Chapter 134 Wildfangs Pack
The words “You’re mine” had become something Gavriel said often around Althea. Each time he said it, it stirred something deep inside her—an odd mix of warmth and defiance.
She told herself over and over that it was just his way of control, his way of reminding her that she was his captive. Yet no matter how she tried to reason it out, her heart still fluttered every time those words left his lips.
After a long ride, they finally reached another town. Althea instantly noticed how different the air felt here—less polished than the capital, more raw and grounded. The breeze carried the scent of pine, mixed with smoke from forges and tanneries nearby. Men and women moved busily through the streets, their clothes simple but sturdy, and their eyes sharp and alert.
“This town is under the Wildfang Pack,” Gavriel muttered as they slowed their pace. Ahead lay a wide gate between two hills, guarded by sturdy cement walls lined with spikes.
Watchtowers stood tall on each side, bearing the Wildfang insignia—a crescent fang wrapped in flame.
As they passed through, a group of men in dark brown armor approached and immediately bowed. Leading them was a tall, broad-shouldered man with streaks of gray in his beard and a scar cutting across his left cheek. His sharp eyes lowered respectfully as he greeted,
“Welcome, Your Majesty. Alpha Maurice of the Wildfang Pack at your service. We are honored by your visit.”
“Rise, Maurice,” Gavriel said with his usual authority. “I didn’t come for formalities. I simply need to rest my men before we head further east.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Maurice replied, straightening up. His gaze briefly flicked to Althea, who sat quietly behind Gavriel on the horse.
A look of surprise flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by composure. “The town has prepared an inn suitable for your stay. My men will secure the area.”
Althea didn’t bother to read his thoughts since she wasn’t in the mood to do it. Sometimes, reading thoughts was exhausting—not because it drained her energy, but because most of them were distressing.
“Good,” Gavriel said, dismounting and helping Althea down from the horse himself. She could feel several eyes on her—some curious, some cautious—but none dared to speak.
Gavriel’s presence alone commanded silence. Ash quickly ran toward her and hopped into her arms. Althea chuckled and carried the little wolf.
“Isn’t that beast heavy already? Put it down and let it walk,” Gavriel commented with a frown.
Ash whimpered in her arms as if frightened and seeking protection from the Alpha King.
Althea chuckled and said, “Ash is still small and not heavy at all.” But she still set it down and added, “Go roam around, but don’t go far and come back, alright? Or stay with Melva for now. Later, I’ll give you a good treat.”
Ash wagged its tail and ran back toward Melva. Althea smiled while watching Ash, then turned to Gavriel, only to find him staring intently at her.
Her face flushed under his unblinking gaze. “Shall we go?” she asked, her voice a little uncertain.
Gavriel didn’t respond, simply turned and started walking ahead. “Walk beside me,” he commanded, and Althea quickly followed, matching his pace.
As they started walking toward the inn, Althea glanced around the busy streets again. “So this is Wildfang territory…” she murmured. “It feels… alive.”
“It should,” Gavriel replied, his tone softening slightly as they walked side by side. “The Wildfangs may live far from the capital, but they are among the fiercest and one of the most loyal packs in my kingdom. Their Alpha, Maurice, is a man of integrity. His pack thrives on strength, trade, and survival.”
Althea listened quietly, her curiosity growing. “I’ve heard stories about them. People say the Wildfangs can tame beasts others wouldn’t dare to approach.”
A faint smile tugged at Gavriel’s lips. “That’s true. They’ve made a name for themselves training and trading war beasts. They’re also the best blacksmiths along the borders. Silver, steel, and even enchanted blades, you’ll find the best of them here.”
As they entered the town square, Althea couldn’t help but notice the energy around her. Children ran freely, laughter mixed with the sound of hammering metal and chatter from the market. It didn’t feel like a place constantly preparing for battle, but rather one that had learned to live with strength and pride.
It was how she had first heard about the Wildfangs—from the warriors, especially her old friend from her father’s pack, Tristan. She had always wanted to visit their territory, but her father had never allowed her to leave the pack grounds.
“I’d love to have one of their best blades,” she said absentmindedly, her eyes lighting up at the thought.
Amon had taught her how to fight with blades when she was younger, though she never had the chance to practice much after that. Still, lately, she found herself remembering the old stances and movements he’d shown her.
“You really know how to use blades?” Gavriel asked, his voice holding a hint of curiosity.
Althea quickly nodded. She secretly liked it whenever Gavriel asked her personal questions, it made her feel as though he genuinely wanted to know her, not just control her.
“I told you, Amon taught me when I was about ten,” she murmured. “But I’m probably rusty by now.”
Gavriel gave a small, knowing smile. “We’ll see later if you still remember everything,” he said, his tone both teasing and intrigued.
She blinked at him, surprised by his words. “Wait… are you planning to fight me later just to see for yourself?” she asked, tilting her head slightly in curiosity.
Gavriel’s lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. “Fight you? No,” he said, his tone calm but laced with amusement. “But I do want to see what you’re capable of. If you can still handle a blade the way you claim, then maybe I’ll consider sparring with you, just to test your reflexes.”
Althea raised an eyebrow. “That still sounds like fighting to me,” she said dryly.
He chuckled lowly, the sound sending a strange flutter through her chest. “Not a fight,” he corrected. “A lesson. You’ll learn how real warriors use their instincts, not just memory.”
“I didn’t say I forgot everything,” she replied, crossing her arms stubbornly. “You might end up being the one surprised, My King.”
Gavriel’s smirk deepened as his gaze lingered on her face, sharp yet oddly fond. “Then I look forward to it,” he said, voice dropping to a low murmur near her ear. “It’s been a while since someone had the courage to challenge me.”
From a distance, Alpha Maurice had to rub his eyes, thinking he was seeing things. He elbowed Gamma Simon beside him and muttered, “Are my eyes deceiving me, or is the Alpha King actually laughing?”
Simon blinked, then frowned slightly. “I know, right? It’s strange. Who would’ve thought our Alpha King could actually bicker with a woman—in broad daylight—with everyone watching? It’s… honestly kind of creepy.”
Maurice huffed a short laugh under his breath. “Never thought I’d live to see the day.”