I Built My Kingdom

Time dragged on slowly.

The sensations from the other side of the bond quieted, leaving only a weary satisfaction.

That feeling kept seeping through, like a dull knife slicing my soul.

My wolf soul curled up and slipped into a deep slumber.

It shielded itself from the pain of my mate's betrayal this way.

I did not try to wake it.

I hurt too.

After what felt like forever, steady footsteps echoed outside.

It was Kael.

I smelled it.

That cloying human perfume clung to his scent, so vivid it made me nauseous.

The door swung open, and Kael's tall frame filled the doorway.

He wore a black combat uniform, his posture rigid and commanding.

When he saw me, surprise flickered in his dark eyes. "Elara? Why are you here?"

He stepped inside, his tone casual, as if he had truly just gone on a patrol.

"I waited for you," I said.

He smiled.

He approached me, arms outstretched, ready to pull me into an embrace. "Waiting for me? My little Luna, you're getting clingier by the day."

His voice was low and warm.

Once, that voice sent my heart racing.

Now, it only mocked me.

I stepped back.

His arms froze midair.

The smile vanished from his face.

"What's wrong?" He furrowed his brow.

A wave of potent Alpha energy pressed toward me.

Once, it would have rattled me.

Now, I only wanted to laugh.

"Where were you?" I locked eyes with him.

His gaze stayed steady, not a hint of evasion. "I told you, the border. Some rogue wolves were stirring trouble."

He lowered his hands, a trace of irritation creeping into his tone.

"What's with you today? Who upset you?"

"Your Beta and Gamma," I said, holding his gaze, "were at their posts an hour ago. You didn't hold a meeting."

Kael's pupils contracted.

He stared at me, his eyes sharpening.

"Are you having me followed?" His voice turned cold.

"I don't need to." I pointed to my chest. "Our mate bond tells me everything."

His face changed in an instant.

He finally remembered.

The mate bond worked both ways.

He sensed me, and I sensed him.

He forgot that our bond was his most fatal flaw.

"Elara, let me explain..." He stepped forward, reaching for my hand.

"Explain what?" I cut him off. "The perfume on you or the woman's voice in your mind?"

His body went rigid.

"You... heard it all?" For the first time, panic crept into his voice.

"Yes." I forced a smirk, my face devoid of any warmth.

"She said, 'Are all you werewolves this wild?'" I stared at him, each word deliberate. "Kael, tell me, are you a wild werewolf?"

Not a trace of color remained on his face.