Chapter 7
521words
Four deep gashes run across his chest, their edges purple from the wolfsbane. Bruises and smaller cuts scatter across his arms and torso.
I clean the wounds carefully, applying the special salve that neutralizes wolfsbane. "These should have been treated immediately."
"There were more important matters."
"Like making sure a strange wolf had a comfortable room?” I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice.
"Like making sure my pack was safe," he corrects gently.
I continue working in silence, aware of his eyes on me. "Why did you really let me help?" I ask finally.
"Because you offered." His voice is quiet. "And because sometimes the healer needs healing too."
I look up, meeting his gaze. "I'm not broken."
"I never said you were." His eyes hold mine. "Wounded isn't broken, Selene."
Something shifts between us—not attraction exactly, but understanding. Recognition.
"Rest," he says as I finish bandaging his chest. "Take the tincture. Tomorrow we begin preparing for the ritual."
As he walks away, my wolf stirs restlessly inside me. Not with fear or submission, but with something I haven't felt in so long I barely recognize it.
Trust.
And for the first time since Marcus forced his mark on me, I wonder what it might be like to be part of a pack that feels like home.
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The next morning dawns clear and cold. I wake early, the unfamiliar comfort of the bed making sleep elusive after years of restless nights. Through my window, I watch the sun rise over the forest, painting the trees gold.
A soft knock at my door. "Come in," I call, expecting Thea.
Instead, Nora enters with a bundle of clothes. "Thought you might want something that fits better."
"Thank you." I accept the offering gratefully. "Any news?"
"Patrols spotted three Silver Lake wolves near the south border at dawn." Nora's expression is carefully neutral. "They didn't cross, just watched."
My stomach tightens. "Marcus?"
"No. His betas probably." She sets a small basket on the dresser. "Kieran asked me to give you these herbs. For the ritual preparation."
I examine the basket: dried lavender, sage, something that smells like citrus. "What do I do with them?"
"Bath tonight. Instructions are inside." Nora pauses at the door. "Kieran's in the training yard if you want to find him. Said you might have questions."
After she leaves, I dress in the borrowed clothes: jeans that fit surprisingly well, a soft gray sweater, sturdy boots. The clothes smell faintly of pack, but not of any specific wolf. Neutral territory.
Downstairs, the kitchen is quieter than yesterday. I find Thea nursing a coffee, dark circles under her eyes.
"Bad night?" I ask, pouring myself a cup.
"Dreams." She doesn't elaborate, but I understand. Captivity, even brief, leaves marks.
"Where is everyone?"
"Extra patrols. Some went to town for supplies." She sips her coffee. "Kieran's been up for hours."
I nod, trying to appear casual. "Nora mentioned he's in the training yard."
Thea gives me a knowing look. "Go. I'm fine here."
