Chapter 18: Questions

POV: Sultan

Sultan felt the tension in his chest ease as Leandra's hand tightened around his. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything. She was trying. She was willing to enter this new world, which was enough for now. The bond between them hummed with life, growing stronger with every moment they spent together, and it filled him with a sense of satisfaction he hadn't felt in years.

His wolf, restless and agitated since they first found her, now purred with contentment.

It understood. The bond was fragile, and Leandra still accepted the truth of who she was. There was no point in rushing her. She would come to them in her own time; they would be ready and waiting when she did.

Sultan looked at Leandra, her dark curls framing her face, her deep brown eyes filled with uncertainty and a spark of determination. She was more powerful than she realized, and he knew Leandra would be unstoppable once she embraced her power. But until then, he had to be patient. He had to protect her, to guide her, without overwhelming her.

"Leandra," he said quietly, his voice grave, "there's something else you need to know."

Her eyes flicked up to meet his, and he could see the hesitation there, the fear. "What is it?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.

Sultan exhaled slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. "The war I mentioned... it's already started. Factions within the supernatural world are already moving, positioning themselves for what's to come. They'll want you on their side, or they'll want to eliminate you. And I can't let that happen."

Leandra's heart raced as she listened but wasn't convinced yet. "You say a war is coming like it's inevitable. Who's starting it? And how do you even know all of this? Are you some kind of leader? Because I can't just take your word for it without understanding how you fit into all this."

Sultan leaned forward, his amber eyes steady and calm. "Because I've been watching the signs for the past month. The supernatural world has been shifting—tensions between factions that have been quiet for years are flaring up again. Strange attacks and alliances are forming in secret. I've seen this before, Leandra. It's how wars start."

Sultan's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "I am the Alpha of my pack. It's my responsibility to protect them—and now, to protect you. I have contacts across different supernatural communities—wolves, witches, and even a few rogue vampires. Information travels quickly in our world, and I've been getting reports. Skirmishes between packs that used to be allies. Strange magic surfacing in places where it shouldn't. I've been gathering intel for months, preparing for what's coming."

Leandra raised an eyebrow, her skepticism showing. "So, you've just been waiting for this? For a war to break out? And what about me? You knew I existed this whole time, didn't you? Why didn't you come to me earlier if you knew I was in danger?"

Sultan sighed, rubbing his temples as if the weight of her questions was something he had anticipated but didn't want to face. "I didn't know who you were, not exactly. But I felt the bond starting to form even before we met. It's why I've been keeping an eye on the city. I didn't know where or what supernatural you were, but I knew you were close. And as the tensions grew, I knew that finding you had to be my priority. If I hadn't come to you when I did, the others would have."

Leandra frowned, her mind spinning. "So I'm just some... target? A prize in this supernatural war you keep talking about? That's why you're here. To protect your own interests? What if I don't want any part of this?"

Sultan's gaze hardened, but his voice remained calm. "You're not just a target, Leandra. You're more than that. You're my mate." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "And this isn't about my interests or some power grab. This is about your survival. If you don't learn to defend yourself and don't understand what's happening, you'll be in more danger than you can imagine."

Leandra's eyes narrowed. "You keep saying that—*danger.* But you haven't told me what exactly I'm up against. Who's coming after me? And why? What makes me so special?"

Sultan hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking to the window as if he expected someone—or something—to appear at any moment. "Your magic is rare, Leandra. The kind of magic that comes from being a hybrid is more powerful than any witch or supernatural being alone. It's raw, untapped, and unpredictable. The rival packs, rogue vampires, and even some witches want to harness that power. Control it. And if they can't control it, they'll do whatever it takes to ensure you're not a threat."

Leandra's breath hitched. Her mind raced as she tried to process everything. A hybrid. She still didn't know what that meant for her, what it meant to have magic coursing through her veins, but the gravity of Sultan's words settled heavily in her chest. She wasn't just some bystander in this war—she was a key player, whether she wanted to be or not.

"So, what happens now?" she asked, her voice a mix of fear and determination. "You're telling me I have all this power, but I don't know how to use it. And these people—these creatures—they will come for me whether I'm ready or not?"

Sultan nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. But that's why I'm here. To help you, We'll train. I'll teach you how to control your magic and fight if necessary. I'll make sure you're ready when they come."

Leandra crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "And what about you? What's your role in all of this besides being my so-called mate? You keep saying you'll protect me, but how do I know I can trust you? How do I know this bond you keep talking about isn't just some... instinct for you, something you feel obligated to protect because it's in your nature?"

Sultan's gaze softened, and he reached out again, gently placing his hand over hers. The warmth of his touch sent a spark through her, and for a moment, she felt the bond between them hum with life. "The bond isn't just instinct, Leandra. It's a connection that goes beyond that. Yes, it's part of who I am as a werewolf, but it's also a choice. I choose to protect you, not because I'm obligated to, but because I care about you. Even if you can't feel it yet, I know you're starting to sense it too. This connection between us—it's real."

Leandra pulled her hand back, her heart racing. She didn't know what to believe, but Whether she liked it or not, she was part of this world now and had to decide how to move forward.

"You say we're bonded," she said quietly, eyes searching his. "But I don't know if I'm ready to accept that. I barely know you, Sultan. And this—" she gestured between them, "—this is overwhelming. I need time to figure out what's real and what I want."

Sultan nodded, his expression understanding. "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here, watching over you, keeping you safe. And when you're ready, we'll face this together."

Leandra bit her lip, uncertainty swirling inside her. She wasn't ready to accept everything Sultan had told her, but she couldn't deny the truth in his words. She was in danger. And she needed to be prepared for what was coming, whether she liked it or not.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice steady but laced with doubt. "I'll try. But I need answers—real answers. No more vague warnings. If I'm going to be part of this, I need to know everything."

Sultan smiled a faint glimmer of relief in his eyes. "I promise. No more secrets."

They sat silently for a moment, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between them. Leandra could feel the steady rhythm of Sultan's presence, the way his energy seemed to anchor her in a world that felt like it was spiraling out of control.

But for now, she had taken the first step. And that was enough.