The Cursed Wolf’s Love

Adolphus rested his chin on Iris’ shoulder, his voice soft as he inquired, “I can’t fathom what could possibly threaten me to make you so fearful. This isn’t a safe place, and I’m here with you because of the torrential downpour.” He explained his presence amid the grim surroundings.

Iris, her concern evident, questioned, “What will be the consequences for those men?”

“They brought it upon themselves,” Adolphus replied calmly. “Consider it a lenient punishment from me.”

Stepping away from her, he observed her soaked attire, perplexed. “How did you end up getting wet?” he asked, his confusion evident in his gaze.

“I closed the window at the corridor’s far end,” Iris explained.

Adolphus shook his head gently, “It wasn’t your work, dear.”

Iris was shocked to hear such an affectionate word from Adolphus’ mouth for her.

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. He motioned for Iris to move towards the bed while he answered it. The owner of the rest house greeted Adolphus with a bow before they stepped outside, Adolphus closing the door behind him.

“Dispose of those two and prepare a brazier,” Adolphus instructed the owner. “The room is growing chilly, and I doubt the rain will cease tonight.”

The owner nodded respectfully and said, “I apologize for not being able to provide better services. I will arrange for the brazier shortly.”

Adolphus acknowledged with a hum and returned to the room, noticing that the rest house employees had already removed the bodies downstairs. As he reentered the room, the owner went about preparing the brazier.

“I seem to keep causing problems for my Master,” Iris admitted, her gaze cast downward.

“You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s the fault of those despicable individuals who looked at you with ill intentions,” Adolphus declared, his protective instincts evident.

Iris fell silent for a moment before asking a surprising question, “Why hasn’t Master Adolphus found his mate?” Her curiosity about his mate made the Crown Prince raise an amused eyebrow.

“Why this sudden curiosity?” he inquired.

Iris hesitated briefly before responding, “I was just wondering.”

“Have I not shared this with you before?” Adolphus inquired.

“I’m afraid I don’t recall, Master,” Iris confessed.

“It’s the result of a curse,” Adolphus explained. “How could you forget? I informed you about it. I battled a formidable witch, and that’s how it transpired,” he recounted.

“Then, what steps should Master Adolphus take? He must discover a means to break this curse,” Iris suggested.

“Iris, there seems to be no way to break this curse,” Adolphus lamented. “I’ve made every effort to rid myself of it. As the Crown Prince, I should have been wed by now. Yet, due to this curse, I can’t even sense my mate,” he explained with a heavy heart.

Iris felt a pang of sympathy for her master. She knew he longed to be like other werewolves.

“Iris, there’s something peculiar happening when you’re near me,” Adolphus confessed, unable to keep it to himself. “I feel drawn to you,” he admitted, his vulnerability evident in his words.

Iris peered at him, her eyes grew wide to hear those words and for a moment, she ceased to blink. As she lowered her eyes, she whispered, “It is common to feel attraction toward a woman for a man. There’s nothing strange in that.”

Adolphus ended up chuckling. “I never felt attracted to anyone, Iris. Werewolves possess pheromones, making us feel more sexually enhanced than humans. It’s the curse that forbids me, but with you, it feels the curse has no impact. That’s why I want us to be something more,” he elaborated.

Iris hummed and said, “Master, I’m a human and I’m a servant. I cannot give you what you desire for. I’m sure my Master will find a woman better than me.”

Adolphus frowned to hear her words. “Iris, why do you devalue yourself? You are a noble’s daughter. You became a slave of your choice and then I turned you into my personal attendant because of my choice,” he affirmed.

Something strange happened in Iris’s heart. The Crown Prince of the nation had his set on hers. He would always make her feel stronger.

“I can free you if you want,” Adolphus said, “and I can even give you a place to live.”

Iris shook her head. “I want to be my master’s side. I’ve said this before too. I’ll serve him all my life,” she proclaimed.

“I want more from you. I want you, Iris,” Adolphus truthfully said. “It is not control myself whenever we are alone. I don’t see you as a mere servant, but as a person who knows me behind closed doors. Will you allow me to claim you fully?” he asked.

Iris was left puzzled by his sudden demand. It was a tough decision to make from her side.

“I need time, Master,” Iris said.

“Sure. You can have as much as time you want, but let me shower my feelings on you whenever I feel I should,” Adolphus stated.

Iris hummed in response. She allowed Adolphus to do what he felt was right with her. She gulped thinking if she did right by agreeing to that.

The knock on the door again lost their attention from each other. Adolphus opened the door and the rest house owner informed him about the brazier he brought.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Give it to me,” Adolphus said and took it from the owner. He shut the door and placed the brazier at the center of the room, thus bringing warmth to the room.

Iris wanted to feel the heat from close, so she left the bed and went to the brazier. Sitting on her knees, she placed her hands above the brazier, feeling the heat from it.

“Wear your sandals,” Adolphus said.

“I’m fine, Master,” Iris stated and thanked him for arranging that for her.

Adolphus’s gaze fixated on the exposed nape of Iris, a curious expression knitting his brows together. Without hesitation, he gracefully knelt before her, one knee touching the floor, while his hand hovered above the other. His fingers delicately traced the unfamiliar mark on her nape.

“What happened?” Iris inquired, her voice filled with curiosity.

Adolphus momentarily forgot about the mark, captivated by the depth of her eyes. Unable to resist the pull any longer, he drew her closer, and their lips met in a tender and unexpected kiss, causing her eyes to widen with surprise and intrigue.