Misguided Wolves

11. Shadows in the Forest

In the castle’s library, Jackson and Hova stood by the shimmering water basin, their voices hushed. Jackson’s brows furrowed, his impatience palpable. “Are you sure everything will be alright? They’re moving too slowly, and what if that insufferable duo interferes?”

Hova’s glowing eyes softened. “Have faith, child. I cannot see all, nor alter fate’s course.”

“Tell me what to do!” Jackson urged. “I can guide them.”

Hova smiled at the young king, still the impatient pup she’d raised. Taking his hand, she said, “Patience. Their path will be rough, preparing them for what’s to come. Do not meddle, but lend a hand when the time is right. You’ll know when.”

“Why can’t we stop the twins and spare them hardship?” Jackson pressed.

Hova waved a hand over the basin, revealing Fenrir and the Moon Goddess. “Fate writes its own story. Hardships teach lessons, like those of the sun and moon.” Another wave showed an intricate scale. “Balance is key. If it tips too far, they reset it—through war or peace.”

Jackson sighed. “It’s frustrating.”

“Have faith, young pup,” Hova said. “All will unfold as it should.”

****

Kate met Elliott in the forest near Logi’s castle, eager to let their wolves bond. She wore a simple shirt and jeans, easy for shifting, and hung her clothes on a branch before transforming. Tove’s white fur gleamed, her ears tipped with silver. Elliott, leaning against a tree, shifted into Leo, his massive dark gray wolf shimmering with a bluish tint under the sunlight.

Their wolves circled, nuzzling playfully, Tove nipping Leo’s ear and darting away, tail high. Leo chased, lightly biting where he’d one day mark her, earning a teasing yip. They raced through the trees, weaving and leaping in a joyful dance, their paws drumming the earth. Tove bounded ahead, tossing leaves with a flick of her tail, and Leo pounced, rolling her gently into a pile of moss. They tumbled, growling softly, their play a mirror of their humans’ growing bond.

As they neared a clearing, a white tiger werecat tackled Kate, pinning Tove to the ground. Elliott lunged, but a large gray wolf blocked him, not attacking but keeping him at bay. The tiger snarled, its weight crushing Kate, who whimpered, claws scrabbling for traction. Elliott paced, Leo’s growls rumbling, his mind racing with regret for not staying closer.

Kate squirmed, seizing the tiger’s loosened grip as Elliott’s pacing distracted it. She bit its leg, drawing a roar. The tiger swung, throwing her off, but Kate slid to her feet, baring her teeth. She leapt, clamping onto the tiger’s neck. Elliott moved to join, but the gray wolf held him back, its eyes oddly neutral. Warriors’ footsteps echoed from the castle, and the gray wolf barked, signaling the tiger. Both attackers vanished into the forest.

Jackson arrived, his golden-blonde wolf massive and radiant. His warriors flanked him, scanning the trees. “Are you both alright?” he mind-linked Elliott. “We heard the commotion.”

Elliott’s ears pricked. “We’re fine, but how can you mind-link me? We’re not pack or kin.”

“I follow you as my king,” Jackson replied, bowing his wolf’s head.

Elliott’s confusion deepened, but he let it go, sniffing for the attackers’ trail. The group followed it to a river, where the scent vanished. “They’re using the water to cover their tracks,” Jackson said. “My men will keep searching. Let’s get you and the princess back.”

“Princess?” Elliott froze, staring at Kate’s white-tipped ears as she shifted back, nearly dressed. He shifted, not bothering with clothes. “You’re a princess?”

Kate blushed, avoiding his gaze. “Um… are you getting dressed?”

“It’s nothing you haven’t seen,” he teased, then pressed, “Are you really a princess?”

“Y-yes,” she stammered. “I’m the only princess of Fror.” She giggled, tilting her head. “Didn’t Jackson tell you? Is that a problem?”

“No,” Elliott said, gears turning. “It might help us. I’m Vargr’s second prince.”

Kate’s eyes widened. “How’s that beneficial?”

“Vargr’s allied with Vintr, at war with Fror. If we announce our mate bond, we could form an alliance and end the war.”

Her eyes sparkled. “You think so?”

She paced, formulating a plan, then started toward the castle to write her father. Elliott caught her, spinning her into his chest. “I’m returning to Vargr soon. Come with me?”

“Is it safe?” she asked, biting her lip. “That’s enemy territory.”

He cupped her face, eyes intense. “You’re my mate. No one will touch you.”

Kate hesitated, then nodded. “Okay, but only if Ara comes.”

“Anything you want,” he said, hugging her tightly, her apple-cinnamon scent enveloping him.