Chapter Four: Be careful around him

“No, Alpha I wouldn’t dare,” Zane responded adjusting himself on his seat.

“Good this meeting his over, I need rest,” Kane said leaving no room for argument.

“Guards!” Zane called out loudly and they rushed in.

“Take the alpha and his assistant to the guest inn,” he instructed and they nodded.

Alpha Kane stood up, on seeing that Gavin who was still munching on his roasted meat stood up too not without carrying two pieces of meat.

And together they followed the guards.

Once sure that they were out of earshot Alpha Zane snatched a cup from the table and smashed it on the wall, it shattered with a loud crack. He lifted his hand to shield his face from injuries his chest heaving with rage and a maid nearby flinched.

“Hey, you clean up that mess” he instructed leaving the dining.

-- - -

Meanwhile, at the healer’s hut, the warm scent of boiling herbs drifted through the small room. Maya lay on a narrow bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as the healer moved about, mixing powders and stirring steaming bowls.

“I can’t believe we almost died, Maya,” her wolf whispered in her mind.

“You caused it, Lana. You let our grief consume us until we didn’t even realize we’d crossed out of our pack’s territory,” Maya retorted.

“I’m sorry I was heartbroken” Lana whimpered.

“It’s okay… I’m not mad.” Maya said.

“Maya you haven’t touched your medicine” the healer’s voice cut through.

“It’s bitter,” Maya said scrunching her nose.

“Gosh Maya you are acting like a baby now,” the healer said a smile gracing her lips.

“Do you mind me telling you a story ?“

Maya's face lit up with interest and she nodded.

“Once upon a time, in the land of werewolves…” Maya listened with rapt enthusiasm as the healer’s voice faded into the night

* * *

The walk to the inn was short and silent, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth. Three rooms were arranged, Gavin shared one with Jack, Andrew and John took the second, and Alpha Kane was given the last.

Inside, Kane stripped off his coat and stepped into the shower. The water was hot, but it couldn’t wash away the image lodged in his mind. By the time he came out, dressed in only a boxer and a singlet, his expression was as unreadable as stone.

He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, but sleep didn’t come. He rolled to one side, then the other, mind restless.

Why does the thought of that fragile girl keep clouding my mind? He wondered, the question biting at him like a thorn on his flesh.

Different thoughts chased one another through his head until, at last, sleep claimed him.

The sun slipped through the window like a playful sibling, casting a warm glow across the room. Its light brushed against Kane’s face, urging him out of sleep. He stretched his arms and legs, then stood with a yawn. After freshening up, he headed outside, where Gavin and the others were waiting.

“Morning, Alpha,” they chorused.

He nodded, his gaze shifting to the guards from yesterday. “To the healer’s place,” he commanded.

“Gavin, have you delivered the message to the Rivermoon Pack?”

“Yes, Alpha. He said he is expecting you.”

Kane said nothing.

As they approached the healer’s house, Gavin held his breath. He knew what would happen if the healer failed to treat the girl from yesterday.

The scent of mixed herbs floated in the air as they stepped inside.

“Welcome, everyone,” the healer greeted cheerfully. Seeing the smile on her face, Gavin relaxed—just a little.

“Where is she?” Kane asked gruffly.

“She’s still asleep, Alpha. The herbs I prepared contain sleeping agents to help her recuperate,” the healer explained. “But come with me, Alpha, there is something I’d like to show you.”

“It better be worth my time,” Kane snarled.

The healer led the way, Kane following close behind. The others came in after him.

Inside the hut, Maya lay chest down on the bed. The healer was grateful, if Maya were awake, she would never allow this.

She reached to lift Maya’s blouse.

“What are you doing?” the Alpha demanded, disapproval heavy in his voice.

“I’m trying to show you something, sir,” the healer replied, her tone steady. She raised the blouse. And the room froze.

The tension was palpable. Gavin’s eyes widened, mirroring Andrew’s, Jack’s, and John’s. Kane’s jaw clenched hard enough to ache.

He tried hard to suppress his anger as he examined the scars. Every mark had been made by something sharp. Who could be so heartless?

He could feel the fury emanating from Tharius, his wolf.

“How dare they?” Tharius growled from the back of his mind.

“Did she tell you who did this?” Kane asked, his tone low and menacing.

The healer shook her head. “No, Alpha. She was… adamant.”

Kane’s gaze darkened. “Wake her up. She’s slept long enough.”

The healer nodded, reached into a small pouch on the table, and pulled out a bundle of fresh mint leaves. Crushing them between her fingers, she held the sharp, cool scent beneath Maya’s nose.

Maya flinched, creasing her brow as a faint cough escaped her lips and her eyes fluttered open. She blinked rapidly, confusion clouding her gaze as she tried to take in the unfamiliar faces around her.

“You’re safe,” the healer murmured, easing her back against the pillows.

Kane stood silent at the foot of the bed, watching every flicker of emotion cross her face.

Maya’s gaze locked with his.

Oh… the handsome man from yesterday. For a heartbeat, she almost thought he was the Moon Goddess’s brother. Silly me…does the Moon Goddess even have siblings?

“Good morning, sirs,” she said, offering a small smile. “Thank you for saving me yesterday. I owe you my life,” she added sincerely.

“How are you feeling now?” Kane asked, his gaze unexpectedly soft and tender.

“I’m fine, sir. I just need to go home, my mother will be worried.”

“Has your wound healed?”

“Yes. I can walk now, though my healing ability has weakened since I was forced to consume wolfsbane.”

Kane’s head tilted slightly, his expression hardening. “What?”

She blinked. “Wolfs—what?” Gavin asked, frowning as if he’d misheard.

“Who gave you that deadly poison, Maya?” the healer asked, her voice low and probing.

Her eyes widened, fear flickering in them like a trapped flame. “I… I can’t say,” she whispered, her voice trembling as if the words themselves were dangerous.

“It’s okay. Take her home,” Kane said, motioning to one of the guards. “I’ll come back for her.”

“Would you like to go with me, Maya? Kane asked.

“Y-yes Alpha,” she replied with glassy eyes. Who wouldn't want an escape route from this hellhole she muttered walking behind the guard. She kept on looking back till they were out of sight.

Kane handed a small bag of gold to the healer and her face beamed.

With that, they turned and left. As they walked, the air around Kane seemed to thicken. Heat rolled off him like a furnace, his anger so raw it pressed on everyone’s skin. No one dared speak.

At the border, Kane pulled a scroll from his cloak and handed it to one of the guards. “Give this to Zane,” he ordered.

The guard took it with a respectful bow. Kane turned to leave..

“Excuse me, sir,” the guard blurted.

Kane stopped, his tone sharp. “Speak.”

“Erm… sir,” the guard’s voice lowered, glancing around, “just be careful around Alpha Zane. He is not who he seems to be.”

Kane chuckled without humor. “Go back to your post.”

He strode away. Gavin gave him an assuring nod before following, while the other three exchanged a silent handshake with him, and departed into the shadows.