Kaela's POV

I wish I could trust someone...or anyone. But I've been hurt. Over a month and a week, I've been hurt badly more than I have ever been for two decades I've walked this earth, so no, I can't trust anyone.

Oh, my, I miss EmberFang. I miss when it was still EmberFang. I wish I could reverse time. I never thought a day would come when I crave the disrespect. At least that was the only thing I suffered, but at least, no one ever showed it to my face.

Seraphine hated me but our parents loved me. They made sure the council didn't shun my voice, and there was Dustfang who gave me a little training on how to protect myself.

Now, everything has changed. Dustfang is gone and I wasn't even given the time to bury him or mourn him. I haven't seen my parents nor confirmed if Seraphine's claims are true or lies. Hell, I haven't even seen my Kingdom. Pretty sure Caius has told everyone that I'm dead.

"Your mind is very heavy." Wan says softly as he passes me his hand. "Let me help you up." I hesitate to accept his help.

On my feet, I dust off dirt while Wan scratches the back of his neck. "I've told you. I know what it feels to be thrown out. I've been there. That's why I understand that you may be misunderstood, so help me understand your story so that others may understand you."

"You're like a...a burning furnace. Nothing is seen except the fire but there is so much happening inside that furnace. Open up. Walk us down your past. Let us understand your story." He adds.

"Why do you speak in parables?" I shoot him a glare. He makes a you-will-get-used-to-it face before gesturing to a path.

We walk next to each other, heading to my room. "Get changed and I'll show you around. What say you we start there, eh?"

I don't answer. I let my silence do the talking and he's smart to know.

The castle is enormous for species who wants to hide from the rest of the world. I've seen the frontier—the massive trees, lots of fountains, the ranch, and the artistry of a garden spread out before the woods.

"The people's town is located beyond the woods." Wan had told me during one of our conversations.

I've seen many other things, and I'm awed by them. For someone who thinks the Black-Fur Lycans are monsters, I see they have fine tastes in things and they appreciate nature.

Wan and I are present in the library when he shuffles out a book. "This was the first book I read when I first got hold of this library."

"Roots of the Cursed." I spell out the title and Wan chuckles.

"You see, the library was dead and in need of a caretaker at the time. Look at it now." He sighs, a look of satisfaction on his face. "By the way, I'm glad you appreciate books as well. It's divine."

Truly, I love to read but my keen interest is to make him trust me, and that's why I'm here. Having seen how the castle is, I'm aware my escape won't be easy. Neither will it be soon.

"How did you become a Beta? You said you were a nonshifter. How is it possible?"

"Queen Kaela, are you trying to get words out of me?"

Oh, shit! Is it that obvious?

He laughs aloud all of a sudden. "I'm joking. It's a joke."

Strange how he never stops to utilise my queenship title, and I really appreciate that. It makes me feel some worth.

"I trained and learned. Fear is an illness. It feeds on you, restricts you, and locks you in a feral agony we call trauma. But when you open yourself to possibilities—to what can be and what is—pain sets in, in the form of freedom. It wields your world, restructures your world. Power becomes yours. And so, I became a Beta."

When he finishes saying, he goes to return the book while I remain there, short of words. "That...is a crazy way of telling a story."

"Really? Forgive my scholar-self. I can't help my use of words." I groan as he admits.

"I...I was only curious. Every wolf I've seen is a nonshifter and servant. Makes me wonder why you are different."

"Not only did my pack turn against me, but the entire world. A feeling only understood by Theron. Or maybe he saw something in me. Just like he did with you."

"What?"

"You did something to him, so he's admitted. He calls you his slave yet you're in no shackles, in no dungeon, untamed and free to move. You're special to him too, you see." Wan stops and turns to the entrance.

Not long after, a man walks inside and aims for Wan. He whispers something into his ears, leaving Wan disassembled. Only for a second.

"She is here?" He asks and the man nods. "Fuck."

My eyes shift from the man to Wan, trying hard to read their expressions but it's almost impossible. They are professionals when it comes to masking their expressions.

"Forgive me, I have to go. Zachary will..."

"Protect me and take me to my room." He scoffs as I take the words out of his mouth. I'm getting used to some of his favourite sentences.

Zachary is a silent one, and I haven't the time to irritate him yet. That won't be long though. For now, I'm focused on Wan.

Back in my room, in the bed, I lie with my eyes closed while fragmented thoughts roam past my mind. Suddenly, I sit up as my brain fires signals.

How long will I stay here? How long will I feign trusting Wan?

Black-Furs have always been my enemy. Regardless of whatever I'm passing through, and no matter how fairly they treat me, I can't stay here. This is against my belief, and they killed Dustfang. I must avenge him.

Against my better judgement, I get out of bed and open the door. Zachary is not in view, so I decide to follow a path. I remember Wan telling me earlier that this is the West wing, and it is for Theron alone.

So, he must be around here. I let my instinct lead and keep following it until I stop in front of a door. I have no idea how I know it, but a part of me trusts that Theron is here.

I storm in, ready to confront him but the sight before makes me gag. Same as the lady who's kneeling in front of Theron, his cock deep in her throat.

"Well, who could have thought I'd be having a threesome after all."