Chapter Ten

Gwyneth and Kiran found themselves in his study. Gwyneth’s curiosity got the best of her as she explored the shelves lined with books, the swords hanging over the fireplace, and the enormous windows that offered a view of the bustling city below. She had enjoyed mingling among both humans and wolves in the city, which seemed to be primarily populated by the latter. It made sense, considering Kiran was the wolf king, and she imagined a human king would attract a similar following. However, it was clear that non-wolves were also welcome in the city.

“You have quite a collection,” she remarked, her attention drawn to the books.

“I am a king. I should have a comprehensive understanding of the world,” Kiran replied.

Gwyneth smiled faintly and turned to face him. Kiran was unlike the kings she had known in her world from history books, who often regarded themselves as far superior to the common people. “So, what do you know about these Dark Wolves?” she inquired, coming closer to him.

“Very little. They don’t speak,” Kiran replied.

“Not at all?”

“A few words may escape them. It depends on how feral they have become.”

“And they kill many people?” she asked.

“They kill anyone they encounter—men, women, children, wolves, or humans. It doesn’t matter. They simply kill until they are stopped.”

“Have you ever captured one of them?” Gwyneth pressed.

“Yes,” Kiran admitted.

“And have you tried to interrogate them?”

“Yes, but we learned very little.”

“Perhaps we need to find one who is less feral, someone we can communicate with,” she suggested.

“I have yet to encounter any who haven’t completely succumbed to savagery,” Kiran explained.

“But you mentioned that they speak a little,” she persisted.

“Yes, but they don’t say much that makes sense. It’s often just threats.”

“Do we know where they come from or where they rest?” Gwyneth probed.

“Rest?” Kiran questioned.

“Even wild animals must have some sort of base or shelter to return to.”

“A base?” Kiran asked.

“A camp! A place to relax.”

“They often roam ceaselessly,” he responded.

“No, they must have some camp or a location they return to, or at least some orders they follow,” Gwyneth insisted.

“I’m telling you, they kill whatever they encounter,” Kiran reiterated.

“I don’t believe that there isn’t more to it,” Gwyneth said firmly.

“Why not?” Kiran asked.

“Because the oracle said that the people responsible for all this chaos can also send me back home. Kiran, do you realize what that means?” she inquired excitedly.

“Yes, I do, but it doesn’t provide us with any clues about their location. Maybe they released The Dark Wolves like wild animals, letting them roam freely. They probably don’t even know where they come from.”

“Or perhaps we should attempt to capture another one of them. I would like to try to speak with one,” Gwyneth suggested.

However, Kiran shook his head.

“What?” she asked, noticing his unease.

“I don’t like you being near another. You’re still healing,” he said, reaching up to touch her wounded arm and shoulder.

“I’m getting better,” she replied. “And I think we should put our energy into this.”

“No, you should rest some more.”

“Kiran…”

“I’m not discussing this. Once you’re healed, we can bring it up again.”

“That’s nonsense!” she exclaimed.

“Gwyn, I’m looking out for you!” he growled.

“I didn’t ask you to!”

“No, because you didn’t have to!” he shouted. “I am your mate! I am your alpha, and I will protect you!”

Gwyneth looked at Kiran, feeling shocked, as he stood up and towered over her, but she didn’t feel fear. Instead, warmth spread through her. “I’m fine,” she assured him.

“You are fine, but that doesn’t mean if you go out there and push yourself, that will not change,” he reminded her. “I’m making sure my mate doesn’t exhaust herself or hurt herself so badly she will never be fine again.”

Gwyneth turned quiet, and Kiran sighed, shaking his head a bit before he reached out and placed his hand on her neck, bringing her closer. Gwyneth gasped softly, and he stroked the skin on her neck.

“Listen to me, Gwyn,” he said. “I know you are strong. I see your strength, but even the strongest warrior needs to know when to take a step back and rest. I know you want to figure out where or who these people are. I do too. I have wanted it for years now because wolves are going missing and turning up wild. But I cannot allow you to put yourself at risk. I simply can’t. My job, my biggest concern, is your well-being. I must make sure you are safe and will stay that way.”

“I… can protect myself,” she whispered, making him smile a bit.

“I do not doubt it,” he reassured her. “But sometimes we need others to remind us when our limits are almost reached. Sometimes we cannot see it ourselves. Don’t push me on this, little mate, because I will push back.”

“And you will stop me?” she inquired.

“If I have to.”

“How? Tie me up?” she asked jokingly, making him chuckle.

“You might just enjoy that,” he teased.

“Perhaps.”

The energy shifted between them, and while Gwyneth desperately wanted to continue working, she also listened to Kiran’s words and why he could not allow her to continue to work.

“You should rest a little,” he told her.

“I’m not used to resting,” she revealed.

“Have you not gotten hurt on your job before?”

“I have, but our medicine is very advanced in my world. Very often I do not have to rest for more than a day.”

“Impressive,” Kiran said, sounding like he meant it.

“I’m not used to this.”

“Then it is a good thing I can remind you. Now go rest.”