The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty Eight

The next morning came slowly, filtering through the pack hospital in muted shades of gray and gold.

Claim

Diana woke to pain first. Not sharp, not blinding-but deep. The kind that settled into her bones and reminded her of every blow she had taken, every claw that had torn into her skin. Her body felt stiff, heavy, as if gravity itself had doubled overnight. When she tried to move, a quiet hiss slipped past her lips before she could stop it.

She forced herself to breathe. The scent reached her next-strong, earthy, unmistakable. Herbs. Freshly crushed leaves, bitter roots, healing salves layered over the sterile smell of clean linen and stone. That told her where she was even before she opened her eyes.

The pack hospital.

Diana slowly lifted her lashes.

White stone walls greeted her, softened by woven tapestries meant to calm injured wolves. Sunlight streamed in through the narrow window near the ceiling, catching motes of dust that floated lazily in the air. Her body was wrapped in clean bandages, each one snug and warm with healing energy still clinging

to it.

She inhaled again and froze.

There.

That presence strong and teady. Familiar in a way that went deeper than scent or sound.

Talon.

Her head turned slightly, and her heart stuttered.

He was right there.

Seated beside her bed, broad shoulders hunched forward in a posture that looked almost… weary. One of his hands wrapped around hers, large and warm, his thumb resting protectively over her pulse. His head lay against the edge of the mattress, dark hair falling forward as he slept-truly slept, not just resting. The powerful Alpha King looked disarmed like this, vulnerable in a way few would ever witness.

He stayed.

The realization settled into her chest, warm and overwhelming.

Did he… stay the whole night?

Carefully, she reached inward.

‘Artemis?’ Diana called gently through their shared mind. ‘Are you okay?’

The familiar space stirred. She saw her wolf curled within the vastness of their inner world, her silver form resting on a bed of moonlight. Artemis lifted her head slowly, eyes glowing but tired.

‘Yeah, Artemis answered, her voice calm but carrying the weight of exhaustion. A few hours after you

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Clam

passed out, I managed to process the wolfsbane. It was… difficult. It fought me the entire way. But I broke it down and pushed it out of our system.

Diana swallowed, threat tightening. That’s why I can feel you stronger now?’

Yes, Artemis confirmed. Once the poison was gone, I could finally focus on healing you properly. Your body responded fast-faster than it should have.

Diana knew why.

‘And yes, Artemis continued, a hint of warmth entering her tone, ‘our mate stayed. He never left us. Not

even once.

Something inside Diana eased completely at that. She glanced back at Talon, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest, the faint crease between his brows even in sleep.

六

We were lucky, Diana said quietly. Without the bond, he wouldn’t have known. If we had waited for pack patrols…. even if I called for help…

They wouldn’t have made it in time,’ Artemis finished. ‘You know that.’

Dlana nodded faintly.

‘Our mate is strong,’ Artemis said, pride threading her words. ‘And fast. He crossed territory like a storm. He reached us when we needed him most.’

A pause.

‘And once he had us,’ Artemis added softly, he refused to let go.”

Emotion welled up, unexpected and fierce. Diana shifted her hand just enough to brush her fingers through Talon’s hair. The strands were soft beneath her touch, cool where moonlight lingered in their color.

Talon stirred.

The sensation-the touch-felt like something out of a dream. Warm. Gentle. Real in a way his mind struggled to process after a sleepless night spent hovering between vigilance and fear.

Am I imagining this? he thought dimly.

Inside his mind, Fenrir exploded.

Wake up!’ his wolf roared. ‘Our mate is awake! How long are you planning to sleep?’

Talon jolted upright with a sharp inhale. His eyes snapped open and locked onto Diana’s.

She was watching him.

Awake. Alive. Looking at him with clarity instead of pain-hazed confusion.

“Diana,” he breathed, instantly reaching for her face. His palm cupped her cheek with reverent care, as if she might vanish if he touched too hard. “You’re awake.”

1 am,” she said softly.

24

Chapter Twenty Eight

Relicf hit him like a physical force. His shoulders sagged, forehead resting briefly against hers as he exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding for hours.

“How are you?” he asked, his voice low, controlled only by sheer will.

“Much better,” Diana replied honestly. “Sore. But healing. Thank you… for coming to me.”

His gaze darkened-not with anger, but with emotion so intense it bordered on pain.

“I will always come to you, my mate,” Talon said firmly. “Always. But there will never be a next time like

this.”

She frowned faintly.

“And never make me feel that helpless again,” he continued, voice roughening. “I thought I lost you.”

“I am strong,” Diana met his eyes steadily. “I won’t be killed so easily.”

Clam

“I know,” Talon said. “I saw how you fought. I saw your strength. But there were too many rogues. Even the strongest wolf can be overwhelmed.”

Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken truths.

“What happened to the rogues?” Diana frowned slightly. “How did they even enter the pack? I didn’t hear an alarm. They were just… there. Outside my cabin.”

“There was no alarm,” Talon’s jaw tightened, and he said flatly. “Alpha Asher didn’t know about the attack at all. He was only informed after Fenrir and I came running to you.”

Her eyes widened.

“This pack has a traitor,” Talon continued honestly. “And you were the target.”

A chill crept up her spine. “Did you find out who it is?”

“Not yet,” Talon replied. “But we captured a few rogues alive. They were meant to be interrogated.”

Before she could respond, a knock sounded at the door.

A man she hadn’t met stepped inside-tall, sharp-eyed, his presence calm but alert.

“Alpha King. Luna Queen,” he greeted respectfully. “I’m glad to see you awake.”

“Diana,” Talon said, eyes never leaving her as he spoke, “this is Enzo. My beta.”

She inclined her head slightly.

“Is there a problem?” Talon asked, already sensing the answer.

“Yes,” Enzo said grimly. “The rogues we captured… were executed.”

Diana’s breath caught.

“What?” she asked. “How is that possible? Weren’t they being watched?”

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