Karina

Chapter 40
Thad, the Hunter, harbored a dream to rebuild his clan.

As the only remaining descendant of Kilead, he decided to start again with his offspring.

Three years older than Karyan and Karina, he still hadn't found the right mate. The mother wolves who had raised him often urged him to find a suitable female wolf.

They assured him that they wouldn't mind if the she-wolf came from another clan. Their affection for the orphaned Thad far exceeded any tribal pride.

However, Thad already knew what he wanted. Karina, with her fiery temperament and beauty matched with intelligence, was the one.

She reminded him so much of his late mother, Thala, who had the same fierce spirit, but loved her father, Mirir, dearly.

Thad was determined to wait for Karina to accept him, believing that his patience will eventually pay off.

So when Karina knocked on his cabin door that night, he calmly opened it.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Karina stormed in, her face flushed in crimson red. "I'm so sick of the screams of pain, the blood, and the smell of herbal medicines," she snapped. "I'm not used to dealing with such things."

"You must get used to it, Karina. This is your punishment," Thad said firmly. "You must face the consequences of your actions, just as I face mine."

"I'll talk to Karyan tomorrow to change my punishment," Karina replied. "Besides, what's wrong if I want to talk to my own father?"

"He's no longer your father."

"Shut up, Thad, unless you want me to hate you and never come to you again."

Thad sighed deeply. "Then why are you here now?" he asked. "I just got back from hunting for Vargus' children. I'm tired and want to rest."

"I don't want anything." Karina pouted.

"You're the only person who's always been patient and kind with me. I just want to be here."

"No, I need to rest."

"Are you sure?" Karina stepped closer, her smile turned into a grin as she reached up and gripped Thad's neck, pulling him close. Their faces were so close that Thad could feel Karina's warm breath.

"Love me," she whispered, her other hand slipping under Thad’s unbuttoned shirt.

Thad tried to resist, but he was just another werewolf, in love with the she-wolf before him.

Karina's gentle touch made his resolve crumble. Karina's lips met his with intense hunger, and he responded with equal hunger.

They fell into a passionate and desperate embrace, uncontrollably. Thad's hands roamed Karina's Body, touching every curve and surface.

Her scent was like a blend of wildness and something uniquely hers, filled his senses and drove him wild.

In that moment, nothing else exists but the two of them, immersed in the heat of their movements.

Thad knew his heart will always belong to Karina. As they made love, he hoped tonight might be the start of something more, a chance for Karina to finally see him as more than just a patient friend.

Late at night, Thad woke up and was surprised to see Karina still lying beside him.

Thad’s movement woke her up. She opened her eyes and smiled at Thad.

“Why are you still here?” Thad asked.
Karina was dumbfounded. “Are you kicking me out?”

“No,” Thad said. “But you should go back to the castle before anyone realizes you’re with me.”

“Who cares if we sleep together?” Karina said. “Karyan cares more about his authority as alpha and his prize from Inverno, that annoying Mirean. It’s none of his business anyway.” Karina got up and sat back against their pillows. “Listen, Thad. I’m going to try one more time. This time I won't involve you. I still remember the way to the cave.”

“Karina, are you crazy?” Thad snapped in a high tone. “I can’t. I won’t let you!”
***

Thad's heart was heavy as he made his way to Alpha's room. He hated the idea of betraying Karina's trust, but his reckless plan to approach the creature in the cave alone was too dangerous to ignore.

Thad knew that he had no other choice but to tell Karyan. Arriving at the door, he took a deep breath and knocked.

"Come in," came Karyan's voice from inside.

Thad stepped inside and found Karyan sitting at a large wooden table, cleaning some daggers.

"Alpha," he greeted, nodding respectfully.
"What brings you here, Thad?" Karyan asked, without looking up from the daggers.

Thad knew Karyan didn't mean to be unfriendly, but since becoming alpha, his actions seemed more cautious and rightfully so.

"It's about Karina," Thad began, his voice was calm despite his real worries. "She mentioned something that worries me. She plans to visit the creature's cave again, alone."

Karyan's head snapped up, his eyes narrowed. "What? She plans to go alone?"

Thad nodded, his jaw clenched. "Yes, she seems determined and can't be persuaded not to. I fear for her safety. I need your authority to prevent it. But I hope she doesn't find out that I've Told you. She will never forgive me."

Karyan's expression hardened. "This is foolishness," he muttered. "She's always been that stupid. But don't worry, Thad. I won't mention your involvement." He stood up and nodded at Thad. "Thanks for telling me."

As Thad left, the weight on his shoulders eased a little. He trusted Karyan to handle the situation without exposing himself.

***

Karyan summoned Radoff and his two most trusted bodyguards to his room. "I have a task for you," he began with a low and commanding voice. "Karina is planning something reckless. She intends to return to the forest and approach the creature in its lair alone. I want you guards to follow her secretly. Do not interfere unless her life is in danger, and report to me if she does anything suspicious. Understood?"

The guards nodded, their faces were stern and strict. "Understood, Alpha," one of them replied.

"Good. You may go, except for you, Radoff," Karyan said, signaling them with a wave. He looked at Radoff when it was just the two of them in his room. "Radoff, your job is to keep the wolves from coming near the forest while Karina goes there. I want to leave her alone for a while, to find out what she really wants from the creature. But be ready if at any time she needs your help."

"I understand." Radoff nodded before he left the room.

After Radoff left, Karyan leaned back in his chair. He regretted Karina’s stubbornness and insistence on meeting the creature, while wearing a cloak without regard for her safety and the safety of the entire herd.

“What exactly do you want to do, Karina?” he muttered to himself. He was sure Karina had certain motivations for her recklessness. That was why he would not prevent her this time.
***