Page 130 of Halfblood Deceived

The wolf’s smile fell, his bright green gaze turning fierce. Aella could almost hear him ask, ‘Where is the idiot so I can eat him?’

She hastened to shake her head and cup the wolf’s face. “I’m okay. Reese smashed him against the table. She’s awesome—” Aella face-palmed. “They are awesome. I have to remember their pronouns. Diana told me it could be hurtful to not respect people’s pronouns. And I’m not sure I understand it all too well, but I don’t want to hurt Reese or anyone.”

The wolf’s half-smile returned. He rubbed his cheek against hers.

Aella sighed, breathing in forest, citrus, and delicious musk. She had scented something similar before, but she couldn’t remember where, nor did she care. Part of her wondered how it was so easy to wrap her arms around a massive creature that could rip her in half. But she trusted the wolf. The ache in her chest dulled when his warmth wrapped around her.

She felt safe, almost happy.

And that was all that mattered.

Her stomach decided to ruin the moment by letting out a yowling roar.

The wolf gently pulled back, giving her a worried look.

Aella huffed. “Yes, yes. I’ll have food soon.”

He nudged her shoulder with his warm nose.

“You got bored with my company so fast?” she teased.

He gave her a blank stare that might as well have been an eye roll.

Aella chuckled. She always believed she had no sense of humor at all, but with the wolf, it just happened.

Her stomach roared again. This time it hurt.

The wolf blinked.

“Alright, I’m going,” Aella promised. “I’ll see you again tomorrow?”

He nodded.

Aella gave the wolf a parting hug that he returned at once.

As usual, he waited until she closed the door of Diana’s home; until she was safe.

For the first time in twenty-four years, Aella couldn’t wait until the next day.

IV

PART FOUR

They will never see her true self

She will never be their marionette

The one they tried to claim

Has broken her ball and chain

And survived again

She reclaimed herself

And has risen from the ashes and pain

CHAPTER 30

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