Chapter 24

As the sun peeked through the trees, Sorin was already on his way to Colette. He’d spent the entire night patrolling the neutral zone between his pack and the others, more committed than ever. He was determined to keep his part of the deal with Dancescu. That way, Dancescu couldn’t back out of his promise.

Sorin ran faster than he thought possible, even in his wolf form. The world around him was a blur. He hadn’t slept or eaten since he last saw Colette. It had only been half a day, but it felt like forever.

Before reaching the compound’s gate, he shifted back into his human form and dressed in the clothes he’d stashed away the previous night. As he walked through the compound, the pack was just starting to stir.

Their pack had three small children and two who were just shy of breeding age. Their pack duties were to learn and grow—understand pack dynamics, their roles, and their history.

The three little ones were usually found playing near their mothers. The two nearing breeding age were often by themselves.

He’d heard some men make crude comments about the young she-wolf, eagerly waiting for her to reach breeding age and develop the scent that she-wolves get.

He found that behavior disgusting. It sickened him that the only thing keeping these lewd men at bay was her age. They were much older than her, but that didn’t seem to matter to them.

On his way to Colette, Sorin stopped to grab her something to eat. He saw Ylenia up early in the morning. He understood why he’d slept with her. Her role in the pack was less physically demanding, which was evident in her curvy figure. Her long, red curls tumbled down her back like a wild waterfall. When she saw him, her golden eyes lit up with recognition.

She was carrying a thick blanket and a stack of clothes in one arm and her large satchel in the other. They met in the middle of the walkway.

“Sorin,” she greeted with a smile. “I was hoping to see you this morning. I wanted to bring these to Colette.” She lifted her pile to show him. “It’s not much. The blanket is better than the one they’ll give her, if they gave her one at all. And the clothes are just to feel… I don’t know, refreshed?” She laughed awkwardly.

Sorin felt terrible that he hadn’t thought to bring her these things. She must’ve been so uncomfortable all night. He was disappointed in himself.

“Thank you,” he said gruffly, his voice hoarse from shouting into the woods all night.

She nodded. “Shemika can’t come yet. She’s still dealing with her punishment from the alpha,” she said, her voice filled with worry.

Sorin wasn’t aware of Shemika’s problems. She was the most beautiful girl in the pack and usually gave her body willingly, but when it came to Alpha Dancescu, she wasn’t as eager.

Sorin grabbed breakfast for Colette and headed to the alpha’s house, with Ylenia following closely. She knew their relationship would never be the same. Even if something terrible happened to Colette, things between them would never go back to how they were.

She used to dream that one day she’d wake up and he would just be her mate. Selene often said that wolves are so mentally messed up that they sometimes don’t realize their mate is right in front of them. The inner link between wolf and human was in turmoil, and they weren’t communicating effectively.

The only sure way to know if someone was your destined mate was if you could conceive naturally without the help of a pack healer. Thankfully, Dancescu hadn’t expected Sorin to prove his mate connection with offspring.

She dreamed that one day he’d come in the dead of night like always and their fated link would spark. He would realize they were meant to be together as well, but they never conceived, irrefutable proof that they weren’t meant to be together.

The closer they got to Colette, the faster Sorin’s legs seemed to move on their own. He practically ran down the steps to the lower level where Dancescu kept his cells and prisoners.

He skidded to a halt when he saw a guard posted right next to the door. It was Simu, silent as always, his thick arms covered with scars.

Sorin approached slowly, cautiously. He wasn’t sure if Simu would let him pass. Simu extended an arm, blocking his way.

Anger surged in his chest. His arms felt stronger. “Why can’t I go in?” he demanded.

Ylenia finally caught up to him, standing by his side. “What’s the problem, Simu?” she asked, her hand on her hip.

He blinked slowly, giving Ylenia a quick glance before turning back to Sorin. “Your mate?” he asked slowly.

Sorin tensed, worried that people would see Colette as fair game. At least locked up in the cage, no one could mark her or claim her. “Yes,” he growled low.

Simu nodded. They’d never been close, but from what Sorin had seen, he seemed like a decent guy. “I need a favor.”

Sorin’s brows furrowed into a glare. “Why should I do you a favor? The last favor I did, the terms weren’t honored.”

“Dancescu has assigned me to monitor who visits and report back to him if anything significant happens, but I want to give the job to you. You’d be able to see her as much as you want and Dancescu would never know. He never comes down here. He thinks it’s dirty,” he offered.

The proposal took him by surprise. While it intrigued Sorin, it was a big ask. Simu wanted something from him, something big. “What favor?”

“Your duty is to patrol the neutral territory between Vale, Lunca, and Padure. I want your job,” he said bluntly.

His excitement was palpable, and it made Sorin nervous. “I was badly injured on my last patrol,” he warned.

Simu shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

Sorin was tempted to take the offer, but he didn’t want Simu to take advantage of him. “Why do you want my job, Simu?” If Simu messed up and didn’t do the job properly, Sorin would be the one to pay the price.

Simu wore a frown, clearly not in the mood to share his reasons. “Two guys have shown up, asking to see her. They claimed they’d be satisfied just to get a whiff of her scent,” he said, his voice laced with a warning.

Sorin’s reaction was exactly what Simu had hoped for. A surge of anger and possessiveness washed over him. Fine. Simu didn’t need to explain why he wanted to swap roles. Sorin would take over.

“I’ll take your shift, but only until the next full moon.” That was his condition. Dancescu would undoubtedly catch on to their ruse once the three weeks were up.

Simu took a moment to consider Sorin’s terms. Eventually, he let out a sigh. “Deal. But be careful, Sorin. Every guy is curious about the woman you’re keeping behind this door.”

Even Simu could sense his wolf stirring within him, drawn to her scent that was slowly permeating the air. It was warm and fresh.

Sorin nodded in understanding. He was well aware of the sexual instincts of wolves. He and Simu shook hands, cementing their agreement.

Simu offered Ylenia a tight smile out of courtesy before heading back up the stairs.

Sorin turned back to the door, his heart pounding with unease.