Page 88 of Wolf’s Fated Bride

We lock eyes and, in that moment, I know they came here to tell my sister about Ash and me.

These are loyal Stormcrest wolves.

Unlike me, who showed the enemy the secret the royal family has kept for ages. Way to go, me. I betrayed my pack.

When Ash recovers and comes back for revenge against my brother, he can reach us through the royal tunnels that lead directly to the castle. These tunnels are also connected to our bedrooms. I couldn’t find the one that leads here on the way up, but I know it exists.

And yet, I don’t regret saving Ash’s life. He never should’ve been in jeopardy. If Ash and I had behaved ourselves and kept our distance from each other, then none of this would’ve happened. Sören wouldn’t have gone crazy on Ash.

“What news of our brother?” I ask.

“His body is fighting the poison,” Lindsey says. “But the poison nearly killed him. The recovery takes time.”

Behind my back, I cross my fingers, hoping my brother and Ash can pull through.

“Do you need help getting ready?” Gerdie asks.

“Maren knows I was with Ash,” I tell them.

Their eyes widen, and they stare at Maren, awaiting confirmation.

My sister nods. “It’s true.”

Gerdie and Lindsey plop onto the bed. “Thank the Moon. We didn’t know how to break the news.” Lindsey lifts an eyebrow. “Ash Fireborn? Really, Runa?”

I shrug. “Why not? He’s…” I pick at the edge of the sheet, not knowing what to say about him that would do him justice. “He has that brooding, emotionally unavailable alphahole thing going for him. I guess that’s my type.”

“How did you guys get together?” Maren asks.

“It’s the stupid bet I made. I didn’t realize it was him when I approached him at the reception. Remember that, Gerdie?”

Gerdie gasps. “That was him? The guy with the shades? The one who left you out cold?”

I nod. “That was him. His cousin was riding the sled.”

“Sören was right,” Maren says.

“What bet?” Lindsey asks.

“During the welcoming ceremony, Ash stood by himself watching the parade, pretending to be just another Fireborn wolf. We spotted him, and I thought he was cute, so I bet I could bag him at hello. They said I couldn’t, because he looked like a stuck-up asshole.”

“We were right about that part,” Gerdie says.

“Then what happened?” Maren shakes her head. “I always miss out on the fun stuff.”

“I offered him a beer, and we chatted, but once he found out I was your sister, he turned me down. I lost the bet and had to make his bed, his meals, do his laundry, etc.”

Maren smiles. “You guys’ children will love this story.”

My heart is breaking. A sob escapes. “I don’t want him to die.”

Maren frowns. “Is he not recovering?”

When I don’t answer, Maren looks to Lindsey, who admits, “I’m not allowed to treat him.”

“Oh no.” Maren hugs me. “This is why you’ve been crying. I bet you want to see him but can’t. Don’t you worry, sister. We’ll get you to him somehow. We will. Won’t we, girls?” Maren glares at them until they nod.

She wipes my tears with the corner of her comforter. “Ash will recover. That male almost killed our brother. He’s strong as fuck, maybe the strongest alpha in the world. A little projectile laced with alchemy can’t snuff out all that fire in his veins.”