Page 10 of Destined to the Lycan
“He’s not suicidal at all, quite the opposite. His plight has helped him appreciate life and the hardships people face even more acutely. Remus knows what it’s like to be desperate for a solution to a problem that appears unsolvable. His condition has made him bold, determined, and undaunted,” Misty said with conviction.
“Why the fuck would Remus accept this? Ranael cursed him and killed his parents! Why in the world would he want to partake in a mission that would take him right back to the creature who caused his condition to begin with? He’s the last creature Remus would ever want to come close to! You’re giving this poor girl false hope,” Rolf interjected.
Misty huffed and made a dismissive gesture.
“I’m not! Remus was infected by the demon wolf. Their bloods have similarities. Ranael sees Remus like a member of his pack… almost as kin. He will not attack him.”
My eyes widened in understanding.
“If that assessment is accurate, then this Remus sounds indeed like the ideal guide to take me there,” I mused aloud.
“He absolutely is!” Misty replied enthusiastically.
“He’s cursed!” Ulric objected. “Don’t—”
“Enough!” Misty snapped. “None of you will help this girl, and now you’re trying to spread lies about the one person who just might? Is your hatred for the poor boy so deep you will condemn her to a certain death?!”
The two men recoiled, visibly hurt by her words.
“We do not hate him,” Rolf countered, offended. “And we definitely do not wish this woman any harm. But this mission—”
“Youmay not hate him, but your words are just as damaging,” Misty said sternly, interrupting him as well.
“Ido nothatehim either,” Ulric protested. “But I’ve experienced first-hand how lethal trusting him can be.”
“You’re conflating completely different situations, conveniently ignoring your own responsibility in that unfortunate mishap, and clinging to something that happened decades ago. Let it go, you foolish boy!” Misty snarled.
Despite their obvious desire to continue arguing, both men kept their peace, the hard glint in the older woman’s eyes daring them to challenge her further. Seeming satisfied when the two men begrudgingly averted their eyes, she returned her attention to me.
“Where is this Remus?” I asked. “In the end, he’s the one who can confirm whether he’ll do it or not.”
“He’s gone hunting,” she replied in a softer tone, her friendly demeanor returning. “He should be here in the morning or the day after tomorrow to sell his catches and see if there are any customers in need of a guide.”
“Perfect,” I said, a sliver of hope seeping into my voice. “I will need a room for a few days then, and I also have a phaeton that your stable hand took care of.”
“Of course, sweetheart. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable while you wait. Remus is a good man,” she repeated.
The affection in her voice raised a million questions in my mind. Were they related somehow? She wasn’t his mother, but the protectiveness and the way she praised him hinted at a deep bond.
For some reason, it reassured me. I didn’t know that woman and had no particular reason to trust her. And yet, I did. At a visceral level, I believed her to be honorable.
Reaching across the table, Misty squeezed my hand in an almost maternal fashion, then rose to her feet, and went back to her duties behind the counter. However uncertain things remained, I once more had hope.
Chapter 3
Remus
Gently tugging on my horse’s reins, I stopped my carriage in front of the inn. A proud smile stretched my lips as I glanced at the impressive haul I was bringing to Misty. While meat supplies were never an issue in Wolfmoon Mountain, the rare meats I’d managed to procure were in high demand and hard to come by. You needed to hunt in the type of dangerous territories wise people avoided.
It wasn’t arrogance, stupidity, or greed that drove me to venture into those perilous areas to hunt. But monsters recognized each other. They feared me more than I feared them. Or rather, they dreaded my tainted blood. Biting me would cause more harm to them than to me, giving me a free pass pretty much anywhere I went.
It was the only blessing of the curse that plagued my entire existence.
I deftly hopped down my carriage and pulled two of the large beasts from the wagon, plopping one over each of my shoulders. I grabbed two smaller beasts—though still the size of a big dog—and carried them in my hands. For a reason I couldn’t explain, it wasn’t so much to reduce the number of trips it would take to bring everything inside. I just wanted to make an impressive entrance. It made no sense as I’d never been the braggart type.
As this haul would bring me a pretty penny, I could take an extensive break if no interesting hunting or guided escort contracts came my way. I’d never been particularly hungry for money. With my skills, I could rake in massive wealth. However, a comfortable roof over my head, a full belly, and the ability to pay all my bills without worry were more than enough for me.
But my heart sank as soon as I approached the large doors of the inn. Judging by the sound of multiple voices inside—too many of which I recognized—the place was packed. I’d hoped most of them would be off hunting or guiding customers through the mountain or neighboring forests. I truly wasn’t in the mood for the passive-aggressive remarks and semi-veiled bullying from my detractors.
