Misguided Wolves

32. Embers of Desire

Elliott and Kyle rode into Logi’s stronghold, greeted by Jackson’s furrowed brow on the front steps. Elliott dismounted, kicking the dirt, words faltering under Jackson’s stern blue gaze. Kyle broke the silence. “You’ve heard the rumors, I’m sure. With Hova’s sight, you know why we’re here.”

Hova opened the doors, her smile warm. “Flatterer! Come in—we’ve been expecting you.” She led them to a banquet hall, where a feast of roasted meats and fresh bread awaited. Elliott’s stomach growled, hunger sharp after the ride. Hova chuckled. “Eat, boys—you’re famished.”

Kyle piled his plate, brushing past Elliott, who followed, mouth watering. Hova sat beside Jackson, nibbling lightly, as the men ate in silence. Satisfied, Hova dabbed her mouth and stood. “Your rooms are ready, same as last time. Rest tonight—tomorrow, we talk.”

Jackson’s smile faded as she left, his blue eyes locking onto Elliott’s with a fatherly scowl. “We told you what to do last time. You did the opposite.”

Elliott tilted his head, confused. “You were cryptic. If you knew this would happen, why not say it straight?”

Jackson groaned, dragging a hand across his face. “It’s not that simple, pup. We see glimpses, not the full path. We guide—you choose. You picked the hard road.”

Kyle chuckled, swallowing mead. “He’s stubborn. Tell him one thing, he does the opposite to spite you. Should’ve said reject Kate—they’d be marked, married, and expecting by now.”

Elliott grinned, the jest lifting his spirits. “Got close on a few of those.” The memory of Kate’s fiery touch sparked warmth, not pain.

Jackson chugged his mead. “What’s done is done. Relax tonight—it’s your last chance for a while.” Grumbling, he left. Elliott glared at Kyle, who spat out his drink, laughing.

“Don’t scowl, bonehead!” Kyle patted Elliott’s back, standing. “I’m off to find that maid—Bex, was it?” Snapping his fingers, he grinned. “Don’t wait up!” He dashed off, unaware of Bex’s fate.

Leo purred in Elliott’s mind. He’s chasing shadows. We know who lights our fire.

Elliott smirked. Unmated fool. I’ve got Kate in my soul. The ride to Logi had replayed their best moments—her laughter, her fierce spirit. Grabbing another mead, he downed it, savoring the buzz, eager for rest.

****

The next morning, Elliott groaned, sunlight piercing his hangover. Kyle barged in, yanking his pillow. “Wakey, wakey! Breakfast time!”

Elliott shot a glare, but Kyle dangled a vial of white powder. “Astrid’s hangover cure—drink up.” Elliott mixed it with water, downing it, the fog lifting. Maids bustled in with a steaming bath and fresh clothes, blushing at Kyle’s grin. Giggling, they scurried out, chirping about the “handsome wolf.” Elliott smirked, picturing Kate outshining them all, her fiery spirit unmatched.

“Hurry up!” Kyle called, leaving for breakfast. Elliott sank into the bath, the heat igniting his senses. Memories of Kate flooded in—her sly smile, the curve of her hips as she dodged his blows in training (Chapter Twenty-Nine), the electric spark of their bond. His hand slid down his chest, fingers tracing skin, pulse racing. Her scent—apples and cinnamon—filled his mind, her laughter echoing as he imagined her pressed close, her breath hot against him. His touch deepened, a low growl escaping, every nerve alight with her. “Kate,” he murmured, lost in the blaze of their connection, Leo purring in sync, reveling in their mate’s fire. The water steamed, amplifying his desire, a moment of pure, unshadowed passion. His hand quickened, recalling her screaming his name as he drove deep into her, her curves perfect in his hands. His breathing hitched, each stroke fueled by the memory of Kate riding him, her eyes blazing with need, whispering, “c*m for me.” Elliott reached his peak, releasing into the steaming water, his primal grunts filling the thick air. Sweet satisfaction washed over him, a sigh escaping as he basked in her fire.

She’s fighting in Vintr, he thought, rising from the bath, resolve blazing. I’ll bring her home. Dressing, he strode to the dining hall, heart aflame.

Everyone was gathered, their gazes varied—Dean’s fury, Kyle’s excitement, and Mark, Kate’s father, with her eyes. Mark waved him over, smiling. “You’re the famous Elliott, fated to my princess.”

Elliott sat, buoyed by Kate’s memory. “Nice to meet you, King Mark. Kate spoke highly of you.”

Mark laughed, patting his shoulder. “Good things, I hope!” Dean’s glare burned, fingers raking his beard. “We need a plan to bring Kate home and retake Fror.”

Mark’s smile faltered, worry in his eyes. “It’s tough without contact. We trust Kate’s winning allies in Vintr. We’ll wait on the outskirts for her signal.”

Elliott frowned. “What signal?”

Dean chuckled darkly. “You’ll know it.”

Mark’s gaze softened. “She starts quiet, almost mute, but c***k her shell, she’s wild as Logi’s plains horses.”

Margaret, Kate’s mother, scowled. “She acts a lady, then a beast. Scared off my suitors.” She eyed Elliott. “You messed up, boy, but she’s in a harem anyway.”

Dean growled. “You weren’t there, Margaret! Castiel wanted a trophy!”

She rolled her eyes. “She’s one now!”

Mark sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We didn’t foresee this. Our choice let Kate find her fated…” He glanced at Elliott, apologetic. “Ignore her stress.”

Dean muttered, “Stressed since birth.”

Margaret’s eyes blazed, her growl low. “Fated mates? I rejected mine for an alliance! You let a war erupt, Mark, for Kate to lose her purity to this beast, only for it to fail!” She stormed out, her hatred for Hova and Jackson palpable.

Hova sat beside Elliott, her hand gentle. “Kate’s strong—she’s safe for now, behind enemy lines. But the future shifts.”

Elliott growled. “What’s that mean?”

Jackson cleared his throat. “Sight shows glimpses. Kate’s safe, but danger looms. You’re destined to unite all kingdoms—Fror, Vintr, Vargr, Logi, the neutral lands.”

Elliott scowled. “I don’t want a crown! I want Kate!”

Mark slapped the back of his head, fire in his eyes—Kate’s fire. “This isn’t about you or my daughter. It’s the greater good! I never wanted my throne, but I took it for my people. Only greedy men like Charles crave crowns, sending children to die. Step up, pup, or all’s lost!”

Elliott froze, Mark’s passion echoing Kate’s. Hova squeezed his hand. “The moon goddess and Fenrir forged you and Kate to rule. Trust your wolf. I’ll read your path when ready.” She left, followed by Jackson, Mark, and Dean.

Kyle whistled. “Your mother-in-law’s not your fan. Something’s off—her glare at Hova and Jackson?”

Elliott’s head hit the table, groaning, but Kate’s fire steadied him. Kyle leaned close. “Kate’s tough—she’ll be fine. Worry about Margaret taking you out before Castiel.” He grinned, nudging Elliott, who chuckled, “You’re right.”