The Lycan King’s Mark (Nevara) by Tiffanie L. Campbell novel Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32 – The Line I Won’t Cross

Thoren

The phone rang once–maybe twice–before I answered.

“Talk,” I said, already standing from my desk.

“It’s me,” came Ryker’s voice. One of my best scouts. Sharp eyes. Steady hands. “I didn’t even get near the perimeter yet. But I spotted a vehicle.”

I stilled. “How far out?”

“Half a mile, give or take. Black SUV. They parked on the gravel, just shy of the bend. Been watching them through the binoculars for a while now.”

I crossed to the window and pushed it open. The wind hit like ice. “How many?”

“Two. One’s leaning on the porch rail, looking pissed. Other one’s pacing. They’re not rogues. Clean, purposeful movements. Armed. Organized. I think they’re pack.”

My jaw tightened. “What are they doing?”

“Talking. Inspecting. Body language says they’re trying to piece something together–gesturing at the door, the claw marks on the walls, the old blood. Looks like they’re looking for her.”

I swore under my breath. “Tobias.”

Ryker hesitated. “You want me to do anything?”

“No. Come back.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I said, sharper this time. “Do nothing.”

The silence on the other end stretched before he finally said, “Just seems like a waste to let him sniff

around. We could cut him off now. Let him know she’s not interested.”

“I know,” I muttered. “And that would’ve been my first instinct. But I’ve… learned better lately.”

He paused. “You think he’ll show up here?”

“If he’s not a complete idiot? Yeah. He’ll come.” I turned from the window and stared at the fireplace, flames licking the stone like they had something to prove. “This is rogue country. That cabin is close to our border. If he knew anything about her–truly knew her–he’d think to check with me.”

“And you’re gonna let him?” Ryker asked, disbelief clear in his tone. “Just… roll up to the gates?”

I exhaled slowly. “If he’s truly changed, if he’s actually trying to make things right, then he’ll come the respectful way. If he storms in, we’ll deal with it. But I’m not going to intercept him before she gets a say.”

<CHAPTER 32 – The Line I Won’t Cross

“You trust her to handle it?”

125 Points

“I trust her to choose.” I raked a hand through my hair. “I didn’t before. I thought I was protecting her. ! made choices–heavy ones–because I believed I was the only one who could. But she’s not some delicate thing that needs guarding. She’s not mine to shelter unless she asks to be. She’s not mine at all

unless she wants to be.”

Ryker was quiet again. Then: “You love her.”

It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah,” I said, my voice low. “I do. I never stopped.”

“You’re a better man than me,” he muttered. “If my mate had been taken by someone like him, I’d be sharpening blades.”

“Oh don’t get me wrong,” I said, a bitter smile tugging at my mouth. “If he lays a hand on her or tries to force her back, I’ll put him in the ground. But not before she gets her voice in it. I’ve stolen enough of her

choices.”

The fire cracked, as if in agreement.

“I’ll be back within the hour,” Ryker said.

I ended the call and tossed the phone on the desk. My hand lingered there, palm flat against the old oak,

grounding myself.

This was the line.

I wouldn’t cross it again.

She would decide–on her terms. Not mine. Not his.

And if she chose him?

Then I’d survive it.

But if she chose to stay?

I’d spend the rest of my life proving I was worth that choice.

A couple of hours later, the castle had shifted into its late–afternoon rhythm. Guards changed posts. Fires were stoked. The air carried the faint scent of sweat and steel drifting in from the training grounds.

Right on schedule.

I found myself standing outside her door without fully remembering the walk there.

My knuckles hovered for a second before I knocked.

“Come in,” her voice called from inside.

I opened the door.

< CHAPTER 32 – The Line I Won’t Cross

And promptly forgot how lungs worked.

+25 Points

She stood just inside the room with a towel wrapped around her, dark hair still wet and curling at the ends.

It clung to her shoulders and the curve of her collarbone, a single droplet tracing the line of her throat as it slid down. The towel was hastily secured, the fabric barely holding where her hips flared, making every small movement dangerous in a way she clearly hadn’t intended.

Her eyes widened when she saw me.

“Oh-! I thought you were Sabrina,” she blurted, instinctively grabbing the bottom edge of the towel and yanking it tighter around herself.

I felt it low in my stomach before I could stop it.

Gods.

“I-” I turned away immediately, a little too fast, staring hard at the wall across from me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t

realize. I should have knocked louder.”

“You did knock,” she muttered. “I just… assumed.”

Silence fell, thick and awkward.

“I’ll just-” she said, already backing toward the bathroom. “I’ll be one minute.”

The door clicked shut behind her.

I exhaled slowly and adjusted my stance, forcing my blood back into my head where it belonged. The last thing I needed was my body betraying me like a feral adolescent. I rolled my shoulders once, grounding

myself.

Focus.

A few moments later, the door opened again.

“Okay,” she said softly. “You can turn around now.”

She’d changed into a thick robe, belted tight at the waist, hair draped loosely over one shoulder. Still beautiful. Still devastating. Just… safer.

I turned back, clearing my throat. “Thank you.”

She

gave an awkward half–smile. “So… what brings the king to my humble room this afternoon?”

I hesitated, then decided there was no reason to soften it. “We need to talk.”

Her expression sobered instantly. “About what?”

I took a step farther into the room but stayed near the door, giving her space. “Ever since you came here after the rogue attack, I’ve had scouts checking the area around your old cabin every few days. At first It was just to see if anyone came looking. After I learned what you’d been through… the reason you left… it became about making sure no one followed you.”

< CHAPTER 32 – The Line I Won’t Cross

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