Chapter 182

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182
Third Person’s POV
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At the inn that night, Cedric wrote down why he was wary of Lance–tall and fierce werewolves like him would whip people, kick them, lift them like chicks, then throw them into a tub and hold their heads under water until they couldn’t breathe, before pulling them out.
Adelaide read every word, gaining a clearer picture of what Cedric had endured. Her heart ached.
After Cedric fell asleep, she showed the note to Lance.
Lance felt a mix of emotions.
Did he resemble those who hurt Cedric?
Perhaps. Years on the battlefield had inevitably hardened him.
“In the battlefield…” Lance’s cedar pheromones suddenly carried a sulfurous tang, and the hardened scales under his shoulder plates grew sharp with guilt.
Adelaide’s wolf howled mournfully in her mind, recalling how her father had clutched battle reports, silver–blue blood seeping from his fingers onto the map.
He sighed slowly and said, “We’ll take it slow. I’ll try to be gentle and smile more.”
Both Cedric’s physical wounds and emotional scars would heal in time.
“This journey must have been tough for you,” Adelaide said, her gratitude for Lance far beyond a simple “thank you.”
There was something she had to clarify with him.
Adelaide’s wolf shook off in her mind, cedar pheromones beginning to disperse.
The bronze candlestick’s flame crackled, brightening the room and illuminating her gaunt cheeks and pale lips.
Adelaide spoke softly, “Given Cedric’s state, he won’t be able to leave my side for at least two or three years. If we’re still proceeding with our mating bond, I’ll have to bring him with me to the Blackthorn Pack. I can’t leave him alone at the Frostfang Pack.”
Lance’s handsome face remained composed, his deep eyes reflecting the lamplight.
“Our plans are still on. I agree we can’t leave him at the Frostfang Pack. He must come with us and stay close.”
“We need to help him detox, treat his leg, and let him recover gradually. Then he can continue his studies, find his wolf, watch his first shift, or simply stay with us.”
“I’ll treat him like my own child.”
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His words eased Adelaide’s long–held concerns.
Reflecting on everything, she knew Lance’s intentions were genuine.
It seemed that even without love, they could respect each other as future mates.
However, they needed to find a way for Cedric to accept Lance, at least to lower his guard.
Otherwise, living under the same roof would be difficult.
Lance, a Lycan of high status, would surely grow disheartened if Cedric’s hostility persisted, especially with Priscilla also residing in the Blackthorn Pack.
In truth, postponing the mating ceremony would be better, but Lycan Erasmus’s command left no room for that.
Entering the palace was out of the question.
Once inside, not only would she struggle to care for Cedric, but even seeing him would be a challenge.
Seeing Adelaide’s worry, Lance said, “Don’t trouble yourself with anything else. Prioritize Cedric. And don’t fret over how the Blackthorn Pack will treat him. With me here, no one will dare bully him.”
Adelaide looked at him, touched. “Thank you, Alpha Lance,” she said.
Lance smiled. “You’re always thanking me. If it bothers you, it bothers me too. Rest now. We have an early start tomorrow.”
“Alright. I’ll head back. If Cedric wakes up and can’t find me, he’ll panic,” Adelaide said, rising and bowing before leaving.
Lance stayed up, sitting cross–legged on the bed as he contemplated how to ease Cedric’s distrust.
Cedric had been visibly afraid of him these past few days.
Whenever they stepped down from the carriage, Cedric would hide behind Adelaide, avoiding eye
contact.
If Lance took a step closer, Cedric would tense up.
Glancing at the note on the table, Lance’s eyes briefly hardened.
If those villains tried to flee, he’d pursue them to the ends of the earth to avenge Cedric and the other harmed children.
The next day, he made an effort to be kind to Cedric, even forcing a smile now and then.
But for some reason, his smiles only frightened Cedric more.
After two days of this, Lance realized his approach wasn’t working.
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He shifted strategies, focusing his attention on Adelaide instead–checking on her, showing concern, being considerate.
Adelaide was initially puzzled by his sudden tenderness but soon caught on.
She began to reciprocate his kindness.
Since Cedric relied on Adelaide the most, he might feel safer if Lance treated her well.
However, after two days of this dynamic, not only did Cedric’s wariness toward Lance remain, but a hint of hostility emerged.
This was perplexing!