Chapter 37 Sage The healing wing has become my sanctuary over the past weeks , but this morning even that peace is shattered . Lady Victoria reclines on an examination table , holding her wrist as though it's made of glass . " Such primitive methods , " she murmurs as I grind herbs for a poultice . " In my family's pack , we have actual healers . Ones with proper training . And wolves , of course . " I focus on my task , trying to ignore the other noble she - wolves who've suddenly developed various minor ailments requiring treatment . They cluster around Victoria like perfectly groomed vultures . " The traditional healing arts are passed down through bloodlines , " Lady Eleanor adds . " Though I suppose without knowing your family history , you wouldn't understand such things . " The mortar and pestle nearly crack under my grip . I think of my pendant , of half - remembered songs about moonlight and healing . But those vague memories won't help me here , " The poultice is ready , " I say instead , keeping my voice steady . " For your ... sprain . " Victoria examines her perfectly fine wrist . " Perhaps I should wait for a more qualified opinion . We wouldn't want any ... accidents . " The head healer is conveniently absent this morning . In fact , the entire healing wing is mysteriously empty except for this cluster of noble wolves . I clean up my workstation methodically , feeling their eyes on my back . Their whispers follow me as I head for the garden to gather fresh herbs : -can't even shift - " " - charity case- " " -embarrassing really- " The garden should be safe at this hour , but they follow like shadows in designer dresses . I'm counting yarrow . leaves when they surround me . " You know , " Victoria says conversationally , " in proper packs , omegas know their place . " " And where exactly is that ? " The words slip out before I can stop them . " Not in the Lycan King's private quarters . " Lady Eleanor's smile shows teeth . " We all saw where Iris took night . " you last " After your dramatic little episode in the dungeons . " Victoria circles me slowly . " Though some say that was just another plea for attention . Like your convenient healing suggestions . " " My healing works . " I straighten , remembering the warriors who returned last night with wounds that wouldn't close Remembering how my suggestions helped . " Does it ? " Victoria's hand shoots out , knocking my herb basket aside . " Oops . So clumsy of me . You should clean that up on your knees , where you belong . " As I bend to gather the scattered herbs , someone shoves me hard . I stumble , landing in a muddy puddle from the morning's rain . Their laughter rings out like crystal bells . " Look , " Feator coos , " she's finally learned her proper place . " I push to my feet , mud dripping from my clothes . At Blackhorn , I learned to stay down , to make myself small . But something in me has changed . Maybe it's the memory of Alaric's gentle " sweetling . " or thaian Trin Chapter 37 +25 BONUS family . Maybe I'm just tired of being everyone's prey . " My place ? " I meet Victoria's perfectly made - up face . " Is exactly where I choose it to be . " Her hand raises , claws extending . " Stupid little = " Power floods the garden , familiar pine and winter wind scent charging the air . Victoria's hand freezes mid - strike . " Is there a problem ? " Alaric's voice could freeze flame . The noble wolves immediately shift to graceful submission , heads bowed . But I catch the satisfied glint in Victoria's eye - she wanted him to see this , to see me muddy and humiliated . " Not at all , my King . " Her voice drips honey . " We were just helping your little ... guest understand proper pack protocol . " The temperature seems to drop further . " Were you ? " Something dangerous edges his tone . Victoria must hear it because her smile falters slightly . " Perhaps , " he continues softly , " you should review protocol regarding challenges to those under royal protection . 11 The threat in his voice makes even my skin prickle . The noble wolves retreat with quick bows , though I catch Victoria's triumphant glance . She got what she wanted - proof that I need protection , that I affect Alaric's judgment . When they're gone , I try to wipe mud from my dress . " I could have handled it . " " I know . " He approaches slowly , shrugging off his jacket . " You're stronger than they know . " The simple acknowledgment catches me off guard . He settles his jacket around my shoulders , and the warmth of it of him- makes me shiver . - " I don't need protecting , " I insist , even as I clutch the jacket closer . " I know that too . " His fingers brush mud from my cheek , impossibly gentle for hands that hold so much power . But I need to protect you anyway . " The words sink into my chest like stones into still water . I should pull away . Should remember all the secrets between us , all the reasons not to trust this tenderness . Instead , I find myself swaying toward him , drawn to his warmth like a flower to the sun . His hand cups my face , and for a moment I let myself believe- A guard appears at the garden entrance . " Alpha , the council is waiting . " 11 regret ? frustration ? - before his Alpha Alaric's hand falls away . Something flashes through his steel - gray eyes - regret ? frustration ? mask slides back into place . " We're not finished here , " he says quietly , a phrase I hear from him all too often . Then he's gone , leaving me wrapped in his jacket that smells of pine and winter wind and possibilities I'm afraid to trust . I touch my pendant , its familiar weight somehow heavier today . The moon peers through morning clouds as if trying to tell me something I'm not ready to hear . Chapter 37 +25 BONUS Part of me wants to believe in the gentleness beneath Alaric's power , in the way he looks at me when he thinks no one sees . But I've believed in gentleness before , trusted before , hoped before . Look how that turned out . Still ... the memory of his touch lingers on my cheek , warring with the memory of secrets in his eyes . And I wonder if maybe , just maybe , some risks are worth taking . Even if I'm not ready to take them yet . Cara Anderson author