Page 78 of The Wolf

He huffs, his eyes narrowing as though my question confuses him.

“You were about to hurt her. She didn’t choose you.” I lean closer, holding his gaze. “You think that’s how it works? You don’t take without consent. Not here. Not ever.”

He growls again, his fists tightening further, but there’s a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“It’s going to be hard. It’s going to take time. But you can’t live like this anymore. And if you want to be more than a weapon, you have to stop letting your instincts rule you.”

The minotaur exhales sharply, the sound almost like a snort, and his broad shoulders slump slightly, his gaze dropping to the ground. It’s not submission—not fully—but it’s something.

“Go cool off,” I tell him. “Andstay awayfrom her.”

He hesitates for a moment. Then, with a grunt, he turns and lumbers away, vanishing into the forest at the edge of the Veil. I’m concerned he’s about to run away, but he’s smart enough to stay within its borders, hiding out in the shadows."

I let out a breath, the tension in my chest easing slightly, and my claws finally retract.

The gargoyle is staring at me—I can feel his eyes burning into me. “That could’ve gone worse.”

I don’t respond. I don’t stare back. Because if I do, his head will be flying a few feet away after meeting my fist. I simply turn toward the castle, where Julia is waiting for me, just inside the doorway.

She gives me a look—part relief, part concern—and I quickly approach her, asking, “How’s Meg?”

“Pretty shaken up,” she admits, leaning into me for warmth. “It brought up some memories from her past—things she wishes she’d never remembered. But she’s a fighter. She’ll pull through.”

I silently vow to make sure the minotaur never gets another chance to act like that again. Not around her. Not around anyone.

I exhale deeply, my claws flexing unconsciously at my sides. “He’s not a… I know it looked horrific. He was kept as a monster, most likely his whole life. That’s all he’s ever known—what they made him into.”

Julia sighs, the sadness in her expression mirrored in the way her hand trails gently along my arm. “That’s awful. No one should have to live like that.” She pauses, her fingers tightening slightly. “It was scary, though.”

I nod with an apologetic look. “Julia, he saved me out there. I want to give him a chance. I owe him that.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“If you trust him, I trust him.” She smiles faintly and nuzzles against my chest, her touch soothing in ways she probably doesn’t even realize. “But maybe it’s best if he stays away from Meg. At least until he learns some manners.”

“Of course,” I agree. “I’ll make sure of it. I hope she knows we won’t let anything happen to her.”

“She does,” Julia says, her voice soft but certain, then cranes her neck to look at me. “Do you think they’re mates? Satan hinted her mate was coming.”

I consider the question for a moment. “Well, I’m not sure how it works for minotaurs. We thought they were extinct for so long that I’ll need to brush up on my literature. But judging by the way he looked at her…” I halt my words as the memory of that primal, desperate need surfaces again. “Yes. Most definitely. From his side.”

“Damn,” Julia murmurs with a wry grin. “It’s not going to be easy for him. She’s… not really into the whole furry thing.”

I can’t help the low chuckle that escapes me. “Oh yeah? Is she giving you a hard time?”

“You have no idea,” she replies, shaking her head. There’s a playful twinkle in her eyes, but I can see the hint of exhaustion too. The weight of everything she’s endured still lingers on her shoulders.

“Well,” I say, sliding my hands to her waist and pulling her tighter against me, “I’m gladyouare… into the furry thing.”

Before she can quip back, I sweep her up, her legs wrapping around my waist as her arms circle my neck.

“Alex!” She laughs, her head tilting back as her curls cascade down like a river of fire.

“What?” I ask innocently, with what probably is the stupidest smirk on my face. Then I add, “You still having those cramps?”

She snorts, rolling her eyes, but leans in closer, her forehead pressing gently against mine. “You’re incorrigible.”

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