re the perfect woman for the job.”

Meg’s smirk is small but real. “Yeah. Maybe I am.”

Hearing those words, I feel a rush of relief, like we’re finally cracking the walls Meg’s built so carefully around herself. Andfor the first time since we met, I see a twinkle of something different in her eyes—not just frustration or defensiveness, but maybe… something closer tohope. Her posture loosens just a little, and though she still seems guarded, there’s a slight nod, almost like she’s allowing herself to consider the idea.

11.

Queen

The next few days pass all the same. Clara and I try to help Meg acclimate to the castle and new lifestyle while also learning a few new things myself. The others, however, are all busy with the war preparations. Or whatever the fuck they do in those top-secret meetings. I don’t know because Alex doesn’t want to worry me. Which—obviously—has the opposite effect and I worry even more.

“Tonight is the full moon,” he reminds me while we lay in bed and snuggle before he disappears again this morning.

“It’s okay, we can get through this,” I reply, nuzzling into his pec, closing my eyes as I breathe in his familiar scent of fresh evergreen, warm wood, and heavy musk.

“I’ll be staying away for the night,”he murmurs, his voice a low rumble in my ear.

I shake my head against his chest, tightening my arms around him. “No, you won’t be doing that.”

He pulls back slightly, just enough to look down at me, his expression serious as his eyes search mine. “Julia,” he begins, his tone cautious, “I’m more animal during this time.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I can’t help but giggle, a flush of embarrassment mingling with excitement. “I think I can handle that,” I say, a playful edge to my voice.

“No, you need to understand.” He takes my face in both hands, his gaze piercing, holding me there as if it’s a matter of life and death. “The urges are so primal that I won’t be able to control myself with you.”

“But I don’t want you to control yourself,” I whisper, lifting my hand to cover one of his, squeezing it gently.

He shuts his eyes, breathing in deeply. When he opens them back, the tenderness is shadowed by something darker. “I have to. Baby, please, don’t argue. Not about this.”

I pull back, frustration bubbling up inside me. “So, what? We need to be separated for how many nights? Two? Three?” My voice rises, the realization sinking in. “That’s when you guys are leaving!”

Sitting up after me, he exhales, running a hand through my hair. “No, it’s simply a moment in time when the sun and the moon are perfectly aligned. To the naked eye, it may seem much longer, but it’s truly just an instant. We feel the effects for a few hours—longer for younger werewolves because it’s harder on them—but one night is enough.” A little smile tugs at his mouth when he adds, “You can handle one night without me.”

I frown. “I don’t understand why we even have to do this.” I look away, feeling the vulnerability of my own words, my fingers twisting nervously in the blanket. “Alex, you’re my…” I hesitate, the words slipping from my grasp. My boyfriend? My husband? I honestly don’t even knowwhatwe are.

He watches me, his expression softening. “Would you like to get married?”

I seriously need to get my thoughts under control because he keeps reading my mind even when I don’t want him to.

I muster a little laugh, deflecting with humor. “Wouldyoulike to get married?” I raise my chin, throwing the question back at him.

He doesn’t answer right away, his face seems amused. “Well, to me, what we share is much,muchdeeper than any man-made institution.” His hand drifts down to take mine, long clawed fingers entwining with mine in a steady grip. “But I understand if you’d like to have a wedding.”

I roll my eyes, though my heart skips a beat at his words. “Oh, you’re such a romantic!” I tease, but the question lingers in the air between us. I chew my bottom lip before speaking again, “Matejust sounds so… strange. You’remorethan a mate to me.”

He lifts my hand to his muzzle, his tongue runs across the entire length of my arm to the ticklish spot behind my ear. “Okay, let’s make it right.”

I turn my head to face him and I attack his tongue, sucking it into my mouth as we join in a kiss that expresses more than my words can.

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