Forcing myself to push aside the odd sensation, I focus on the wolf instead.
Vaelen lowers his enormous head as Auren gently presses my palm against the thick, warm fur along his neck.
“There now,” Auren murmurs, his strong hand resting atop my own. Heat rushes to my cheeks as he threads his fingers through mine and whispers in my ear. “That’s not so bad, is it?”
The wolf’s ears flick forward, listening.
Hesitantly, I stroke his silver fur.
Vaelen turns his large head toward me, his golden eyes gleaming, and I freeze, thinking how easily that massive jaw could snap open, those razor-sharp fangs slicing through flesh.
Auren must sense my concern, because he moves closer, his broad chest firmly against my back. Warmth pools deep within as his other arm tightens around my waist, not enough to trap me, but enough that I feel every inch of his muscular body pressed to mine. Far too close and distracting.
“You’re safe,” he murmurs, his soft mint breath warm in my ear. And despite myself, I believe him. “I swear it, me'lira.”
My face heats at the endearment as I stroke Vaelen’s thick fur again, slower this time.
The Dire wolf lets out a deep huff, as if amused by my hesitation, before slowly wagging his tail.
Auren squeezes my hand. “He likes you.”
I snort a nervous laugh. “I highly doubt that.”
“He does,” Auren insists.
The Dire wolf lowers his head, nudging my side with his massive snout, as if satisfied with whatever judgment he’s made.
An image of me standing beside Auren appears in my mind and I gasp as it’s quickly followed by another of a forest. “I just saw a flash of something. What is that?”
“It’s how they communicate,” Auren replies. “Touch contact helps strengthen the connection.” He gestures to our hands on Vaelen’s soft fur.
“I saw an image of us, but… what does a forest have to do with anything?” I ask, my curiosity temporarily overriding my nerves.
“The forest is sacred to Dire wolves. It is their heart.” His luminous blue eyes meet mine. “It’s his way of saying he understands who you are.”
Auren’s words touch something deep within… like a quiet, unspoken truth. And something about that unsettles me more than it should.
CHAPTER 7
AUREN
It was difficult, but I managed to get Vivienne to pack only the true essentials she will need for our journey into one satchel. At first, she tried to convince me to hitch a cart to Vaelen, but when I told her he absolutely would not agree to that, she relented.
We’ll be traveling on the open road for several days. And while the route is considered safe, it’s better if we’re able to maneuver quickly in case of any trouble.
Vivienne hugs her father and brother goodbye. When I shake their hands, they each give me a subtle nod, offering once more their approval of our plan.
“We should leave now,” I murmur, already guiding her toward Vaelen.
“What about your king and the rest of your fellow soldiers?” she asks. “Are they not traveling with us?”
“I asked them to ride ahead.”
Her small brow furrows. “Why would you do that?”
“I figured you would not wish for an audience as you said your farewells.”
It’s not a complete lie. My men are already riding a few hours ahead—far enough that no one will slip and call me by my title. I want some time alone with my wife before she learns the truth.
