Chapter 27 Devon and Rave
Hazel didn’t know how long she sat there with Kael’s words echoing in her mind, sinking deeper into the parts of her heart she’d sworn not to let open ever again. Her eyes was glued to his but no words were coming out of her mouth.
“Then let me prove it”.
It was the kind of promise that used to make her melt. The kind she used to believe without hesitation. But now, with everything that happened, the betrayal, the pain, the years apart, bringing herself to believe him felt like walking barefoot on broken glass.
She couldn't deny her feelings for him, but trusting him not to hurt her again was a completely different case.
She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.
“Kael, you’re asking for something I don’t even know if I have anymore”.
His gaze softened even more, if that was possible.
“You don’t have to give me anything, Hazel”.
He said gently.
“Just… don’t shut me out”.
She looked down at her hands, still caught in his. The warmth of his palm spread through her skin like wildfire, but the fear still wrapped around her heart just as tightly.
Before she could answer, a sharp knock echoed through the study.
Hazel released her hand immediately, straightening and Kael looked at her for a while before pulling back too, trying not to make his feelings obvious.
“Come in”.
Kael said and the door opened, and Cathy stepped inside.
Hazel stiffened.
Cathy paused when she saw Hazel, but quickly masked her face with that perfect polite smile, the one that never reached her eyes.
They still haven't spoken about what happened yesterday so there was a bit of uncomfortable air around them.
But asides that, Hazel was surprised to see her in Kael's study.
“Oh Hazel. I didn’t know you were here”.
She said and Hazel raised a brow.
'What is this? She's not here because of me'?
Hazel thought to herself before she returned the smile, though hers was a bit tighter, unable to hide the fact that she was uncomfortable.
“What's… going on here”?
She asked as she turned to Kael.
Kael looked at her and then back at Cathy.
“Ohh Cathy is one of my warriors. She's being fighting and protecting the boarders since you left. She's here to give reports”.
He said and she raised her brow in realization.
“Ohh, I see”.
She said and stood up, looking at Cathy.
“I was just leaving”.
Kael frowned.
“You don’t have to…”
Hazel shook her head and looked at him.
“You’re busy, I’ll talk to you later”.
She waves him a smile, small but sincere, and began walking out. Cathy shifted slightly to the side, giving Hazel space, but as soon as Hazel got to her side, she looked at her and spoke.
“We should talk when you're done”.
She said and Cathy nodded without saying a word.
As Hazel exited, she heard Kael speak.
“What is it, Cathy”?
Her steps slowed for a moment, just long enough to hear Cathy answer.
“It’s about the patrol team. We found something you need to see”.
Hazel didn’t wait to hear more. She left with the hope Kael would tell her himself when he wants to.
She walked down the hallway with her arms crossed over her chest, her emotions a knotted mess.
“Gosh, I should’ve stayed, I should’ve listened to the issues the pack has, that way, I would have being able to help”.
She said and used her hand to scratch her hair, scattering it.
“Why did I leave so quickly”?
Hazel sighed as she got to her room and immediately collapsed on her bed.
Cathy held a tablet in her hand, flipping it on as she approached Kael’s desk. Her expression sharpened into something more professional. Hiding the fun and always playful Cathy.
“We found tracks leading from the southern ridge”.
She said and looked at him before looking back at the tablet.
“Not just rogues, Dragon Pack soldiers”.
Kael’s jaw tightened.
“How many”?
He asked with his eyes glued to the tab.
“At least twenty”.
Kael muttered a curse under his breath.
Cathy hesitated before continuing.
“We also found claw marks on the old fig tree, the same pattern as last time. The same one their Alpha used to threaten us with a war”.
Kael ran a hand through his hair.
“Devon”.
He called the name so coldly as though he wanted to rip out his heart.
Cathy nodded.
“He’s getting bold again”.
Kael leaned forward, eyes narrowing with focus.
“Prepare the warriors. We’ll tighten the borders and…”
Cathy cleared her throat slightly, causing Kael to look at her with a brow raised, wondering why she interrupted him.
“Kael… about the woman, maybe you should keep Hazel…”
Kael immediately shook his head.
“No! Hazel doesn’t know the full details yet, and until I know exactly what Devon wants, I won’t drag her into this”.
Cathy’s brows furrowed slightly.
“You’re protecting her again”.
Kael shot her a look.
“Do you have something to say”?
He asked and Cathy sighed, looking at him seriously.
“You can't shield her forever Kael, this is not the time for that. The more you shield her from the inevitable, the harder she's going to get hurt”.
She said and he sighed.
“I know what you mean, but I just got her back, I don't even know the level of her strength yet. I'm not going to put her in a war that has nothing to do with her”.
He said but Cathy wasn't having it.
“She's your Luna”!!
She yelled, surprising him.
She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
“She's the Luna of Nightshade Kael. If she can't even protect herself then she isn't worthy of that position".
She said and Kael's face immediately turned cold.
“Cathy! Don't overstep”.
He said and she smiled.
“She might be your wife but she's my best friend Kael. Do you really think I'm saying this to spite her"?
Without waiting for him to say anything else, she bowed lightly and left.