Page 22 of The Wolf's Appetite
13
AISLING
Dawn had barely stretched over the property by the time we made it back to the royal family’s estate. The sound of rainwater dropping from the branches was still echoing in my ears when the front double doors closed behind us.
Lennox hadn’t spoken since we left my cottage, but he hadn’t needed to.
Not with the way he kept me close to his side like he was afraid someone would take me away.
I still didn’t know what threat was out there, but I didn’t feel crippling fear. Because I knew Lennox wouldn’t let anyone or anything hurt me.
The storm had calmed during the night, but everything still felt breathless. As if the world itself were waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I didn’t know what had caused him to break his control for me, but I didn’t want to go back to the way things had been.
I still felt the ghost of his touch on my skin, still felt the deep thrum of need between my legs, one that hadn’t been satisfied and only stoked.Because I needed him inside me.
“My family?” I asked, twisting slightly to look at him.
His hand, which had never left my side, tightened. “Safe. We’ve got guards stationed in the east now, and nothing will breach the border. Yer father was tae stubborn tae come to the estate, stating he could protect his mate.”
Relief loosened the knot in my chest, as well as irritation. Like all Lycan males concerning their fated mates, they were fiercely loyal and possessive of their females. To have other males try to tend to them riled them up.
But I was thankful Lennox still had sentries on their property. Safety was better in numbers.
“I assured him I was bringing ye tae the estate. I was pretty sure he wanted tae grill me, but I told him I’d protect ye with my life. That seemed tae calm him.”
Still, knowing my parents were alright grounded me. At least for now.
The grand foyer was quiet but not empty. An elderlyfemale stood near the hearth cloaked in dark sapphire with a walking cane in her aged, withered hand. I knew her.
She was the half Lycan, half witch who’d been there to help Lennox when he’d first been brought home after being injured.
Her presence sent a jolt up my spine—not from fear but from something I couldn’t name.
She looked up at us. Her face was lined with age and experience, yet her eyes spoke of a youthfulness that was unsettling. My skin prickled.
“Ye have a guest,” one guard murmured beside us.
Lennox didn’t speak. He simply nodded once, eyes locked on the Lycan witch as she offered a faint smile.
She gave me a long, measuring look—one that felt like it reached inside me and pulled truths I wasn’t ready to admit to.
Then she bowed her head slightly toward Lennox. “My prince,” she whispered. “We have much to discuss. But for now, you’re needed elsewhere. Your father awaits in the war chamber.”
He hesitated. Her gaze flicked to me again then back to him. “Worry not. She’s safe.”
He nodded and reluctantly turned, now facing me. Lennox brushed his fingers along my lower back before walking away. I still felt his touch long after he left.
I let out a shaky breath once he was gone thenlooked back at the witch. Her expression didn’t change. “I remember ye,” I finally said. “Ye helped Lennox when he was injured.”
“You’re sharp, little wolf. That will serve you well.” I knew she wasn’t talking about what I’d just said. “I’m Magdalena.”
I frowned. “Is everything okay? Are ye here for Lennox?”
Her lips curled into a strange, almost sad, smile. “Just here to help.”
I didn’t question her.
