Chapter 6: Don't touch her

The carriage arrived at Ashidore two days later, on a cool afternoon.

The guards stationed outside the large golden gates noticed the fancy carriage being pulled by six vicious wolves, and they knew immediately that the Alpha King was back.

One gave an order and the majestic gates were pulled open. The wolves pulled the carriage through the gates and as quickly as it had been opened, the gates were shut tight again.

Ashidore, the Lycan Kingdom, was magnificent and grand. A large castle stood in the middle of the kingdom, shimmering like jewels in the late afternoon sun.

All around the castle were smaller houses and cottages, where the people of Ashidore lived. Right before the castle was a large water fountain, with water sprouting out of the statue of a howling wolf.

The kingdom was bustling with activities and as the carriage drove past, some of the shifters bowed respectfully.

The wolves slowed to a stop, bringing the carriage to stop in front of the castle.

Henry turned and looked at the young woman beside him. She was still unconscious, even after travelling for three days straight. She must be in so much pain, he thought.

The carriage door opened suddenly and Henry finally tore his gaze away from Aurora.

"Welcome back, Alpha." The butler, David, bowed deeply. However, he froze when he saw the unconscious woman inside the carriage.

His eyes widened and he looked sharply towards Henry. It was rare to see a woman with the Alpha, but an unconscious one? Was she dead?

"Alpha..." He stuttered timidly. "Is she...?"

"She's still alive." Henry replied curtly. Without another word, he got down from the carriage and turned towards the opened doors of the castle.

But as David moved to carry Aurora out of the carriage, Henry froze. He turned around, watching David place his arms around her.

A scowl settled on his face, creasing his brows. He didn't want David's hands on her. He didn't want anyone else touching her.

"Don't touch her." He growled out.

David snatched his hands away and took two quick steps backwards. He bowed his head and apologized.

"Forgive me, Alpha. I merely wanted to bring the lady in."

Ignoring David, Henry reached into the carriage and pulled Aurora into his arms. Her head rested perfectly on his shoulder and his arms cradled her close. Her body was so right against his, so warm and alluring.

Cursing himself inwardly for having such thoughts, he turned and walked through the doors, leaving David staring after him in wonderment.

Two maids rushed towards Henry as he began to ascend the grand flight of stairs.

"Welcome back, Alpha." They curtsied, head bowed respectfully.

"Prepare the largest room in the North wing." Henry ordered, walking past them without a glance. "And get me the healer. Immediately."

The maids rushed off to carry out his orders while Henry continued towards his room. He knew he said he would send Aurora away, but he couldn't leave her that way. Her wounds needed to be treated first.

Arriving at his room, he kicked the door open and strode towards the large king size bed. Moving carefully, he lowered Aurora on the bed and stood back staring at her.

She looked like hell. Her lips were chapped and pale. Her entire left eye was bruised and the blood around it had turned purple. Her chest rose and fell weakly as she breathed.

Henry stared at her for so long, lost in thoughts, until the door to his room creaked open. He didn't need to turn to know who it was.

It was Tyler, his beta and best friend.

Tyler walked up to where Henry stood and his brown eyes widened when he saw Aurora.

"Goddess above," He said out loud. "Where did you find this poor creature?"

Henry sighed, but made no attempt to answer Tyler. He had a lot on his mind.

When Hendy remained silent, Tyler looked towards him with a frown.

"Is everything okay?" He asked.

"Yes." Henry replied quietly.

"Did something happen at the Silver Dawn Pack?" Tyler asked next.

Henry nodded and clasped his hands behind his back. His eyes never left Aurora's bruised face.

"What happened?" Tyler prodded.

Irritated with the endless questions, Henry turned and frowned at Tyler.

"When did you become so talkative?" He asked.

"I am merely shocked, just as everyone else is." Tyler replied with a shrug. "I haven't seen you hold a woman that close in the last fifty years."

Henry rolled his eyes and finally turned away from the bed. He walked over to the mini bar in the corner of the large room and poured himself a shot of whiskey.

"Well, the least you can do is tell me who she is." Tyler continued.

"I will." Henry downed the drink in one large gulp and poured another. "Just not now. Later."

Before Tyler could respond, a young man rushed into Henry's room.

"I came as quickly as I could Alpha." The man said, bowing respectfully.

"Were you being chased?" Tyler asked, arching a brow. "Why did you barge in like that?"

"Forgive me, beta Tyler." The man apologized. "Forgive me Alpha. The maids told me a woman was dying, and I rushed here as fast as I could."

"That's alright, Kaleb." Henry waved his apology aside. Then he pointed his chin to the bed where Aurora lay. "She was badly hurt. Tend to her, and do whatever you can to make sure she heals quickly."

"Yes, Alpha." Kaleb bowed. He waited for Henry and Tyler to leave the room before moving towards the unconscious woman.

He had a lot of questions about the woman and how she got hurt, but he knew he wouldn't get answers until later. A part of him suspected that it was the Alpha that hurt her, and he wondered why he seemed so worried moments ago.

First he brought out some wool and dabbed liquid on it, before carefully wiping off the dried blood on Aurora's face and lips.

Then he began to tend to her wounds.

...

"Admit it, you care for this woman." Tyler said as he tried to keep up with Henry's long strides.

"Don't be ridiculous." Henry scoffed. "I merely want her to be taken care of. I plan on sending her away."

"Why?" Tyler questioned.

Suddenly, Henry stopped and faced him. "Do not forget, Tyler, that I am your Alpha. You shouldn't question my decisions."

"And you shouldn't forget too, that I am not just your beta." Tyler replied. "I am your best friend, Henry. Your most trusted warrior. I deserve to know why you suddenly brought an unconscious woman back with you."

Henry stared at him for a while, his face devoid of emotion. Then he let out a deep sigh.

"Fine, I'll tell you everything." He said. "But you must promise to keep your mouth shut. No one else must know of her presence here."

"Of course." Tyler grinned. "Is she your new mistress? You aren't the one that hurt her, right?"

Before Henry could respond, David rushed down the stairs and hurried towards him.

"What is it?" Henry demanded, his thoughts going to Aurora instantly.

"You have to hurry Alpha." David said urgently. "She's having a panic attack."

Henry instantly marched up the stairs and hurried into his room.