Chapter 2 - Truth or more lies
1238 Words
Thea wondered if he were single, or just a flirty Alpha. “Where’s your Luna? Or mate?”
“I… rejected her,” he said, casually.
“What? Why?” Her voice rose louder than she meant. “Sorry, you don’t have to tell me.”
“No, don’t be. She was in love with my brother. His childhood friend became my mate. The gods can be cruel.”
“I heard it hurts.”
“Rejecting… yes. It took years to move past. But we all finally did.”
They paused. She needed to catch her breath.
“Sorry. Human,” she said with a laugh.
“You didn’t answer my other questions,” she added.
He nodded, leaning on a large boulder. “I’m half human. As a young boy I hated being human. I thought I needed to prove to my pack that I was as strong as my father. So, I joined the military to be one of them, I built respect, and over time, it became something I was really good at. Now I’m both Alpha and commander.”
He paused, then continued. “As for why I don’t shift, it’s because my human side still needs to do things like this. Work out. Train harder.”
He looked at her, his blue eyes making her smile.
“Besides… then I wouldn’t get to know you.” He smiled.
She shook her head, amused.
There was something about her, he just couldn't figure out why he felt so strongly about protecting her.
“I will keep you safe, if you ever need,” he added.
That threw her off. “Why would you say that?”
He shrugged. “It's true.”
Thea began walking. “I really don’t know how to respond to that.”
He followed, steps easy beside hers. “Then don’t.” They continued their trek, admiring the scenery.
Two hours in, and Thea found herself drenched in water. She had managed to slip as they leaped over rocks, landing straight into an icy cold puddle. They both laughed, as Viktor helped her up.
Thea took her jacket off, it was too wet and heavy to keep on, she’d also managed to wet her undershirts, right through to her bra. “Shit.” She chuckled. “Well lucky my legs were in the air and not in the water.” They laughed again, and Viktor began undoing his jacket.
“Here, wear mine.” He offered, holding the jacket out for her to take, he also pulled his shirt over his head to offer that as well.
Thea laughed. “I can’t make you walk half naked. Please keep the shirt on.”
“Have you forgotten I’m half wolf, I’m not the slightest bit cold.” He was right. So, she held out her hand, grabbing both his shirt and jacket. Viktor turned to give her privacy, turning only when Thea said she was dressed. “Better?” Viktor asked. “Much better.” Thea replied, smiling, thankful for his warm clothes. “I do feel guilty though, having you walk half naked.” They both laughed, “Well, next time, take my hand when offered.” Thea pushed him playfully, her cold hand pressing against his arm. “Wow,” she said, surprised. “You weren’t lying. You're so warm.”
Viktor smiled, the kind that softened the sharpness of his features. “Here,” he said, holding out his hands. “Give me yours.”
She hesitated, then placed her hands in his. He cupped them gently, his palms warm and steady as they walked.
The silence between them wasn’t awkward, just quiet. Just enough.
“Thanks,” she said, glancing up at him.
His gaze met hers, and for a moment, the cold didn’t matter.
They slowed as they reached the ridge, her breath catching, not from the climb, but from the sight before her. The glacier wasn’t massive. It wasn’t towering or dramatic like the ones in books. But it was alive.
A pale blue heart nestled between jagged peaks; its surface rippled like frozen silk. Veins of silver and white ran through it, glinting beneath the weak sun. Mist curled at its edges, soft and ghostlike.
She stepped closer, boots crunching over frostbitten stone. The air was sharper here. Quieter.
The glacier shimmered in stillness, and for the first time in days, Thea felt her thoughts slow.
“These moments are the memories I’ll keep forever.” She said, smiling up at him. Viktor cleared his throat, he wasn’t sure why he felt a deep connection to her, maybe it was his human instincts rather than the wolf.
Their trek back was faster. The silence between them wasn’t heavy, just thoughtful.
“Thea,” he said, voice low and soft. “If you ever need help, or anything… you can call me.”
She glanced at him, concerned. “You’re saying a lot of things I’m not understanding today. Is there something you need to tell me?”
He hesitated. Wasn’t sure how much she knew about her mate.
“How much do you know about Velmira?”
“I know as much as I’ve learnt and from personal experience.” She answered.
“Have you ever wondered how Reign controls an entire country?”
“Yes… but it was explained to me. I learnt from River.”
He gave a dry smile. “Yes.”
She frowned. “Where are you getting with this? Just tell me.”
“Thea,” he said, “I just want to make sure, it's your choice to be here. The Velmirian Alpha's haven't had the best reputation with mates, or humans.”
“I don't know what that's supposed to mean,” she said quietly. “But Reign is good, and he’s good to me.”
“There are places that aren’t safe for humans.” He warned.
“I don’t get it, are you trying to tell me I’m not safe here in Velmira? Because if you are, you’re wrong.” She replied, a little irritated.
“Do you know where he was months ago?” Viktor asked and Thea shrugged, because she didn’t know and clearly Viktor knew more than she did.
“He’d gone on a rampage, sweeping through countries, killing anything he found threatening to his pack. He was combing through any possible threats to his mate. I know this because my pack was his last stop. He knew better than to start a war with a military to match his.” Viktor said, and Thea went quiet.
“Honestly, I know he’s your mate, I don’t know what you see in him. But as long as you’re safe and he’s treating you right, I’ll drop it.” He said.
“I am, and he is kind to me, even if we’re not together. So, drop it.” She replied.
“You’re not together?” He questioned.
“No. I thought that was a known thing. I trust, you’ll keep this between us?” She said, waiting for him to agree.
“Yes, of course. I’m sorry, I didn’t know, I just wanted to know for sure if you were being treated well. They have a reputation to not be so kind.” He said, and Thea gave him a look to say she was fine, and to let it go.
- Writer
