Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Gideon's POV +25 BONUS I knocked once before entering . The scent of blood hit me first - not as fresh as it had once been , but still sharp enough to turn my instincts alert . Raven was hunched over on the small sofa , clutching the hem of her shirt , clearly caught off guard . As soon as she saw me , she screamed , trying to cover herself with her ruined shirt like I was an intruder instead of someone who just wanted to help . " Easy , " I said , holding up the small jar in my hand . " It's medicine . " Her eyes narrowed . " You could've sent someone .

You said you were going to send someone. " " And have them botch the job ? " I stepped closer , slowly , making sure my presence didn't come across as a threat . I could feel the ripple of tension in the room , hear the subtle shift in her breathing . " I figured you wouldn't want anyone else seeing that wound anyway . " "I can manage , " she said flatly . " I'll call a maid . " I raised an eyebrow . " To do what ? Stand three feet away while you wince and strain trying to reach your back ? " She didn't answer .

Just stared at me like I was trying to pry open something I had no right to touch . " I'll be quick , " I said . " Just let me apply it and wrap it . No one else has to know . " There was a long silence . I could hear the faint ticking of the clock on the wall , the hum of wind brushing against the windowpane . Finally , she gave a reluctant nod , turning so her back faced me . She pulled her shirt away again , slower this time , revealing the gash that ran along her back . It was angry and red , partially scabbed but still fresh enough to need attention .

I dipped two fingers into the ointment and began applying it gently . Her skin was hot under my touch , tense but not trembling . To my surprise , her wolf responded - not with resistance , but calm . The aggressive aura that usually clung to her like armor eased , if only slightly . " You've got good healing , " I murmured . " Shouldn't scar if you take care of it . " She didn't answer . Still , I noticed the way her breathing slowed . The tension in her shoulders lessened , just a little . Her wolf trusted me ... even if she didn't . I couldn't help it .

Something about being this close to her stirred something I couldn't place . A memory buried deep , clawing its way up like it was trying to be remembered . My hand paused for a fraction too long , and without thinking , I reached up - toward her mask . The moment my fingers neared it , she jerked away , pulling her away from me and spinning like I'd tried to strike her . Chapter 26 +25 BONUS " Don't , " she snapped . Her eyes were wild , irises glowing with fury . " I wasn't going to take it off , " I said quickly , backing a step away . " I just ... I'm sorry . That was out of line .

" She stood , gathering her coat in stiff , deliberate motions . " I don't need your apologies . Or your pity . " My brow furrowed . " Pity ? I wasn't- " " You were , " she cut in , voice sharp . " From the moment we met . That's why you treat me better than your own future Luna , right ? " Her tone was ice , colder than it had been even when I first brought her into the pack . She looked at me like I was a stranger , maybe even something worse. I stepped forward . "Why do you hate me so much ? " She paused , her hand on the doorframe , spine rigid . " I don't hate you , " she said .

" I just don't trust you . " " Because of what you said earlier ? About the rogues ? " She turned halfway , her mask catching the light . " They weren't like the ones we used to fight in Ivan's territory . These moved with purpose . Coordination . Almost like ... they were sent . " " Sent ? " I repeated , voice low . " You think they were ordered ? " Today's Bonus Offer GET IT NOW X Chapter 27