Chapter 111

Nan’s POV

I stared defiantly into his crimson eyes…The wolf growled loudly and deeply…He lunged…

A near blur of black fur tried to slip past me. He would have succeeded under any other circumstances. But I was prepared for this.

My hands dive into his coarse, blood-coated fur. I try not to flinch at the warm, stickiness now touching my hands. The strength and speed of the wolf nearly knock me off of my feet.

I hold on tight. Lock my arms around its neck. Brace my feet the opposite way.

I use every ounce of strength in my body to try and stop him. I ignore the dangerous vibrations rumbling from his chest. His vicious growling does not sway me.

It should not be enough. I do not have superhuman strength. Nothing special.

Nothing but my will…and our bond.

I use my remaining focus in our bond. ‘Enough Lionel,’ I think ferociously. ‘You will not do this.’

There is no response from his end. I do not give up. I decide to try harder.

I push every emotion I am feeling towards him. My fear, my concern, my insecurities…my love. I hurdle it into the thread connecting us.

‘You must stop. You’re going to hurt me if you don’t. Enough Lionel.’

This thought is not as loud as the one before. Not like a shout. More like a caressing whisper of a lover.

The wolf slows. Just enough awareness in our bond not to hurt me. I took the advantage.

“MOVE BACK NOW!” I scream at the top of my lungs. Not looking back to see if anyone listens.

I am already shifting my entire body. Sliding between the wolf and his terrified prey. A physical barrier against his wrath.

The wolf growls lowly at me. Displeased by my challenge. Too feral to comprehend why I am stopping him from removing the threats.

I hunch forward on the balls of my feat. Stance wide. Muscles primed for sudden movement.

Lionel tense. I do too. My eyes are trained on him.

He pounces to the side of me. Aiming to catch me off guard. I block the way.

He pulls back. As though to back away. I do not move.

He tries again. Assuming his distance will catapult him further. I see this coming and shift backwards enough that he cannot slip past me.

Again and again this goes. He tries every way possible to move past me. I am there at every turn to stop him.

‘The bond works both ways,’ I think smugly. ‘You see into me…but now I can see into you too.’

A distant part of me is awed by this. The person I was two years ago would never have been able to do this. She never would have had the confidence and trust in Lionel to try.

I suddenly really grateful for Mr. Holder. I may not like his methods…but the results spoke for themselves. I don’t think I would have been able to do this without the previous trial.

I sense that the wolf is no longer angry. His emotions have shifted into something less smoldering. A light sparkler instead of a devastating inferno.

It’s a dance now. Unspoken emotions a quiet melody that is only for our ears. A courting ritual.

I do not care how this might seem to the men watching behind us. This is not for them. This for me and Lionel.

I do not speak. The bond does that for me. It’s as though I am in a trance.

I feel the moment Lionel’s human mind returns. It’s a ripple across a still surface. A complexity now present that was not before.

Lionel is shifting back. Bruises and blood are still lathered across his bare skin. I rush forward anyway.

I cradle his head to my chest. Press a soft kiss to his wild curls. He gives me a tired smile.

“Lionel…” I whisper. “You’ve come back to me.”

“Always.” He replies hoarsely.

“Congratulations. You have passed the second trial.” Mr. Holder announces.

I release a hysterical giggle. “I hope so, after all of that.”

“I’ll admit,” Lionel comments dryly. “I’m pretty relived. I would have hated to have been savagely beaten for nothing.”

His tone is rather casual despite the obvious barb in his words. I am rather uncertain of my own feelings. There is resentment to be sure…and a sense of gratefulness.

There is a spark of mischief in Mr. Holder’s dark eyes that I did not expect.

“It is said that the Moon goddess is reflected in us all…mercy and brutality. Light and dark…these trials are meant to reflect both.” He says.

“I would say so.” I huff.

“You have both performed admirably in your trials.” Mr. Holder says reassuringly. Something inside of me unfurls.

“Mr. Holder,” There is curious note to Lionel’s voice. “I understand why the first trial was set up so…but why did this one have to go this way?”

Mr. Holder hums thoughtfully.

“Alphas in general have several core traits; pride, intelligence, protectiveness, and rage.” He explains. “It is said these are gifts from the Moon goddess…everything an alpha would need to lead their pack and be a good mate.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that.” Lionel confirms.

“The easiest traits to invoke a response from are the protective instincts and rage. Unfortunately for you Alpha Lionel, it took more extreme measures because you are so tightly in control of yourself. Nothing less than a beating and threats would have worked.”

I know I am not imaging the sympathy in Mr. Holder’s voice.

Lionel sighs with some humor. “So you’re saying it’s my fault? Of course.”

“Ms. Lupa needed to be able to calm your wolf. This both further deepens your bond and is the surest way to provide evidence that you are fated mates.” Mr. Holder adds solemnly.

“What would have happened if I failed?” I ask hesitantly.

He shakes his head. “Then I could not have in good conscience pushed the third trial forward. If you could not soothe his inner wolf…”

He does not finish. He does not have to for me to get his meaning. ‘Then our mating was doomed’ remains unsaid.

“It’s a good thing that it didn’t.” I state.

“Yes, it is Ms. Lupa.” He says kindly.

“I think I’m ready to go home and celebrate.” Lionel exclaims.

I raise an eyebrow. “Celebrate?”

He grins lasciviously at me. I pinch his arm. Lionel yelps.

I roll my eyes. Unconcerned. Some of his wounds are already closing.

“Don’t look at me that way!” I hiss. “You can barely move.”

“I think a good bath and long nap would be a great celebration.” He concedes easily enough.

Mr. Holder chuckles. “You two should head home. You’ve had a trying day.”

“Thank you.” I say. “I think we’ll do just that.”

I help Lionel stand. Letting him put his weight on my shoulders. I puff out a breath as I do so.

“Is that your way of calling me fat?” Lionel japes.

“I’m certainly not calling you skinny.” I reply instantly. He gaffes.

I am able to settle Lionel in the passenger seat with the help of Mr. Holder. None of the other men volunteer. I doubt Lionel would have accepted.

Good intentions or not…Lionel and the other men most likely never wanted to see the other again.

“I don’t like your methods.” I told Mr. Holder. “But I can’t deny that you get results.”

“You are not the only one who has said that.” He says back. It piques my interest.

“There are others?” I ask. Eager for this new piece of information.

“Of course. How else did you think we knew exactly what to do?” There is a mysterious edge to Mr. Holder’s smile now.

“Right.” I say breathlessly. “Mr. Holder…are you every going to give me my answers?”

There is pity in his eyes. I can see his response without him speaking. So I just nod and move to leave.

“Ms. Lupa, you really should get some rest.” He says quietly.

My heart speeds up a little. There is a heaviness hidden there. A cautionary message.

“I will.” I promise. Aware that Lionel is listening intently from where he is quietly sitting.

Mr. Holder’s face is now blank.

Then he speaks.

“The third trial will be the toughest of all…you should rest while you can.”