Chapter 60

Chapter 60
Isolde

I frowned, pulling back slightly to see his face. "He's been perfectly civil. Reserved, even. He helped identify the contaminated water sources."

"Stone wolves are masters of appearing civilized," Dorian replied, a hard edge entering his voice. "Don't mistake calculation for civility."

His reaction only intensified my curiosity. I traced the silvery scar on his left shoulder—the one I now suspected had come from Aiden's fangs.

"Tell me what happened between you two," I said softly. "The real story, not the official version."

Dorian was quiet for so long I thought he might refuse to answer. Finally, he sighed. "Ten years ago, there was a border dispute between our territories. A small section of forest that both packs claimed."

"And you fought over it?" I prompted when he paused.

"We were both young, both with something to prove." His eyes took on a distant look. "I was freshly appointed as pack enforcer, and Aiden was establishing himself as Stone's tactical lead. What should have been a diplomatic negotiation turned personal very quickly."

"Elissa mentioned something about a woman—a Levin wolf?"

Dorian's expression tightened. "Sophia Levin. She wasn't the cause, just an added complication. Aiden and I had... different ideas about pack politics, about the future of werewolf society. The border dispute became a proxy for that larger conflict."

"So you tried to kill each other?" I couldn't keep the shock from my voice.

"We lost control," he admitted. "I took his throat; he nearly severed my shoulder. If our seconds hadn't pulled us apart..." He trailed off, then added quietly, "It's the closest I've ever come to killing another wolf in cold blood."

I shivered at the darkness in his tone. "Is that why you still distrust him? Because of what happened a decade ago?"

"I distrust him because Stones always have hidden agendas," Dorian said. "They analyze every situation for maximum advantage. And Aiden... he's the most calculating of them all."

I thought of Aiden's intense scrutiny when I'd treated Mia, his careful questions about my techniques. "He's been interested in my research methods," I admitted. "We've had several productive discussions about the silver compound. His analytical approach is actually quite compatible with my scientific method."

Dorian tensed beneath me. "Just be careful," he said, trying to keep his voice neutral though I could feel the jealousy radiating from him. "I won't interfere with your work—I promised to respect your independence, and I meant it. But promise me you'll stay alert around him."

"I promise," I said, stroking his chest soothingly. "I'm just here to help the sick wolves and solve the contamination mystery. Nothing more."

He relaxed slightly, pulling me closer against him. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day."

I nestled against him, but as exhaustion claimed me, one question lingered in my mind: What wasn't Dorian telling me about his history with Aiden Stone?

---

Morning brought a different energy to Stone Manor. Dorian and I entered the conference room together, where Luke and Aiden were already reviewing maps of the contaminated areas. The tension between the two men was palpable but controlled, channeled into professional cooperation.

"Dr. Beck has developed an enhanced treatment protocol," Dorian announced as we joined them. "And I'll be accompanying the research team to the border areas today."

Aiden's silver-gray eyes flickered briefly to our clasped hands before returning to the maps. "The northwestern quadrant shows the highest concentration of the compound. We should start there."

As the men discussed logistics, Elissa appeared beside me with two steaming mugs of coffee. "You look... refreshed," she whispered with a knowing smile. "Reunions must agree with you."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks but accepted the coffee gratefully. "Thank you for all your help yesterday. The samples we collected were crucial."

"Happy to be your wilderness guide anytime," she replied cheerfully. "Though it seems you'll have more company today." She nodded toward where Dorian and Aiden were standing stiffly on opposite sides of the table, reviewing the same document without looking at each other.

"Will they actually manage to work together?" I murmured.

Elissa sipped her coffee. "They're both professionals. And they both want to find whoever is poisoning pack members." She paused, studying me with unusual intensity. "You know, I've never seen my brother be so patient with a human before. He usually hates explaining things, but he spent hours discussing wolf physiology with you yesterday."

"We have a common research interest," I said, surprised by her observation.

"Mmm," she hummed noncommittally. "Just interesting, that's all."

Before I could question her further, Luke called for attention. "We depart in thirty minutes. Dr. Beck, Dorian, Aiden, and Elissa will investigate the northwestern boundary. The rest of us will secure the contaminated streams and continue treating affected pack members."

As we prepared to leave, I noticed Dorian and Aiden exchange a long look—not hostile exactly, but charged with history and unspoken challenges. I wondered what dynamics would unfold when we reached the remote border areas, far from the restraining influence of the manor.

Whatever happened, one thing was certain: today would test more than just our scientific theories about the silver contamination. It would test the fragile truce between two powerful wolves with a decade of animosity between them.