Misguided Wolves

29. Unmasked Serpents

Leo ground his teeth, the strain of maintaining Elliott’s civility wearing thin. Sumner’s insufferable devotion to Deborah, his serpent-hearted wife, grated daily. Castiel’s absence in the north offered some relief, but Deborah’s lingering influence poisoned Vargr’s halls. Only Mahni, Sol’s mate, saw through the twins’ facade, her icy grace toward them chilling even Fror’s hot springs. Sol’s scolding only hardened her resolve, making Leo stand taller with pride. Yet, Mahni’s private tears in the garden betrayed her strain, the mate bond fraying under Sol’s blindness. Leo feared an unintentional bond break—rare, but recorded when mates endured extreme trauma, a self-preservation mechanism. Bonds could reconnect if both mates healed, but Leo dreaded more fractures, except perhaps Sumner’s.

His research on bonds revealed complexities: fated mates connected through eye contact, their scents uniquely strong. Rejection caused excruciating pain, sometimes death, but unintentional breaks from torture or emotional trauma were rarer. Leo clung to hope that Elliott’s bond with Kate could mend.

Kyle’s absence worried him. Usually, Ara’s updates from Fror kept them informed, but days of silence knotted Leo’s gut. Finding Kyle pacing in his room, Leo teased, “You’ll wear out the floor, cousin.”

Kyle bit his nail. “Ara always sent updates on schedule, but it’s been days. What if something happened?”

“She’s likely with Kate, preparing,” Leo said, masking his unease. “She’ll come soon.”

“The plan’s in motion,” Kyle snapped. “She should be here!”

Leo forced optimism, praying to Fenrir for Ara’s safety, fearing the loss of their eyes on Kate.

****

Days later, a commotion erupted in Vargr’s foyer. Castiel stood greeting Sol and Mahni, Deborah conspicuously absent. A cloaked woman entered, her apple scent hitting Leo like a tidal wave—Kate. His heart surged, Elliott stirring. Her wild curls and familiar dress were the same, but her golden-yellow eyes lacked Kate’s hazel depth. Sumner stormed forward, enraged. “What’s this traitor doing here?”

Leo restrained himself as she clutched Castiel, hiding behind him. Castiel raised a hand. “Calm down. Kate repented her wrongs and joined my harem, swearing obedience.”

“Harem?” Elliott roared, seizing control, blue eyes blazing. Leo growled within, both enraged.

Castiel smirked. “Oh, I forgot you hadn’t heard. Kate traded herself for her father’s life. She’s eager in her new role.”

He pulled Kate close, his arm possessive. She whispered in his ear, biting it seductively. Castiel feigned protest. “My lovely, control yourself—not in front of your former mate.”

Elliott’s growl deepened, Leo echoing it. Kyle gripped his shoulder, whispering, “Stay grounded. We’ll sort this privately.”

Kyle turned to Kate, smiling. “Good to see you, Princess. How’s Ara?”

Castiel pulled her back. “She’s no princess—Fror’s fallen, and her title with it. We’re tired from our journey and need rest.”

As they left, Elliott muttered, “Something’s not right.”

Kyle nodded, frowning. “She smelled like Kate, but her eyes… weren’t they hazel?”

“I know how to find out,” Kyle added, urgency rising. “Follow me—it’s about Kate and… something you need to know.”

In Elliott's old room, a table held a dinner setting for two and wrapped gifts. Elliott’s brow furrowed. “What’s this?”

Kyle hesitated, then sat, holding a tiny shoe. “Sit. You deserve the truth. Kate and I got these for you… before everything.”

Elliott opened the gifts—baby clothes, a rattle. Confusion turned to shock. “What?”

Kyle’s voice softened. “When Kate was ill, I took her to the doctor. She was pregnant. She planned to tell you that day.”

Elliott’s eyes widened. “She was going to tell me that day?”

Kyle’s face darkened. “Kate miscarried soon after—hemorrhaged, nearly died. The bond break caused it. You ran, Elliott. Ara and I got her to a town doctor because the castle physician wouldn’t touch a ‘traitor.’”

Elliott hurled a glass against the wall, shattering it. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“You ran!” Kyle snapped. “You let the twins erase her, banished her! She barely survived because of us, not you!”

Elliott clutched the rattle, tears falling. “I broke her…”

Kyle ran a hand through his hair. “Kate might forgive you—she’s kind like that—but she’s not the same. Stay back. I’ll ensure she’s safe and update you.”

Leo growled, Talk to her! She’s ours!

I doubt she’ll want me after this, Elliott thought, despair heavy.

We can’t let Castiel have her! Leo urged.

Elliott followed the apple scent, finding “Kate” flirting with Sumner. He shoved the rattle in her face, but her confusion confirmed his suspicions. “Who are you really? Where’s Kate?”

She gasped as he pinned her to the wall. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Sumner stood stunned as her face shifted into Deborah’s. Elliott smirked. “No surprise. Where’s Kate?”

Sumner yanked Deborah free, enraged. “Don’t touch my wife!”

“She’s not Kate!” Elliott roared. “She’s a serpent, Sumner! Have you seen her wolf? No, because she’s not one!”

Deborah sniffled, conjuring tears. “I’m part wolf, part serpent. Kate’s in Castiel’s harem, smitten after their first night. She wants nothing to do with you.”

Sumner comforted her. “Thank you for opening up. That was brave.”

He glared at Elliott. “You’ve done enough damage.”

Jody latched onto Elliott, eyes bright. “Is Kate really with Castiel? Can we be together now?”

Elliott ignored her. “Why impersonate Kate, Deborah, if she’s so happy?”

Deborah smirked, playing victim. “Castiel thought seeing her move on would push you to marry Jody. Father’s given his blessing.”

Elliott growled. “You’re meaningless stars, serpent. I’ll get my goddess back.”

Deborah’s shock fueled him as Sumner raged, “Don’t show your face here again, traitor!”

Elliott linked with Kyle, confirming he’d packed weeks ago, leaving a soot circle on the window for Ara. Their horses were ready, and they rode for Logi, Elliott praying to Fenrir and the Moon Goddess for Mahni’s strength and Kate’s safety.