Page 38 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“You have more than proven yourself worthy to stand in our ranks,” Jaega praised Maseo.
“You’re far too kind,” Maseo said with a respectful bow that highlighted the graceful strength of his form. “I’ll continue doing my best for the glory of Valzerna.”
Despite having seen Maseo’s fighting skills firsthand, Auslin couldn’t shake his worries. “Please be careful.”
“You don’t need to worry so much about me,” Maseo told him with a reassuring smile. “Being part of the army has given me a new purpose in life. I’m grateful for the chance to do something meaningful.”
“I wish it were safer.” Guilt churned in his gut at having involved Maseo in warfare. It warred with the heat that pooled there from watching Maseo be so dominant while in complete control.
“There are no guarantees in life. At least this way, I get to confront the people who tormented me growing up while everyone here benefits from that.”
“I guess,” Auslin conceded with a sigh. “I’ll come back later to check on you again, if that’s okay?” The words tumbled out before he could stop them, betraying his eagerness to see Maseo again.
“While I appreciate your concern, it would be in my best interest if you didn’t show me any favoritism,” Maseo said.
Auslin frowned. “But how else will I know you’re fine?”
“I will keep you updated,” Jaega promised. “But Maseo is right. To keep the men from talking, he should be treated as a regular member of our army.”
It pained Auslin to hear he should stay away when all he wanted was to ensure Maseo’s safety. But he nodded, understanding that the issue was bigger than him. “I understand.”
“Good lad.” Jaega then called out in his booming voice, “Back at it, warriors!”
“I’ll see you around, Auslin,” Maseo said before returning to the center of the ring to defend his position as the winner against the next opponent.
“Thank you for letting me observe today,” Auslin said to Jaega, hoping he hadn’t caused too many problems for either man by coming.
“I am sure it heartens our warriors to see their king’s mate take an active interest in their efforts and well-being,” Jaega replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes that made Auslin wonder if the general had noticed his flustered state.
Auslin’s heart felt heavy. “I wish I could do more.”
“You have done more than enough. We are all grateful to you,” Jaega assured him, clasping Auslin’s shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.
Auslin resisted the temptation to stay and watch Maseo fight a fierce fox shifter next. He returned to the castle with a headfull of confusing thoughts and the uncomfortable memory of his strange urge to submit to Maseo’s strength the same way he did to Kitsuki’s. None of it made sense, but Auslin did his best to ignore the issue. No good could come from that.
Chapter 15
Maseo
Bitris, Drayden, and Sudryl were already back in their room by the time Maseo returned from his shower after the sparring battles. He collapsed onto his bed with a groan, sinking into its comfort. He felt better for having put Kitsuki’s ring back on after the sparring matches. It felt wrong to be without its warmth and protection.
“Poor pup. Kicking all our asses must have been so tiring,” Bitris teased.
“I was doing fine until Carinus almost broke every bone in my body with that last throw,” Maseo groused, his body aching from the encounter. “I’m going to be feeling that for days.”
“Don’t feel too bad. Getting your ass kicked by him is a rite of passage,” Sudryl said in solidarity. “He’s wiped the floor with everyone except General Jaega.”
Despite his body’s protests, Maseo turned onto his side to better face the others. “It’s strange there’s a high-ranking griffin shifter in an army of a dragon shifter king. It feels as if that shouldn’t be allowed. The Kunushi army consists mostly of wolf shiftersbecause Nasume doesn’t trust many shifter types to serve him loyally.” Maseo had stopped calling Nasume his father in front of other army members so they wouldn’t think he still had ties of affection for the man who had shown him nothing but abuse. “Although there are a few bear shifters enlisted, since they have a strong alliance.”
“General Jaega’s opinion has always been that all kinds of shifters live in Valzerna, not only dragons. Therefore, the army should reflect that since everyone wants to protect the kingdom they share. He’s a firm believer that everybody has unique strengths to help defend our land.”
Everything Maseo learned about the general made him respect the dragon shifter even more. “And that’s why he’ll soundly defeat the Kunushi army. The wolves are too arrogant and poorly trained because it’s been peaceful for so long.”
“Won’t it bother you to turn your weapon on your own kind?” Sudryl asked.
“Not after all the abuse I’ve endured at their hands. There’s only one I would spare. I hope that hiding in the library will keep him safe from the fighting.” Iston was one of the only people who had shown Maseo any kindness at Norello Castle. The elderly librarian was the closest thing to a caring father Maseo had ever had.
“Our general has very strict rules that only military members are allowed to be slain in battle,” Sudryl explained. “He won’t tolerate servants and civilians being harmed. His philosophy is that it’s not their choice to serve such a terrible king when their families are honor-bound to the pack. Your librarian should be safe.”
