Page 7 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Exhaustion crept into Maseo’s expression despite Auslin’s thorough healing. His shoulders drooped, and the slight tremor in his hands spoke of emotional and physical depletion.
“But enough of such heavy talk for now.” Kitsuki waved his hand, silver magic shimmering as he summoned another bedroll from his magical storage cabinet. The thick padding materialized near the fire, positioned to provide maximum warmth while still allowing him to watch over both Maseo and Auslin. “You should rest now. After what you have been through, you will need more time to recover. I will stand guard so you may sleep in peace.”
Maseo opened his mouth as if to protest that he didn’t need special treatment or that Kitsuki shouldn’t sacrifice his own rest. But then he seemed to think better of it, bowing his head in graceful acquiescence. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The formal title sounded strange between them after the intimacy of their conversation. Kitsuki hesitated, his dragonpushing against his better judgment until the words spilled out before he could stop them. “You may refer to me by name in private. I do not stand on such ceremonies unless there are aristocrats around who concern themselves with titles.”
The pleased smile that spread across Maseo’s features made Kitsuki’s dragon purr with satisfaction. It was a small thing, but the way Maseo’s face lit up suggested it meant far more to him than such a simple courtesy should.
“Thank you for the honor, Kitsuki.” Maseo moved to the bedroll, settling down close enough to the fire to benefit from its warmth on the cool mountain night.
It didn’t take long for exhaustion to claim him. Within minutes, his breathing deepened into the steady rhythm of true sleep now that he was safe and protected.
Kitsuki’s gaze was drawn to Maseo’s sleeping form. With his guard down, the half-wolf shifter looked vulnerable in a way that made Kitsuki’s protective instincts stir. The harsh lines of pain and wariness that marked his features had smoothed away, leaving behind someone peaceful.
Why did it feel so right to have both Maseo and Auslin within the protective circle of his magic? Why did his dragon settle into contentment only when he could see them both, safe and close enough to defend? The questions demanded answers he wasn’t prepared to give.
His hand moved to the small pendant hanging from his neck. Maseo’s wish charm, entrusted to him for safekeeping, had been forgotten in the chaos of the rescue. The silver orb was warm against his palm, infused with the hopes and dreams of someone who had been given precious little reason to believe in either.
Since the charm remained in his care, Kitsuki closed his eyes and offered a prayer to the Wish Power Mireya, pouring his earnest hope into the small token.Please protect Auslin and Maseo from the dangers that lie ahead of us.
The pendant grew warmer in his grasp. He could have sworn he felt an answering pulse from the Divine Realm. Whether that was real or wishful thinking, Kitsuki couldn’t say, but it gave him a measure of comfort.
He opened his eyes and looked once more at the two sleeping figures under his protection. Auslin, his beloved mate, the other half of his soul, who had brought light back into his world after centuries of darkness. And Maseo, the unexpected addition to their clan, whose presence was as natural and necessary as breathing.
No matter what it took, Kitsuki would keep them both safe. It might have been a strange impulse concerning Maseo, but his dragon’s need to protect the half-wolf shifter ran as deep as his devotion to Auslin. No amount of rational thought could diminish that fierce compulsion.
As long as he could honor both bonds without betraying either, Kitsuki would guard them with his life. They were his to cherish and keep safe from a world that had shown them both far too much cruelty.
The fire crackled in the silence, its silver flames dancing against the darkness as Kitsuki settled in for a long night of vigilant watch. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and dangers to face and overcome. But tonight, in the small circle of warmth and safety, his most precious treasures slept under his protection.
And that was enough.
Chapter 4
Auslin
Asharp gasp tore through the quiet as consciousness slammed into him. The last thing Auslin remembered was healing Maseo. Blinking against the dim light of the makeshift campsite, he scanned the area and found the half-wolf shifter sitting upright on a bedroll in front of the silver dragon fire. Kitsuki was nowhere in sight, but Auslin could still sense him hunting nearby.
Needing reassurance that he had healed Maseo, Auslin rushed over to crouch beside him. “How do you feel?”
“Better, thanks to you,” Maseo replied with a small smile.
Auslin linked their auras once more. Other than some residual exhaustion, the half-wolf shifter’s extensive injuries had disappeared.
Without thinking, Auslin threw his arms around Maseo in a hug. “After three days of searching for you, I was afraid we were too late. I’m so glad you’re alive.”
Maseo returned the embrace. “Thank you for saving me.”
It was hard for Auslin to let go. When he drew back, he searched Maseo’s jade gaze for answers. “Are you okay?”
“I am now that I’m out of Kunushi.”
Auslin’s expression darkened. “Is Nasume the one who hurt you?” When Maseo nodded, Auslin sighed in frustration. “Every time I think he can’t be any worse, he stoops to a new low.”
Maseo regarded Auslin with curiosity. “What do you know about my asshole father?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Auslin replied with a wan smile. “I’ve been fighting against Nasume for a long, long time.”
