(Lina's POV)
The ride to the wolven homeland is bumpy—quite literally—as the carriage we're in jolts over the rough terrain. I keep my gaze fixed out the window and try not to focus on the horses' hooves beating down on the unfamiliar dirt road that appeared right at the edge of the woods. I hadn't realized there was a whole world beyond this. Well, looking at David now, it's clear I never knew much about the world to begin with.
He's uncharacteristically quiet, staring out of his own window as he sits opposite me in the stuffy compartment. Daniel isn't with us, and I can't help but wonder who's in the carriage with him. The sun beats down harshly against the glass, and the glare makes it hard for me to write—not that it was easy to begin with, considering the state of our not-so-smooth ride.
The vehicle in question made me pause for a moment and genuinely question whether I'd been transported back in time. Ever heard of cars, anyone? David took pity on my confused expression and explained that wolves were more traditional and hadn't embraced many human inventions. Apparently, tradition and rigid pride took precedence over comfort and safety. I didn't have much to say to that and climbed into the carriage with my precious backpack—finally back in my custody again, although someone had removed my mace—and sat down, hoping I'd get to speak to Daniel alone.
Tough luck. All I got was awkward silence and a brooding David instead. I sighed, and he glanced over to check if I was okay. The sight of my injuries from that near-death incident had him clenching his jaw, and his usual playfulness had been absent ever since.
I pondered what this meant for their people. While I had no doubt David was fond of me, his loyalty to his pack obviously came first. He probably wasn't thrilled about whatever harsh punishment Daniel was planning.
Our voyage shifted from desert-like terrain to mountains lined with silver, gleaming rocks. Small rivers flowed gently through sloping hills, and even the humidity eased as we climbed higher. The changing landscape gave me another Eureka! moment—the second since we started our journey—and I went back to scribbling.
I'd only been in wolf territory for four days, but it already felt like a lifetime since I last wrote. I wasn't an extraordinary writer—to say the least—but after my first book became a hit, I'd lived quite comfortably. Still, one decent project doesn't make a career. A Pulitzer winner I was not. But a girl could dream.
My internal musings kept me entertained for a while, and I had managed to write a decent amount when a whistle suddenly sounded and the carriages came to a halt. David shook himself awake and jumped out, then extended a hand to help me down.
The cold air hit my face like a slap and I shivered, shoving my hands into my coat pockets. I wanted to write more and hated losing my flow, but—well—priorities.
David turned to me."I guess we're taking a break for the night. We should be there by tomorrow."
He rubbed his eyes and stretched his neck, his joints cracking softly."Let me check where your tent will be, okay?"
I nodded and stood with my back against the carriage, unsure where to go. The wolves from the other carriages moved in pairs toward their tents. Some of them turned to look at me, whispering among themselves. Lovely.
I busied myself watching the proud, silver moon shining in the sky—so certain, so unbothered. Speaking of certainty, Daniel finally emerged from the first carriage in the line. He stood tall in the dark, the moonlight kissing his face—if only I were so lucky. His eyes glinted as he looked over his people.
Several wolves greeted him with nods or shoulder pats. I considered walking over, but something stopped me.
Thank god I didn't saunter over and embarrass myself, I thought, just as a woman in a flimsy gown stepped out of his carriage. He offered her his hand as she descended. Her heels clinked against the rail, and I wondered how she managed to stay upright.
Then her foot slipped—just slightly—and she tumbled. Right into Daniel's arms.
My mouth gaped as I watched her spindly arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer. She definitely did that on purpose. Daniel gently peeled her off and let her step down, then shut the carriage door.
She started talking to him animatedly, her hands touching his chest far too often. I fumed. Hadn't they talked enough during their entire ride over here?
Daniel smiled politely and listened as he hauled out her massive bag—clearly unnecessary for such a grueling journey. I didn't realize how long I'd been staring until she turned and locked eyes with me. Her gaze narrowed. I didn't look away.
She broke the stare first, and I was about to mentally celebrate when she slipped her arm around Daniel's bicep and practically draped herself over him. Then, over his shoulder, she gave me a smug, sly smile.
What a bitch.
I was still fuming when David returned and pointed out my tent. I stomped over, no longer in the mood for chit-chat—then froze.
Someone stood inside, next to my sleeping bag.
I stepped into the tent, tossed my bag onto the floor, and pretended not to notice the intruder.
Daniel grabbed my arm and turned me to face him.
"I'm sorry I wasn't around yesterday," he said. "There was a lot of shit going on and… well, I know that's no excuse, but I'm sorry."
His hands went to his hair. Classic.
I sighed. "It's fine. I don't want to be a bother anyway."
He stepped closer. "Never."
His hand brushed my cheek and I pulled away, suddenly really, really angry.
Why the hell was he playing this hot-and-cold game with me when he clearly had someone else in his life?
I turned sharply. "You know what, Dan? I'm really tired. So I'd just like to sleep in peace now."
I busied myself fluffing pillows, straightening blankets—anything to avoid looking at him. Once everything was perfectly arranged (twice), I turned back.
He was still there. His eyes were sad, and I almost gave in.
But my energy was so drained I could barely speak.
"Please just go," I said. "I'm really tired, and if you're still not going to tell me anything, then I really don't want to talk."
He watched me for a long moment, then quietly left the tent, pulling the flap behind him.
Right before he closed it fully, he turned back.
"My tent's the one next to yours. If you feel… unsafe, just come to me."
I murmured a response, knowing full well I wasn't going to him tonight.
I lay down on my pillow, thoughts racing.
What would his mate think of all this?
Was that woman his intended?
Who else could be that close to him, with that kind of ease?
The questions swirled like a storm in my head. And just like that, sleep felt a million miles away.
Isn't that just great?