Page 63 of My Fated Mate

But directly opposite them stands another group of wolves, their fur a matted mix of grey and black, their eyes gleaming with hostility.

At the front of this group stands a massive wolf-shifter with eyes the color of storm clouds.

He's larger than all the wolves in the pack behind him, with thick hair and scars crisscrossing his face. His cold gaze meets mine for a fleeting moment before snapping back to Thorne’s.

"Alpha Thorne," the large wolf growls. "We've come to collect what's rightfully ours."

My gaze darts between the two groups, trying to piece together what's happening.

What are they talking about? Who are these wolves?

Thorne throws back his head and lets out a powerful howl that echoes through the hall. The sound sends chills down my spine and makes Shadow whine softly at my feet.

Then, immediately, I see Kain walk forward with a derisive smirk.

What is he doing here?!

“Kain!” Thorne growls beside me.

“Ah, yes, Thorne. Pardon Faj. He’s not exactly the friendly type. He doesn't have common courtesy. I assure you we are not here for trouble but just to collect what is ours.”

So the large scary wolf is Faj? My eyes dart back to him, and I almost yelp when I see him leering at me.

I quickly look away.

"There's nothing here that belongs to you, Kain," Thorne retorts, his voice calm but lethal. "Leave now before this escalates."

Kain snorts. "Don't play coy with me, Alpha," he snarls. "We both know how you took my bride from me. Give me back my bride!"

What?!

He’s here to get me?

I thought this was done. Why is he doing this?

Thorne's jaw clenches, and for a moment, I think he might lunge at Kain.

But he takes a deep breath and forces himself to remain calm.

"There is no stealing here," Thorne roars but tries to rein himself in. "Elowen is no one's possession."

Kain lets out a humorless bark. "Don't lie to me, Thorne. We both know the prophecy. The Moonstone is needed to defeat the coming darkness. You can't keep it for yourself… and neither can you keep my bride hostage!"

Moonstone?

“Her father reneged on the decision for you two to marry,” Thorne says.

Yes, because he thought Thorne and I would live happily ever after. How did that turn out?

My gaze darts between Thorne and Kain, desperately seeking answers.

Just then, a deep growl erupts from behind Kain.

"Faj," Kain mutters a warning.

The wolf—Faj, throws me a cursory glance before focusing on Thorne.

"Enough of this posturing, Alpha Thorne," Faj growls, his voice low and guttural. "We both know the threat we face. We need to work together."

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