The writing on the wall.

Winter's POV:

I laugh nervously. “You're scaring me Ari.”

She shakes her head, “This isn't a joke Winter. The council members, the people, everyone's talking even…even Father.” She says his name with fear, like he's going to burst through the doors fuming, whip in hand. She looks around, spotting Keon. “Alpha Keon.” She greets him, expecting him to leave.

Keon? Give us privacy? The thought almost makes me laugh. Just because he saved me once didn't make him some hero, or a respecter of morals or values. He was still the most feared man in the continent, still a werewolf. And a brutal one too.

As expected all he does is take a seat on the office chair in front of him. The chair creaks trying to contain his massive frame, his shoulders wide and stretched in the shirt he's wearing. He folds his arms together, looking like a true king, but makes no move to leave. “I am Alpha, ruler of the wolves and since your sister is now married to my brother, I rule over her and by extension, you and your people.”

“Alpha Keon-”

“May I remind you that your wizard is on very thin ice with my people, so speak with caution.” He spits out the word “married” like it offended him. Ariana’s fists tighten. “What I'm trying to say is, I'm staying, whether you like it or not, and there's nothing you can do about it. Now what's this news about your people?”

Ariana’s jaw is clenched so hard if she were human she'd crack a tooth. She turns toward me again, some of her anger gone. If he's upset about her rudeness he doesn't show it.

“It's about the mating. They're saying the mating was cursed from the start, and the lightning strike was a sign from the gods. Some people are even saying you're the reason for it. They're saying you're impure and cursed.”

My heart beats so fast I would be surprised if she couldn't hear it through my chest.

“I didn't even do anything.” My voice shakes, not because I'm tired but because I'm fucking terrified. It's hard not to faint right there and then. Rumors among witches spread like a cancer cell. Small, barely noticeable at first until suddenly it's in every cell, destroying everything in its path. For Ariana to be this worried, it was a bad sign. A really bad sign.

I swallow hard imagining Father’s reaction to all of this. The memory of his whip hitting my flesh pass by. Even though the marks are invisible to the naked eye they still hurt to think about.

Ari’s face saddens. “I know you're innocent but you know how it works back home. Some even want you to return so they can ask questions.”

Her words have my fingers shaking, but I cover them with the edge of the blanket. If I go home, and a high witch like a council member or worse Father uses his powers on me, I was going to spill the beans. Then they'd probably kill me regardless of the treaty and start a war.

Then all my efforts would be wasted.

Shit.

How could they have found out already? Was it that obvious? Did I slip up? Or did the mark show through the dress?

I'm so scared I can't speak, not even to defend myself, when Keon jumps in.

I feel his anger through the bond.

“No one will touch her.”

Ariana looks at him, like she just remembered he was here in the first place. “Alpha Keon.”

His voice is stiff. “No one, regardless of whatever title they have among your people is going to touch Winter, talk less of taking her back. Not now, not ever.”

Ariana’s eyes widen, while I resist the urge to face palm. Wolves and their damn possessiveness.

Does he understand how this looks? He’s defending me like his life depends on it. Doesn't he know that I'm just his in-law, regardless of whatever mark he might try to claim?

I try to warn him, “Alpha Keon…”

“They're looking for someone to blame, and they're wrong.”

Ariana frowns. “Alpha Keon with all due respect, you barely know my sister.”

“I know enough.”

“You met her two days ago.” She says slowly.

I hide my wince. Great, now he's given Ari a reason to be suspicious. The air is tense and awkward. Keon is about to speak when someone else enters the room.

“Am I interrupting something?”

Derrick, the Alpha’s brother and my mate stands there, shirtless and in grey sweatpants.

“Royal Derrick.” Ariana greets him. Keon glances at him. I'm still unsure what to do here. Thankfully he moves before I do. “Winter was it, how are you?” He sits in the space next to me.

Behind me, I feel Keon’s glare on my back.

I freeze for a second before answering. “I'm fine thank you.” He nods, looking around before talking. “ I would like to speak with Winter. Alone.” The worry in his tone almost seems real.

Ariana nods, signaling at me with her eyes. I nod, and she leaves. Keon doesn't move, and his brother notices. “Brother, I know you love staying in the loop of things but I would like some private time with my mate.”

Keon’s eyes darken. For a second, I think he's actually going to claim me, and officially blow my cover. Instead he gets up, his eyes on me till he leaves.

Derrick merely chuckles. “Don't mind my brother, he's like that all the time. Don't be scared of him, okay?” His concern shocks me. He laughs at my shock. “Don't look so shocked, I'm not some mindless killer like the rumors say. I'm just protective of what's mine. And now that includes you.” His finger strokes my face. The sudden intimacy has me gasping.

“How is the mark coming along? I'm sure you must be in pain. Do you need some pain relief meds?” All I can do is nod. He chuckles, grabbing it from the drawer by the bed. “Don't worry, forget about all the rumors of your people. I assure you the people responsible will pay for it dearly. No one talks badly about my mate and gets away with it.” His jaw clenches, but his gaze softens on me. “I'll protect you mate.”

The air is charged, the sudden change making my nerves bounce.

Maybe Derrick isn't so bad?

But why does Keon's absence feel so cold?