Page 51 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Heat flared in Kitsuki’s chest. “My dragon recognizes his potential as a warrior, nothing more.”
“Does it?” Her smile was knowing. “How fascinating that your dragon would take such interest in a mere soldier.”
She sees what you refuse to acknowledge, his dragon rumbled.He calls to us as surely as our mate does.
Kitsuki pushed the thought aside. “Maseo has overcome tremendous adversity. It is natural to feel protective of someone who has suffered as he has.”
Kizoshi leaned back in her chair. “Your reactions go beyond mere protectiveness, do they not? The way you watch him during training, the ring you crafted to shield him from harm, and the careful attention you pay to his well-being.”
“I would do the same for any member of my forces.”
She arched an elegant eyebrow. “Have you created protective talismans for any other warriors? Do you oversee their recovery from injuries?”
Kitsuki’s jaw tightened. “What are you suggesting?”
“Your dragon recognizes something your conscious mind refuses to accept.” Her voice softened. “There is no shame in it, Kitsuki.”
“I love Auslin.” The words came out sharper than intended.
“Of course you do. With every fiber of your being.” She reached across the desk to touch his hand. “But the heart can accommodate more than one deep connection, especially when fate weaves such intricate patterns to draw people together.”
Listen to her, his dragon urged.She speaks of trinity bonds.
They were rare beyond measure, owing to the unusual combination of a shifter, human, and Power. The possibility that he, Auslin, and Maseo could be bound by such ancient magic seemed impossible when Auslin was only half-Power and Maseo was half-human.
“No.” He pulled his hand away from hers. “Trinity bonds are myths. Stories told to romanticize what cannot exist.”
Kizoshi’s expression remained serene. “You of all people should know that myths often contain the deepest truths. Many considered your bond with Auslin impossible.”
“That is different. Auslin and I chose each other.”
“Did you? Or did fate provide the opportunity for what was always meant to be?” She tilted her head. “Tell me, when you think of Maseo, what do you feel?”
Without conscious thought, Kitsuki’s fingers found the pendant beneath his tunic again. “Concern for his safety. Nothing more.”
Kizoshi laughed. “Oh, my dear brother. You have always been terrible at lying to yourself.”
She knows, his dragon said with satisfaction.As do we.You are the only one who refuses to see the truth.
“Even if what you suggest were possible, Auslin would never accept such an arrangement. He is devoted to our bond.”
“That does not stop him from caring for Maseo.”
Kitsuki’s attention sharpened. “Did he say something to you?”
“That he feels protective of Maseo and connected to him in ways he cannot explain.” Her smile was gentle. “Much like someone else I know.”
The pendant seemed to burn against Kitsuki’s skin. He released it and placed both hands flat on his desk. “This conversation serves no purpose. I have a war to plan.”
“Which brings me to why I came to see you.” She paused before continuing. “Maseo will face his father in their final battle alone.”
His dragon roared in alarm, demanding action, protection, and violence against anyone who would threaten what was theirs. “That cannot happen. I will not allow it.”
“It is not your choice to make.” Kizoshi’s voice carried the weight of prophecy. “Maseo must confront his father without interference. It is the only way his torment can end.”
“But Nasume will kill him.” The words tore from Kitsuki’s throat. “Maseo, for all his considerable talent, cannot match a shadowmancer in single combat when he does not have access to magic as a half-shifter.”
Protect him, his dragon snarled.Keep him safe.
