Chapter One
Five months ago
To Corbin Archer, Alpha of the Blue River Pack
After Lewis’s death, his pack dissolved, and the majority turned to rogues.
Some were absorbed in my city, kept under strict observation, none posing a threat as of now.
Leda left, trying to find her way in the city.
She feels more secure living among humans than she ever felt near wolves.
Her wolf, though not dead, is still mute from whatever drugs they gave her.
I fear only her true mate will be able to awaken it, assuming she’ll find him.
The human girl is another matter. The High King offered her sanctuary, but the sight of wolves and their howling caused more harm than good. She is constantly having flashbacks, her poor mind almost as broken as her body.
She wants to leave, and the High King has not in his heart the will to forbid it.
He grew fond of this human and feels the need to protect her from afar.
He agreed to let her go and help her establish herself, to see if her mind heals far away from the place that caused her trauma.
But he does not want to lose sight of her.
Not all rogues are accounted for, and some may go after her for revenge.
He has contacted the Alpha of the Sapphire Moon Pack and explained the situation.
It’s far away from Ossory, the few wolves that live there mingle perfectly with humans, and their ritual grounds are distant enough that she doesn’t hear or fear them.
She thinks she will be transferred to a city village, nestled near the ocean, far away from any wolf in the world.
The Alpha will keep an eye on her, all the while transmitting information to the High King.
Should Lily feel the need to reach her, please refrain from doing so unless the High King authorizes it, for the human’s health, both in body and in mind, is his highest priority.
Mace Ravenclaw,
Beta for his Supreme Majesty, the High King
Corbin read and reread the letter before calling his nephew Dane, Lily’s mate.
At that hour, he was usually training the new soldiers of the pack, so it came as no surprise when he turned up in nothing more than shorts, his muscles glistening with sweat.
Wordlessly, he gave him the letter, watching as his expression changed while he was reading.
“Nobody deserves what that girl went through,” he said finally.
“Yes, and the High King seems to be smitten by her ... in a fatherly way, from what I can understand.”
“She has no one. Having the Lycan King in her corner will do wonders for her, she just doesn’t know it.”
“Nor does she need to know, for now...”
“How’s Lily?”
“Her nightmares continue. I thought that with her pregnancy they would subside, but they increased... Blossom takes over sometimes so that she can sleep.”
“Has she spoken with someone about what happened?”
“No ... she bottles it up all to herself.”
“Did she speak about this girl?”
“I don’t think she’s even aware of her. She never saw her, she only saw Leda. And at the hospital, it was just too much for her to bear. I don’t think anyone spoke about this girl to her.”
“Fine. But you read the High King’s will. If she remembers and wants to have a word with her ... don’t. I will respond to Mace’s letter and address one of my own to the Alpha of the Sapphire Moon Pack.”
“Saying what?”
“Extending my hand in a friendly alliance regarding this girl. Their pack is secluded, small but peaceful. If there are indeed rogues from Lewis’s pack loitering, I think they’re going to need all the help they can get.”
“Lily still has nightmares...”
“And she was only in Lewis’s grasp for a few hours,” said Corbin abruptly, growling at the thought. “This girl was in his clutches for years. She deserves everything we give her, and more.”
Dane bowed his head submissively. An Alpha himself, he was content in following his uncle’s rule. There would be a time when Corbin would have to step down, but today wasn’t that day.
“Let me break it to her gently.”
“Bear in mind that we’re not doing anything for the time being, except asking for the Alpha of the Sapphire pack to accept two wolves from our pack, so they can keep an eye on this girl.
She is human and was unconscious when we brought her to the hospital, so she has no memories of us.
Those two wolves will be my eyes and ears, so that I can report to the High King. ”
“Won’t the Alpha feel threatened by our wolves’ presence?”
“Possibly ... which is why I have a feeling he is about to receive a letter from Mace as well, besides mine. And I will write to Mace, informing him of my plans. In the end, it will be up to the Alpha to accept my help or not, but the High King will be informed of this.”
Corbin sat at his desk, pulling up pen and paper. Without glancing at his nephew, he said absently, “Kiss your mate for me, will you? I have not seen her this morning.”
Dane growled at the thought of another man’s lips on his mate’s.
“On her forehead, you idiot!”
The growling stopped.