“I didn’t have a choice,” Kyle said.
I looked up at him, our eyes meeting. I got the sense that he was concerned that I didn’t approve. He seemed to want to please me. There was something between us that felt different. I felt a connection. Not romantic, not even friendship. It was something else I couldn’t pinpoint.
My wolf seemed to be pacing inside me. She was impatient, but she wasn’t upset. I didn’t know how I knew, but my wolf wanted me to accept Kyle. To trust him even. It felt too soon. There was so much bad blood. But Julian’s death was a peace offering of sorts. Even if Kyle didn’t realize it.
“Julian didn’t deserve the kindness you showed him in quick death,” I said. “I’m glad he’s gone. You made the right choice.”
Kyle lifted his chin a little. It was a nearly imperceptible visual that he was proud. My words had an impact on him. We all knew there was a pull to an alpha when you were a member of that pack. Was Kyle already feeling that pull toward me? I got the impression he was.
Even stranger, I could feel a little connection to him. The marks we received from the goddess were sacred and intentional. We all knew that. I never studied them in depth since I never intended to stay. I wondered if his mark and his role connected us more than a typical pack relationship. Was that how it worked for an alpha with the protectors? If I did pull this off and become alpha, I had some studying to do.
“I’m going to trust you, Kyle. I don’t know if I’m making the right choice, but I know we won’t pull this off if we don’t trust each other,” I said.
“You won’t regret it,” he said.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of things I regret as we go down this path, but I get the sense that trusting you won’t be one of them.” I’d never been great at following my instincts, but I needed to start. Going against what I wanted and what I knew was right was what locked me away from my wolf.
“Tomorrow I’m going to shift,” I said. “Will you run with me?”
He smiled. “Definitely.”