Page 19 of The Wolf's Prince
Soren shoved roughly past Kamon, trying not to look at all the shocked faces as he shouldered through them.
He didn't stop to speak to any of the others who tried to stop him to say hello. He didn't want to see the expressions on their faces when they realized he was no longer a free wolf.
His heart ached by the time he reached Alpha Jin's dwelling.
The guards did not say a word, or even react to Soren's new scent, even though he knew they could smell it.
For that and for keeping Alpha Jin safe, he was eternally grateful to them.
“May I enter?” he asked.
They nodded, moving aside for Soren to step through the hanging drapes.
Alpha Jin's cave was dark and warm, the air stale.
He didn't mind though. It was familiar and comforting to be surrounded by his alpha's scent.
In the corner, he saw the still lump on his bed.
“Alpha Jin,” he said quietly.
There was silence for a beat and then the lump shifted.
“Soren, you have returned.”
He began to sit up, and Soren moved swiftly to his side, helping him.
“What's this?” Alpha Jin asked, looking up at him with sharp eyes that although heavy with age, were still so much like Soren’s.
“You smell different.”
Soren swallowed.
“Yes,” he admitted. “I may have made a huge mistake.”
“Come, sit. Tell me about it.”
Soren did as he was told, taking the stool next to Alpha Jin's bed. As his eyes adjusted, he could see the alpha's face more clearly. Perhaps it was because he hadn't seen his weathered skin for two days, but whatever the reason, his grandfather looked much older than he had before. With a sinking feeling, Soren realized that he would not be here much longer.
The thought staggered him for a moment. Even though he'd known for a long time, now he felt like he could see Alpha Jin's remaining days and they were in the single digits.
“What happened?” Alpha Jin pressed, patting the back of Soren's hand.
Somehow, he managed to keep his voice even when he answered.
“I met a human man at the celebration...”
“And? What possessed you to make him your mate?”
Soren swallowed.
“I believed he was fated for me, Alpha.”
He could feel Alpha Jin's eyes boring into his face.
“Then he was,” he said firmly. “There is no reason to feel shame over that. You were given a gift from the universe. It is a sign of your place in it. Those who are meant for great things, are given great gifts.”
Soren's heart raced.
