The Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Chapter 27

I watched her as she continued with a steady hand. My thoughts trailed back to the closet. Her little breaths and gasps. Her nails digging into my skin. Her warmth against me, her scent all around me.

F*cking nails. Would’ve been better if I wasn’t being stabbed. I looked her over, with her messy hair and rumpled dress. She was obviously enjoying it.

Not that she’d admit to it. I scowled and thought about after the closet. It made my stomach turn. The idea of her hating me so much, begging me not to tell people about what happened in the closet. I scowled and tightened my jaw at the idea.

At least that wasn’t it. She’s just worried about people knowing she’s dominant. Which is strange; why would she want to hide it? Does she think being dominant is bad?

“Doing alright?” She asked in a gentle tone. I perked up and met her eyes.

“It doesn’t hurt too bad.” I expected a look of concern, but she gave me a look of hesitation. Worry swirled in her blue eyes, and her cheeks were sucked in.

“You’re not about to freak out then? Your eyes are copper.” Her eyes narrowed, like she expected me to shift at any moment.

“Nothing like that.” My wolf was showing? I didn’t mean to do that. I scowled at the wall, hyperaware of her every touch. She was gentle but steady, and I almost forgot about the pain in my arm.

Think about something else d*mn it. She isn’t angry at me for once! If she could read my thoughts…

“How many people know? At least your family knows, so what, 20 people minimum?” I tried thinking of something to share with her. Something that wouldn’t be too detrimental if it got out, but she’d still consider a worthy secret.

I shouldn’t have offered to begin with. Being dominant isn’t a secret. But I pictured how upset she looked, like she wanted to hide in a corner, or run out of the room. I hadn’t meant to make the offer, it had just… come out.

“Only four people know.” She said, scowling at my arm. The awful scent of her fear filled the room again.

“You have a lot more than four siblings.”

“I know.”

“You’re pretending to be submissive from your family?” I tensed and my brows furrowed. “Why?”

“No questions.” She paused and met my eyes, challenging me.

“Alright. But the same goes for you.” That changes things. I frowned, and she looked away, focusing on my arm. What could I share that only four people know? I tried to recall something, anything, that I might be willing to give away.

An idea popped into my head. Something I’d kept to myself for my entire life. I could count who knew on one hand.

I can’t tell her that! What am I thinking?

I watched her with wide eyes. I hadn’t considered telling that secret. Ever.

Ansel only knew because he witnessed me doing it.

I’d never told another soul, never spoke it out loud. My heart raced, and my stomach dropped. How could I even consider it? There’s no way it’s comparable; being dominant isn’t a secret!

I glanced at the door and debated on leaving. Is she magic? How else would the thought come to me? I tensed, ready to shove myself out of the room.

“Stay.” My wolf said.

She’s a sorcerer! Using some kind of magic against us. Or a Fae!

“No.”

Why else would I think of sharing that? She must’ve been sent here, trying to k*ll me. Or get information, something! My heart pounded against my chest and different scenarios came to mind.

“Tell her.” He said in a sharp tone.

F*ck no! We’ve never told anyone; it must be some kind of trick. She’s pulling something, using magic, something! I scented the air, but I hadn’t scented magic once near her, or anywhere else in the pack.

“Tell her!” He growled.

No! You’re making a mistake! I stood, and she stuck me hard with the needle. I nearly shoved her out of the way as I stood, but she was quick and backed up.

“What’re you doing?” She looked at me with wide, fearful eyes.

This has all been a trick! Some magic ploy, trying to ensnare me to get me to talk or do her bidding! It all makes sense, everything that’s happened. Why I can’t seem to leave her alone, why I can’t stop thinking about her since we’d met. I tensed my jaw, ready to tell her off, or shove past her.

“Tell her!” His command was loud, but I pushed it away.

No! You’re being tricked! Deceived!

“Tell mate!” My wolf snarled, and I went rigid.

Mate?

My mind went blank, and I stared into her bright blue eyes.

“Yes.” He grumbled.

You’re sure? I gaze at her golden blonde hair and soft, blonde brows. Her pouty lips looked like they’d taste sweet.

“Yes. Mate. Ours.” He said it confidently with assurance and pride.

Why didn’t you say so earlier?

“Patience.” He said, giving clear intentions. It was his favorite word. I’ve been patiently waiting for centuries! You should’ve told me! She hates me now; I could’ve prevented that if I knew!

Gwen was frozen, like she was waiting for what I was about to do. She stared at the floor, a clear display that she meant no harm. Her hands were at her sides, balled up in fists. She didn’t shake or smell like fear and held a position of submission with ease.

I sucked in a breath, and my stomach turned to knots.

She’s submitting to me. Her mate.

I wanted to apologize or throw up. Mates are always equals. She shouldn’t feel like she needs to submit to me. Ever.

Everything in me wanted to submit to her. To show her my throat, to kneel at her feet, to lie on the ground and show off my belly. Anything to show her submission wasn’t necessary.

But I knew if I did it, it would be too obvious. She wasn’t ready; she barely tolerated me.

She needs to trust us. That’s why you waited.

“Patience.” He repeated, softly.

Patience. I repeated to him, letting him know I understood.

“Take these out.” I held out my arm and motioned to the stitches. She blinked at my arm, then glanced up at my face, giving me a confused look.

“You’re bleeding a lot; you should’ve seen the pack doctor. And now you’re telling me to take them out?”

“Yes.”

“No. Absolutely not.” She put her hands on her hips, adding to the blood already on her dress.

“I’ve decided what secret to share. Take the stitches out; I don’t need them.”

“Did you hit your head in that closet? You need them.” She growled and grabbed the needle and my arm.

“I don’t.” I yanked my arm away, and she dropped the needle.

“Are you insane? You almost made me rip out your stitches!”

“If you won’t do it, I’ll take them out myself.” I grabbed the end of the stitches and began pulling them out. It stung, but the pain was minimal compared to the actual wound.

“What was the point of me doing all that?” She watched my arm with bewilderment.

“I just wanted to be around you longer.”

She glared at me, and I smiled.

My mate.

What an odd thing to think, after so long. The thought was euphoric, taking away the pain. I couldn’t stop smiling, and I probably looked like a madman, grinning while plucking out my stitches.

“So what are you going to do, bleed everywhere? Is that your secret? You’re a masochist?”

“I would’ve taken it out when I got home, anyway. Well, maybe not if it meant you’d fret over me more. But that’s not the point. It’s easier to show you than explain it.”

“Just show me after the stitches!” She shouted and grabbed at my hand, like she was going to stop me. But I pulled the final bit of stitching out. “If you won’t let me stitch you back up, I’m leaving!” She shouted and turned towards the door.

I grabbed her hand, and she growled, trying to pull away.

“Just watch!”

“I’m not watching you hurt yourself!” She snapped.

I raised my hurt arm, and she growled at it. I pulled at my inner strength, a pool of untapped energy, and flexed my hand.

My skin sealed back together, healing, as if time had reversed. The wounds were healed, unscarred, and the pain went away.

Her lips parted, and her eyes were wide, staring at my arm. She grabbed it, twisted it around, inspecting it. Her look of wonder disappeared, and she scowled at me.

“Pack magic isn’t a secret!” She snapped, and her brows knitted together. At least she’s knowledgeable about wolves. Not many wolves know about pack magic, and an Alpha’s ability to use the pack’s energy to heal wolves.

“Pack magic leaves a scar. This is Fae magic. A gift I received a long time ago.”