Chapter 4 Questions I Can't Answer

Back at the packhouse, everything looked normal - laughter in the hall, fire in the hearth, and omegas carrying trays like nothing had changed.

But everything had.

Kael kept glancing at me as we walked through the corridor. I could feel the questions burning behind his lips.

"What did he want?" he finally asked, voice low.

I hesitated. "He didn't say much. Just... that he knew me."

Kael frowned. "You mean he's seen you before?"

"I don't know. It felt like he was waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

I didn't answer.

Because I already knew.

Me.

He'd been waiting for me.

We reached my door. I paused, fingers hovering over the handle.

"Alera," Kael said softly, "if he comes back... you'll tell someone, right? The Alpha needs to know."

I nodded, but it was a lie.

If I told the Alpha, he'd send warriors. He'd kill him.

And the thought of the rogue king dying made something inside me ache - deep and sharp.

Kael squeezed my hand before walking away.

I stepped into my room, shut the door, and collapsed onto the bed.

My wolf curled inside me, quiet but restless.

She wasn't scared.

She wasn't confused.

She was waiting too.