32

As we returned to the packhouse, the sight of Kael in a rush to leave again greeted us. He was in the process of stripping off his clothes, clearly intent on shifting into his wolf form.

Acting impulsively, I darted towards him, grabbing his arm to halt his departure.

"Where are you going?" I demanded, needing to understand his urgency.

"On patrol," Kael muttered dismissively. He tried to pull away from me, but I held my grip.

Knox interjected, "What do you need me to do, Kael?"

Kael's frustration was noticeable. "Whatever, I don't fucking care what you two do," he snapped.

I couldn't hold back my irritation any longer. "No, absolutely not!" I exclaimed, drawing a bewildered look from Kael. Turning to Knox, I asked, "Can you take over patrol?"

Knox shifted uneasily. "I could, but... Kael, I need the command. You commanded me not to follow or patrol yesterday."

My anger flared at Kael's arbitrary use of commands. "Really, Kael?" I spat out, feeling betrayed by his manipulative tactics