Misguided Wolves

30. Allies and Enemies

The harem’s spa day stretched into a lavish affair, far beyond Kate’s expected few hours. She bonded with Pooka and Zephra, both from across the Sea of Albergate. Pooka, a rabbit shifter in her late twenties despite her youthful exuberance, shared how her family, fallen from wealth, traded her to King Charles for riches, sparing her mated sister. Zephra, a unicorn shifter with aurora-like hair and glowing skin, recounted her capture by poachers who sold her at auction to Charles. His wife, envious of Zephra’s beauty, subjected her to a humiliating inspection, approving her for Castiel’s harem to avoid the brothels where rejected women faced lifelong servitude.

The sisters clarified that Castiel’s harem, unlike Charles’s or his brother’s, required mutual consent, easing Kate’s fears. Ebony, a shadow leopard with dark skin and piercing caramel eyes, approached, her finger curls echoing Kate’s imagined spots in leopard form. “Welcome to our gilded prison,” she said, flashing canines. “Avoid the loyalists.” She pointed to three girls—a werewolf, werebird, and werecat—whispering and scowling at Kate.

“Are they the only ones?” Kate asked, memorizing their faces. “Do they know you want out?”

Ebony smirked, nails glinting. “They know I despise this cage.” Her stare made two loyalists flinch, but their leader, Isabeth, glared back, whispering to a maid who nodded and left, likely reporting to Castiel.

Zephra touched Kate’s arm, diffusing the tension. “It’s common—cat shifters clash like alpha males. Let’s end with the hot spring. It’s said to have healing properties.”

Pooka dove in, giggling, stripping bare. Ebony lounged nearby, catlike in the sun. Zephra and Kate joined, the warm water easing Kate’s tension. Tove’s silence, from the aconite-laced tea , ached, but her bracelet pulsed, hinting the poison was fading.

Alone in the spring, Kate sensed movement. Isabeth approached, unclothed, her hourglass figure accentuated by the steam, sandy blonde hair cascading. She slid into the water, inches from Kate, her smile both inviting and predatory. “I’m Isabeth,” she purred, voice low, eyes locking onto Kate’s. “We haven’t properly met, she-wolf.”

Kate’s pulse quickened, Tove stirring faintly. She mirrored Isabeth’s smile, playing along. “Nice to meet you, Isabeth.”

Isabeth leaned closer, her breath warm against Kate’s cheek, fingers grazing Kate’s arm. “This place is paradise, Kate. Don’t let the rebels—Ebony, Ionia—poison you against it.” Her touch lingered, intimate yet calculated, as she tilted Kate’s chin up. “As sisters, we share everything—luxury, love, Castiel’s favor. Join us, and it’s heaven.”

She kept her voice soft, feigning curiosity. “You’re happy here? Truly?”

Isabeth’s eyes darkened, her hand sliding to Kate’s waist, pulling her closer, water rippling between them. “Happiness is obedience. We’re queens—adored, clothed in silk, free from worry. Castiel cherishes his loyalists.” Her lips brushed Kate’s ear, whispering, “Pledge yourself to him, to me, and this cage becomes a throne.”

Tension coiled in Kate’s chest, Isabeth’s closeness suffocating yet alluring. She resisted recoiling, sensing the threat beneath the seduction. “And if I don’t?” she asked, voice steady.

Isabeth’s grip tightened, nails digging slightly, her smile sharp. “Defy me, and I’ll make this paradise your hell. I’m his favorite—cross me, and you’ll beg for the brothels.” She softened, kissing Kate’s neck lightly, leaving a trace of lipstick. “Choose wisely, sister.” She rose, blowing a kiss, and sauntered off, her minions scrambling for her clothes.

Kate exhaled, heart pounding, and returned to her room. Ionia waited at the table, holding Bex’s diary. “Rough day?” she smirked, gesturing to a chair. “Isabeth’s venomous. Let’s talk.”

Kate sat, eager for Ionia’s plan. “She’s… interesting. What’s your move?”

Ionia tapped the diary. “You’re no pawn, wolf. We’ve planned an escape—resources, allies. You're the last piece we need to turn the tides.”

Kate leaned back, crossing her legs. “Tell me more.”

Ionia revealed she was a siren, once a freelance spy, lured by Castiel’s promise of wealth for exclusive service, only to be trapped in the harem. After failed escapes, her privileges were stripped, forcing her to drink the tea. “Your wolf’s strength can tip the scales,” she said. “Help us, and we’re free.”

****

The next morning, Kate donned another restrictive green gown, her bracelet pulsing as Tove’s growl strengthened. Pooka pounced, hugging her. “Good morning, sister! Sleep well?”

Kate smiled, marveling at Pooka’s energy. “Tiring, but good.” Maids brought tea and snacks, the aconite’s bitterness sharp. Following Ionia’s advice, Kate approached Isabeth. “May I join you?”

Isabeth’s surprise melted into a radiant smile. “I knew you’d see reason!” She shooed her minions, making room. Her hand grazed Kate’s thigh, whispering, “We’ll explore what swayed you later.”

Kate ignored the wink, sipping the tea. Isabeth announced, “You wasted yesterday, so I’ll show you the palace. Obedience earns freedom to roam—with me.”

“Outside?” Kate asked, feigning delight.

“With me, yes,” Isabeth purred. “Prove yourself first.”

Ebony chuckled darkly. “So easily swayed, new meat? What won you to that pussycat?”

Isabeth rolled her eyes. “She’s bitter over our broken bond. I found enlightenment; she didn’t.”

Ebony shot up, chair clattering. “You betrayed me, spoiled cat! You’ll taste betrayal soon. Watch out, Kate—she’ll discard you when bored!”

Ionia calmed Ebony, leading her away. Isabeth sighed, feigning pity. “Poor thing. Let’s start that tour.”