A Wolf's Burden
782 Words
The moment she walked away, Kael felt the familiar ache of separation, a pull that seemed to anchor him to Iris despite the distance growing between them. He watched her retreat into the cabin, her movements quick but unsure, as though she, too, wrestled with the strange connection between them.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair as the cool night air bit at his skin. The forest around him was quiet, an odd hush falling over the trees, as though the very earth held its breath.
Kael shifted his gaze to the dark sky, the moon high and full. Being with Iris had been… unexpected. He had meant only to show her the truth, to give her enough answers to keep her safe. But now that she knew what he was, what he had hidden for so long, he couldn’t escape the weight of his next challenge.
How could he tell her the rest? That she wasn’t just any human who had stumbled into his territory. That she was his mate. His fated Luna.
Kael turned and began walking deeper into the forest, his feet moving automatically toward the pack’s border. His mind, however, stayed firmly rooted in thoughts of Iris. The look in her eyes when he shifted back to human form replayed in his mind. Shock. Awe. A flicker of fear that she quickly masked.
He hated that fear.
The bond between them was unlike anything he’d experienced, even in his years of being Alpha. It wasn’t just physical, though that pull was undeniable—it was emotional, spiritual, all-consuming. But Iris had no idea. Not yet. And he was certain that telling her too soon would only push her further away.
“Alpha.”
The voice broke him from his thoughts. Kael glanced up to find Tyren stepping out from behind a tree, his Beta’s expression sharp and questioning.
“What are you doing out here?” Tyren asked, folding his arms.
Kael scowled, brushing past him. “Thinking.”
Tyren fell into step beside him. “You mean thinking about her.”
Kael growled softly, a warning. “Watch your tone.”
Unfazed, Tyren smirked. “You’re not exactly subtle, Kael. The pack’s already whispering about the human. It won’t be long before questions are raised.”
“Let them whisper,” Kael snapped. “They’ll keep their opinions to themselves unless they’re prepared to challenge me.”
Tyren raised an eyebrow. “No one’s challenging you. But you can’t ignore how unusual this situation is. You’ve never shown interest in anyone—certainly not enough to let them this close to the pack.”
Kael stopped walking, turning to face Tyren fully. “She’s my mate,” he said quietly, the words heavy with meaning.
Tyren’s smug expression vanished, replaced by a flicker of surprise. “You’re sure?”
Kael nodded. “From the moment I saw her. And every moment since has only confirmed it.”
For once, Tyren seemed at a loss for words. He ran a hand through his hair, his expression darkening. “This complicates things.”
“I know,” Kael muttered.
“No,” Tyren said firmly. “You don’t. A human Luna isn’t just rare—it’s unprecedented. The pack won’t understand. Some may even see it as a weakness. And if rival packs find out…” He trailed off, his meaning clear.
Kael clenched his fists. “I won’t let anyone harm her. She’s under my protection now.”
Tyren sighed. “I hope you’re ready for what that means. Because once the bond is fully recognized, there’s no going back. For either of you.”
Kael didn’t respond. He knew Tyren was right. The weight of his decision was already pressing down on him, but the thought of Iris being hurt—or worse—was unbearable.
“You’ll need to tell her,” Tyren added after a moment.
“I know,” Kael said. “But not yet. She’s already overwhelmed by everything I’ve revealed. If I tell her about the mate bond now, she might…”
“Run?” Tyren finished for him.
Kael’s silence was answer enough.
Tyren nodded slowly. “Then tread carefully, Alpha. For her sake and the pack’s.”
Kael watched as his Beta disappeared back into the trees, leaving him alone once more. He inhaled deeply, letting the scent of pine and earth steady him.
The moon was high, and the night stretched endlessly before him. But his thoughts lingered on Iris, on the bond that connected them, and on the challenges that lay ahead.
One thing was certain: he couldn’t afford to lose her. Not now. Not ever.
- Writer
