Page 37 of A Kiss From a Wolfman

“Alpha,” he says, spitting blood from his mouth. “I didn’t mean to bring them here. It was foolish to go off alone, but I needed space to think. They tortured me. I?—”

“All is well, Lukar,” I say, touching his shoulder. “You need Stella’s healing. As an important member of this pack, I want to see you well taken care of.”

Lukar bows his head.

“Your mate is very brave, alpha.” Longing dances in his eyes. “I hope to find my own one day.”

“You will,” I reassure him.

I look at the faces of the other wolves gathered. Even Brydon, who was a century older than my father, still has that same look of longing. I never understood why only my father had found his mate. It is a mystery that has plagued our pack for centuries.

Don’t worry—I took care of that, too,says a voice on the wind. I shudder at the sound, but I feel comforted by it. For the first time in my life, there is true hope for the future—not just for Stella and me but for the pack as well.

“Trust me, I have a feeling you’ll all find your mates very soon.”

12

STELLA

The daylight had almost completely faded when I returned to our room.

Healing nearly twenty wolfmen was no easy task. While the attack by the hunters had been brief, the consequences were substantial. Injuries ranged from scrapes and bruises to large gashes and bones needing to be reset. My skills as a healer were tested, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they vastly improved during my time here.

After all, I have centuries to practice them.

I shiver at the memory—at the creature who saved me, bound my life to Ciaryn’s, and brought news that Laurelle made it to safety. It seems she and I have found happy endings with our monsters.

Speaking of my monster, even though I feel bone tired, my heart races the closer I get to our dwelling. Ciaryn checked in with me throughout the day to ensure I had eaten and drank enough water. He and those less injured spent the better part of the day setting traps outside the den and scouting to ensure no other hunting parties found their way here.

Despite the dire consequences that could’ve come from his decision, my heart does ache for Old Bill. I should’ve sent word to him and not allowed him to believe I had gone missing. Once things have settled down and no more hunters come to our door, I’ll find a way to get a letter to him.

However, the only thing I want now is to be back in my mate’s arms.

My back and shoulders ache. Pain pounds through my head in a breathtaking rhythm. I want a bath, bed, and Ciaryn—not necessarily in that order.

The torches along the walls have been lit, guiding me towards our dwelling. After being put in one of the unoccupied alcoves to heal the others, I realize just how much larger our home is, fitting for the alpha and his mate. I wouldn’t care if we shared a broom closet as long as I had him.

Though that decadent silk and pillow pile sounds ridiculously tempting at the moment.

I sag with relief as I finally make it to our room. The pallet has been turned down, and it looks inviting. A fire roars off to the side, keeping the room warm. My eyes take in the bare walls before landing on Ciaryn’s handsome face. He looks just as weary as I do. Nevertheless, he jolts to life when he spies me and rises from his seat at the wooden table. Extending his hand towards me, I ran into his arms, allowing him to envelop me.

His nose dives into my hair, inhaling deeply. I fall against him, the last of my strength fading as the weight of today finally hits me. The silence in the room makes me realize we almost lost each other today. His hold on me tells me he’s thinking the same thing—now that we are alone, it is easy to remember how bad today could’ve been.

Ciaryn purrs softly, and the vibrations tickle my cheek. I press my nose into his soft fur and inhale his comforting pine scent. We are alive—we have each other, and that is all thatmatters. I love him, and he loves me. My mortality has no bearing on our time together now, and our beautiful future unfurls before me, urging me to claim it with both hands.

My mate runs his large hands over my sore back and shoulders—his touch is firm. I have no doubt he too is reassuring himself that I am here. I look up at him and see the love kindling in his gaze.

“I’m fine, Ciaryn,” I say, reaching up to cup his cheek.

His large body shudders at the slight touch.

“I’ve never felt fear like that before, Stella. It was the first time I truly understood the depth of my father’s pain. If you are not in this world, then I have no place in it either.”

Pressing up onto my toes, I place a soft kiss on his lips.

“Well, thanks to that creature, we no longer have to worry about that.”

Ciaryn nods, his eyes turning tender.

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