Chapter 155
Kai POV
“Alpha, this is not wise,” Liam warned as I carried Serena to our camp, her small form still unconscious in my arms. “She could be leading the rogues to us p>
“She’s not a rogue,” I insisted, my steps steady despite my warriors’ apprehensive glances. “She’s been attacked by them p>
“Or she’s a trap,” Marcus, my grandfather added. “We don’t know who she is p>
“I know exactly who she is,” I said firmly, adjusting my hold on Serena as her head lolled against my chest. “She’s my mate p>
Liam and my grandfather inhaled sharply at my declaration. Finding one’s mate during a patrol was unheard of, especially under such circumstances. But I felt the truth of it in my bones, in the way Hud had immediately recognized her.
“Get Healer Odin,” I ordered as we entered the camp. “Tell him it’s urgent p>
The temporary camp we’d put up was small—a few tents, basic medical supplies. I carried Serena to the medical tent, laying her gently on a cot. Up close, her injuries were more serious than you could ever imagine.. Dark bruises circled her wrists, her feet were bloody and bare, and there were scratches all over her arms and legs and then the big gash on her knee.
Healer Odin arrived moments later, his face creasing with concern as he examined her. He was old, perhaps the oldest healer in our pack.
“She’s dehydrated,” he announced, already preparing an IV. “Exhausted, multiple contusions, and some older wounds that are partially healed. What happened to her p>
“We found her running from rogues,” I explained, watching as he worked. “She said they killed her family p>
Odin’s hands paused briefly, then continued their methodical work. Something in his expression made me uneasy, but before I could question it, Liam called from outside.
“Alpha, we need to discuss our strategy. The rogues may still be in the area p>
I glanced at Serena’s pale face, reluctant to leave her side. “She’ll be fine,” Odin assured me. “Go. I’ll tend to her wounds p>
The next hour was filled with tactical discussions and casualty reports. We’d lost two warriors in today’s skirmish, with three more injured. The rogue presence was growing bolder, more organized.
Our scouts had finally reached Silverleaf pack, our allies that had radioed us moments ago and so far, the pack was about to go into extinction. The scouts had said the whole place laid in ruins. They were still searching for survivors.
As Alpha, I needed to focus on these threats, especially as one of our ally pack was attacked but my thoughts kept drifting to the medical tent.
“Kai,” Odin’s voice interrupted our discussion. “May I speak with you privately p>
Something in his tone made my stomach tighten. I nodded, following him away from the group. We walked to the edge of camp, where the forest shadows grew long in the setting sun.
“What is it?” I asked, impatience coloring my voice.
Odin hesitated, his ancient eyes studying me carefully. “There’s something… unusual about the woman you rescued p>
“Unusual how p>
“She has no wolf p>
The words hung between us, impossible and yet spoken with certainty. “That’s not possible,” I said. “She’s a werewolf. I can smell it on her p>
“She carries the scent, yes,” Odin agreed. “But there’s no wolf spirit within her. I’ve never encountered anything like it in all my years p>
“She’s traumatized,” I insisted, suddenly growing irritated “Her pack was slaughtered. Of course, her wolf is hiding p>
“This is different, Alpha. I can sense when a wolf is dormant, scared, or injured. This is… absence. As if she never had one to begin with p>
“You’re wrong,” I snapped. “She’s my mate. Hud recognized her immediately p>
Odin sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “I suggest we treat her wounds and return her to whatever remains of her pack. This situation is unprecedented, and potentially dangerous p>
“I’m not sending my mate away,” I growled, “You will treat her, care for her, and say nothing of this to anyone. Do I make myself clear p>
“Kai, please listen p>
“I am your Alpha,” I cut him off, my eyes flashing amber. “Not the other way around. This discussion is over p>
Before Odin could respond, a young nurse approached us, slightly out of breath. “Healer Odin, Alpha Kai—the girl is awake p>
I didn’t wait to hear more. I sprinted back to the medical tent, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I entered, I saw her sitting up on the cot, her legs tucked under her chin, making herself as small as possible. Her blue eyes, clearer now, widened when she saw me.
She straightened immediately, attempting to stand. Her legs wobbled beneath her, weakness from her ordeal making her unsteady. As she started to fall, I lunged forward, catching her in my arms.
Time seemed to slow as we held each other. Her body fit perfectly against mine, as if we were two pieces of a puzzle finally joined. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest, rapid and frightened, but there was something else too—a spark of recognition that matched my own.
Hud was practically vibrating with excitement, his joy at finding our mate overwhelming every other sensation. “Mine,” he growled possessively, and I had to fight to keep the word from leaving my lips.
“I’m sorry,” Serena whispered, her voice hoarse. She tried to pull away, but I held her steady, reluctant to break the contact.
“You don’t need to apologize,” I said softly. “You’re safe now p>
She looked up at me, those ice-blue eyes searching my face. “You’re… you’re an Alpha p>
“Yes,” I confirmed. “I’m Kai, Alpha of the Royal Hunters pack. You’re in our territory now. No one will hurt you here p>
“They killed everyone,” she said, her voice breaking. I ran, but they followed. I thought She shuddered, and I instinctively pulled her closer.
“It’s over now,” I promised. “You’re under my protection p>
She nodded against my chest, and I felt wetness seeping through my shirt—tears she’d probably been holding back. I guided her back to the cot, but she clung to my hand as if afraid I’d disappear.