Call of the North

Chapter 6

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"We should head back." My wolf looked over at Kai while taking a bite of food from the bear we had killed.

I didn't want to admit it but we worked so well together and the thought of it made my heart flutter.

"Yeah, you're right. Presumably, Andrew will be waiting for me to check in as you said." Kai nipped at our flank, licking the blood off his muzzle. He sat and looked at us almost curiously.

"What?" I looked at him in confusion.

"Well, I know you said stuff about being busy all the time and whatnot..."

Kai was nervous. I could smell it.

"But?" I inquired, padding over to nuzzle his shoulder.

"Would you like to attend the Royal Ball with me?"

I stopped nuzzling him and looked at him straight in the face, clearly wondering what was on his mind to suddenly want to spend time with me. In front of his parents who, might I add, I had not seen since he introduced me to them.

"What's it for?" I asked, suddenly nervous for some odd reason. I knew that, by being around many others, nobles at that, there was a high chance someone could recognize me as my mother's child. And if I were to be identified right in front of Kai's parents, there's no way I would live to see another second after they found out who I was. I had already taken significant risks with Kai since I had met him, by getting to know him better. We had a connection, and I could feel it. However, it was because of this that I recognized there was a higher chance I could hurt him the further we progressed.

But what if I wanted to go?

I had never been to a social event in my life. Instead, I had imagined myself locked in a dungeon, at the mercy of whoever kidnapped me until I was strung up on a stake, paraded through each group to show the consequences of our worlds coming together. To emphasize the severity of my situation, I had expected the worst for my future, dreading the possibility of a life filled with fear and humiliation.

"My parents have dedicated it to you and me. Now that we are mates, they will publicly announce the titles you will be given. That and, you are my mate, the Prince's mate above all."

If I had been in human form, the nerves that I was feeling at this very moment with the weight being put on my shoulders would have made me faint. Unfortunately, I couldn't escape it, but my wolf hid it well.

Kai's wolf seemed to be happy about this, his tail wagging and his tongue hanging out of his mouth as though he were calling me a wuss if I did not say yes.

"When will it be?"

"Tomorrow at sunset. A limo will be coming by early morning to take us to the Palace and get you ready."

"Why wait to ask me now?"

Kai seemed to look embarrassed, his ears pinned slightly to his cranium.

"I wanted to make sure that this was what you wanted. Me and you. I would never force you into anything. But the day we met, as I carried you back to my home, I couldn't help but think I had the whole world in my arms. And I did because you are my world. But I wanted to see if there was a chance that I could be yours. If you don't wish to attend, I won't be upset about it."

Goddess, what type of man did you pair me with? I didn't think anyone could treat me as perfectly as he did. Despite knowing damn well that I wasn't completely a wolf, I wondered if he would still think the same.

Our noses touched as I stopped in front of him, his eyes avoiding mine as though waiting to be punished for something. But I could never have the heart to hurt a man as precious as the one standing before me. His innocence was what kept me from taking action, and instead, I touched his face tenderly, overwhelmed with a profound feeling of love.

"I would love to go."

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When we got home, both of us jumped into the window we had jumped out of previously. I ran to the bathroom in wolf form while he shifted out of it. In the bathroom, I shifted, grabbing the bathrobe that hung on the shelf. Rather than heading back out and seeing Kai undressed, I sat down on the floor and played with my magic. I tried to defuse the pressure of needing to use it. My dragon would have to wait, considering she could be seen anywhere.

As purple flames danced across my palm, I focused enough so that there were two people in the midst of them.

What if something happened and I got out of control? I'd be locked up for who knows how long. Kai wouldn't be able to do anything about it, even if he cared for me, he might not once he found out what I was.

I was a monster, a monster set out to destroy the world. Here I was, attending dances and starting to care about the people I associated myself with.

A knock at the door made me extinguish the flames and flush the toilet.

"Miss Luna, the Prince has instructed us to measure you so we can design a dress to fit your measurements."

Oh great.