Chapter 23

Amelia shifted to her body as they limped out of the dump.

It was night in the country, and she was somewhat grateful for that. It was the perfect disguise to hide Harry’s hurt.

“Turn,” she whispered to him trying to conceal her naked body.

He removed his coat and handed it to her without staring, “you can wear this.”

She reached for the coat that was already stained with blood and carefully slipped it on. Then she strode to his side to raise him up.

“You saved my life,” he gazed at her, and her stomach fluttered.

How had he managed to still look so breathtaking while bleeding?

What was wrong with her? She battled with her mind.

She was going to see Lake that night, and really, she didn’t know what to expect considering the fact she was bringing another man and—

“Where are we?” Harry finally asked as she leaned him against her body, plodding through the quiet street.

“We have to get the bullet out of your body,” she said and gazed at him sideways, noticing his puzzled expression. “A bullet—it’s what the weapon injected into you; once we’re able to take it out, you’ll heal up quickly.”

Harry gazed at her amusedly, “you’re brilliant,” he said, “but you haven’t answered my question.”

She began to think of possible ways to explain the situation, but none came to mind. She knew he’d find out sooner or later.

“We’re…we’re in the human country.” She revealed.

Harry barked out a laugh, “it’s impossible,”

It was the same way Sophia had reacted.

“How can you explain the portal we passed through, and the sudden change of atmosphere?”

Harry paused and gazed ahead, finally noticing the change. Then he blinked and turned.

“How…how did you?” He stuttered.

“It’s a long story, but now, we have to keep you safe.”

They began to move again, and for a moment they fell silent, watching as a man passed by their side also peering as they rested against each other.

“How is the king?” Amelia questioned out of the blue.

“His plan worked,” Harry grinned, and she wondered what he was on about, “the king is alive thanks to the antidote you gave me—but no one knows aside from me, and now, you.” He revealed.

“He pretends to be a vegetable,” his voice fainted. “He called it a strategy for the traitors to reveal.”

Amelia widened her eyes.

In the midst of everything, it was only going to put Harry’s life in danger.

It was a brilliant plan, yet…dangerous.

“But you shall get hurt!” She bellowed like a worried wife, “you’re risking your life, your highness.”

He chuckled, and then groaned in pain, making Amelia tighten her grip, “it’s working though. I suspect my uncle is behind all of this.”

“Are you alright?” She ignored his speculation, more worried about him.

“It’s cute when you care for me,” he teased, and she shook her head.

“The gun…” Amelia began, “this vile creature has access to the human world, and they’re smuggling these harmful weapons,” she swallowed a lump, “there’s war ahead.”

Harry said something, but she didn’t hear what he’d said because she was staring at the Lakes’ residence. Her heart racing fast, they passed through the lawn into the foyer, and she rang the doorbell.

No answer.

She rang again, but still—no answer.

“How long have you known about this place?” Harry questioned curiously.

“A month,” she revealed. “I made acquaintances with some trustworthy people.”

Harry gazed at her, still amused. She was glad he’d taken the revelation quite well.

“You know, Amelia. You’re the only one I fully lay my trust upon right—”

The door opened and standing right there was him.

Her gaze met with a frowning Lake.

“Amelia…” his eyes softened, and then rolled to Harry.

The two exchanged glances.

Amelia cleared her throat.

She’d never imagined they’d meet. Suddenly, Lake’s expression turned sour again.

“No time to explain,” she strode in with Harry, “I need your aid…please.”

***

It didn’t take time before Laura arrived at the house. She’d brought all they needed to dress the wound when they made the call informing her of the nature of the injury.

“Thanks for coming, Laura,” she said, grateful she didn’t ask for an explanation, “I’m sorry it was last minute.”

Laura smiled, “like I’ve said, I owe you a lot.”

“Where’s he?” She questioned and cocked her head.

“In Lake’s room,” Amelia whispered as they pattered up the stairs into the room.

She gazed at Harry briefly, “I’ll be outside,” she said through the mind link.

Amelia’s mind wandered as she sat on a stair. How did she get here?

So much had happened in just one month, and she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed and—

“Amelia…” she cocked her head. Lake was approaching her, and her stomach fluttered.

She didn’t know what to expect from him, or what to even say. She’d practiced it a million times in her head, but her words were failing her that moment.

He sat on the stair right next to her, and their skin brushed against each other, sending electric waves along her spine.

“I…”

“Sorry…”

They said in sync and fell silent again.

“You go first,” Lake muttered.

“I’m sorry you had to see me that way,” she began, her voice shaking, “you probably think I’m some kind of monster—”

“You’re not a monster,” he cut her words halfway, and her stomach twisted.

“I am a Lycan, a wolf. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you and—” She bowed her head.

“I probably wouldn’t have told you either if I was in your shoes,” Lake chuckled faintly, and she tightened her eyes, still unsure of how to act.

“My kind murdered your father,” her words came out sour, “a wolf murdered your father.”

For a moment, Lake wavered, and when he finally spoke, he said. “I know,”

Her heart thumped; she was getting out of ideas.

“Amelia...” he trailed off, and her heart jerked. “I’ve spent the past few days thinking of everything—I was mad at first…really mad—but it still doesn't change how I feel about you. You’re not the one who murdered my father,” he continued, and Amelia nodded her head. “I was blamed for his death, and I won’t do the same to an innocent person—not to the woman I love.”

At that moment, Amelia palm began to sweat, and her stomach twisted, her heart raging violently. She could feel her wolf flaming in rage, but she shut it out, trying not to ruin the moment.

“I—” she was cut off with his soft lips colliding fiercely unto hers. Her body reacted instinctively.

Amelia found that she didn’t mind his action one bit.

Different thoughts clouding her mind, it went to a certain person, then the thought of him vanished as Lake placed his hand on her face, savoring every bit of her, her knees weakening. Then—

“Amelia,” she lurched, her eyes meeting with the owner’s, it burned and welled with tears.

Harry was gazing at them through the dim light with bandages wrapped around his built naked torso.

He had an expression filled with rage and…disappointment.

The air in the room reverberated as he clenched his fist, but instead, he ended up groaning in pain.

Amelia froze.

“But you’re my mate…” he said through the mind link.