Page 32 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
The sorrow emanating from him was real, free of the calculated sympathy Jaega encountered in court politics. Maseo’s compassion was as authentic as his combat skills, another mark in his favor as far as Jaega was concerned.
“My son, Tyrian, was the only reason I did not join them in the Beyond Realm back then,” Jaega admitted. “Now, I have been blessed with another bondmate to love and protect. Fersen is so perfect that I can only conclude my dear Caprina chose him for me so I would no longer have to face the world alone.”
“That’s beautiful.” There was a note of wistfulness in Maseo’s voice, which spoke of loneliness and longing for the connection Jaega described. “I’m glad you found happiness again. It gives me hope.”
“Good. Life is too hard to survive without hope. You will need it to endure the fight that lies ahead.” Jaega paused in their walk, studying the half-wolf shifter’s profile. “I want you to understand what you are walking into. Valzerna’s army is not like what you have known under your father’s command.”
Maseo’s attention sharpened, his posture straightening with the focus of a soldier receiving crucial intelligence.
“Nasume builds his strength through exclusion, through his obsession with wolf pack purity,” Jaega continued. “But Kitsuki and I believe that true strength comes from unity across allkinds. You have already met Lieutenant Norkon, who is a raven shifter. But our ranks include dragons, wolves, bears, countless other shifters, and even some humans. Each brings their own gifts, perspectives, and ways of solving problems that pure-blood thinking cannot achieve.”
Relief flooded Maseo’s scent so powerfully that Jaega almost smiled. It was no wonder he dreaded walking into a den of dragons ready to tear apart a lone wolf.
“You will find acceptance here based on your actions, not your heritage,” Jaega assured him. “Some may be curious about your background, others may test your resolve, but they will judge you by how you fight beside them, not by whose blood runs in your veins.”
“That is more than I expected,” Maseo admitted.
“I suspect your father taught you to expect disappointment rather than possibility. But here, you can afford to let hope grow. The soldiers you will serve alongside have earned their places through merit, not birthright. They will come to respect the same dedication in you once you prove yourself.”
They reached the entrance to the barracks. Uncertainty warred with cautious optimism in Maseo’s expression. The concept of a military force built on inclusion rather than exclusion seemed to overwhelm him.
“If I could give you a word of advice,” Jaega said. “While tempting, do not lie about who you are and where you come from. Honesty about your past will earn more respect than false bravado about your history.”
Maseo nodded. “And if they question my commitment?”
“Let your actions provide the answer. Fight beside them. Share their dangers. Prove through deed rather than words that you have chosen your side with full knowledge of what that choice means.”
The wisdom seemed to settle something in Maseo’s mind. His shoulders squared with renewed determination, and the scent of his anxiety faded. “I won’t disappoint you.”
“I do not doubt that.” Jaega clasped Maseo’s shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze.
Maseo’s combination of warrior skill and gentle spirit was rare, precious, and exactly what both Kitsuki and Auslin needed to complete something that had been missing from their bond.
But such realizations would come in their own time. For now, it was enough that Maseo had found sanctuary, purpose, and the chance to build something better than what he had left behind.
Chapter 13
Maseo
Walking through the maze of hallways in the barracks left Maseo disoriented. He felt all the curious stares as he walked alongside Jaega. Although he had only known the general for a short time, Maseo had developed a profound respect for him. The half-wolf shifter hadn’t expected such a heartfelt conversation, but he held Jaega’s words close to his heart.
When Jaega stopped in front of a door, Maseo almost ran into him. In the small space, the dragon general seemed almost impossibly large, yet his voice was kind. “If anyone harasses you or tries to haze you, please tell me. I do not tolerate bullying in my ranks at any level.”
Maseo shook his head. “In my experience, that only makes the abuse worse.”
“You will find things are very different here in Tiora. As you are under my clan’s protection, you should be shown the same respect as any member of our family. I refuse to allow mywarriors to treat you poorly because of your father. To do so would undermine our authority as the ruling clan of Valzerna. Understood?”
Maseo bowed his head. “Yes, sir.”
Jaega gave Maseo’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Good. We will have your clothes and other essentials delivered to you later tonight. Now, let me introduce you to your bunkmates.”
The army barracks in Norello were dilapidated and in desperate need of repair since Nasume had neglected the buildings during the long era of peacetime. They were cramped with too many uncomfortable cots, each with the thinnest straw mattresses and a single threadbare sheet, making it impossible to get a good night’s sleep in the frigid kingdom. Worse still was how the wind slipped through the cracks in the wood, chilling the soldiers to the bone during the brutal Kunushi winters.
It was a surprise to Maseo to see a spacious area that looked downright luxurious compared to what he was used to at home. Instead of being crammed with too many beds, the room contained only four cots, each topped with a fluffy duvet cover that beckoned Maseo to wrap himself in its warmth.
The three lounging men sat up at attention to salute when Jaega entered.
“At ease, gentlemen.” Jaega nudged Maseo forward. “I am entrusting our newest recruit to your care. Maseo is under the protection of the Ariake clan, and I expect him to be treated with the same respect as any member of my family.”
