Chapter 10 Skirmish at the Border

Someone sounded the alarm that went through Castle Dome before dawn broke. The sound of running feet and urgent shouts also contributed to waking me up. Arthur was already pulling on his clothes when I stepped into the main chamber.

"Stay inside," he ordered with commanding voice. "This is a larger syndicate move. They are hitting the outer borders hard."

"I can help," I said, reaching for the enchanted dagger he had given me.

His golden eyes flashed. "No, Charlotte. Listen to me. You are not a warrior yet. Lock the doors and wait for me. Can you do that for me?" He did not wait for my answer before rushing out with a group of warriors.

I waited only a minute before I followed. Stubborn me. I could not sit safely while people fought for their lives, especially not when my magic could make a difference. So I sneaked out through a side entrance and moved toward the sounds of battle at the edge of the forest.

I heard as gunfire cracked through the trees, seeing wolves everywhere growling and howling as they clashed with armed mercenaries. The fight at the early hours of this morning was chaotic. I stayed low and hidden behind thick trunks still within the fenced walls, watching for an opening because it was still dark. 

Then I saw a young wolf pup who was barely more than a child in human years, must have strayed too far from safety. I looked around to notice no one saw this pop and no one was even looking. Arthur fought at the front line, roaring with the others as he made his kill through enemies. He crouched behind a rock, eyes were wide with fear as a syndicate fighter raised his gun toward him. I acted fast.

I whispered the words for a strong illusion. The air around the fighter shimmered. He suddenly saw shadows closing in from all sides, making him spin and fire wildly into empty space. At the same time, I reached out with my telekinesis and yanked the gun from his hands. It flew into the bushes leaving him unarmed. Before he could recover, I sent a heavy branch crashing down on his head with my mind. He dropped dead like a stone.

The pup looked around confused but safe. I ran forward, scooped him up, and pulled him behind better cover.

Arthur finished his opponent and turned, his eyes searching for me because he had sensed my presence, I knew it because I read his mind partially from where I was. He started moving in my direction, brow furrowed as if he had sensed something strange in the air.

I quickly wiped dirt on my hands and clothes to look like I had been fighting. "I got the pup!" I called out.

Arthur reached us, breathing hard. Blood streaked his arm. "Charlotte? How did you get out here? And how did you manage to save him so fast?"

"You knew? You knew the pop was..."

"I sensed a pop was in danger. Alpha senses. Answer the question." He ordered.

I kept my voice steady. "It was not me. A flying bullet must have hit the enemy at the right moment. I just ran toward the pup and maybe distracted him. That is all. And sorry for disobeying you. I just wanted to help."

Arthur stared at me for a long second, doubt clear in his eyes. But the battle still raged around us, so he did not press further. "Take the pup back to the castle. Now."

I obeyed this time and carried the frightened child to safety.

The fight ended soon after. The syndicate forces retreated, leaving bodies behind. Back near the castle walls, the werewolves gathered in the woods. Adrenaline still ran hot in their blood as they argued loudly.

"How did that group over there suddenly go blind and start shooting each other?" one warrior asked. "It was not our doing."

"Strange things keep happening in these fights lately," another added. "Almost like someone is helping us from who knows where."

Alice glanced in my direction but said nothing. Arthur listened quietly, his jaw tight. He finally broke up the talk and sent everyone to their posts.

Later, when we were alone inside my room, Arthur closed the door behind us. His eyes burned with intensity as he stepped close. "You saved that pup today. I give you that. Thank you."

Before I could respond, he cupped my face with both hands and kissed me. The kiss was fierce and possessive like he was desperately in need. His lips claimed mine with actual hunger, and like he had been holding back his emotions for far too long. I gasped against his mouth, and he deepened the kiss, pulling me tight against his body using his left hand placed behind my waist. Heat exploded between us. My hands gripped his shirt as the world narrowed to just him.

Gradually my magic surged stronger than ever, responding to his touch like fuel on fire. It felt alive and powerful in a way I had never experienced before though only I could feel it. 

We broke apart, both breathing hard. His golden eyes looked shaken, and I knew mine must be the same. Neither of us spoke for a long moment. I feel he wanted to see me bare from the way he stared at my lips. 

Then a sharp knock sounded on the door. 

"Alpha!" Alice’s voice came through, strong and urgent. "We have new reports from the city. You need to see this right away."

Arthur took two steps towards me again and rested his forehead against mine for one more second, then pulled away. "We will talk later," he said roughly.

He opened the door and left with Alice, who shot me one last suspicious look.

I touched my lips, still feeling the heat of his kiss. My legs felt weak and my heart raced desiring that kiss again. The mission, the coven, everything felt far away in that moment. Being near Arthur made my magic stronger, clearer, and I felt like I was more dangerous.

What more can I think of other than that that kiss had changed something inside me which I was not ready to face.

I sank onto the bed, heart still racing. This was getting too out of my control and why is this happening too fast. I stroke my forehead in what felt like I was regretting having to know Arthur.