I took three giant steps back, creating a big space between us. No one was nearby to help me, but if he meant harm, why did he bother saving me in the first place? Is he like a secret agent with sharp nails for cool missions? He could have easily swiped at my neck, ending everything right there. I bet he wasn't expecting to see anyone so close to the roof. A series of thoughts came into my head as I tried to pick out the one to tell him. It was a grand house, and I felt a little sneaky that was all. I owed him no explanation, especially since I had no idea who he was.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice soft and curious. "Did an enemy send you to kill me?"


His eyes widened, and he stammered. He seemed genuinely taken aback by my sudden questioning. "No, no! I am Amos Cod. I am just going around the pack house. This isn't a restricted place..." He trailed off after seeing my expression, which I sure wasn't welcoming. "Is it?"

I scoffed, not believing his words. What the hell is he talking about? There were guards everywhere! How could he have walked up to this chamber without fear of being stopped? I cleared my throat. He also seemed to be very good at changing the topic about him to be all about me.

"My father told me about the war outside. You shouldn't be here."


He tilted his head, pondering my words. "War? But I thought castles were safe. Why is there war outside?" Amos asked. Then he paused as realization crossed his confused features. "Oh, the war? There is a war, but you are safe. Your father must want you to be safe if he told you that. Maybe the pack is facing challenges, so..."

It was my turn to be confused. Then I gasped with wide-eyed innocence. He could be it!


"Are you part of the guards?"

Amos grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, Princess, I might not be a part of the pack workforce, but I've got something better—the power to make your wishes come true."

Yeah, he connected the dots quickly. I tilted my head, intrigued. "Really? Like a witch?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you a witch? How did you slip past the guards downstairs?"

He winked, "I am even better than a witch. I am Amos, and I can grant you what you want. I even know what you want, but I won't tell you until you tell me. Just help me out here what's the one thing your heart desires the most?"

I pondered, my eyes wide with curiosity. He seemed interesting and definitely interested in me. His dark eyes were certainly glittering with mischief. He knew what he was doing, but I wanted to humor him. Xoxo also wanted me to play along. What was the harm in doing so?

"Isn't your journey outside these walls more important than chatting with a stranger?"

"He seems harmless."

Xoxo wasn't impressed. I knew her. She was pretending again. "In other words, charming?" Her voice was biting and sarcastic.

"Can you make me as free as a bird?" I blurted out, ignoring my wolf's words. If I continued to engage her, she would take me away from this man. I could tell she was just as smitten with him as I was with him. The way he carried himself was elegant and simple. He wasn't like the other royalties or dignitaries who joined us for dinner.

I held my breath when he suddenly leaned closer to me. His voice was filled with charm, and his breath fanned my nose. That was how close he was to me. Funny, he didn't even step away from where he was. He was tall, too. Good.

"Absolutely, Princess…"

I froze. He has been calling me a princess, but I never told him I was a princess.

"How do you know I am a princess?" I didn't give anything away."

He smiled, probably to hide his uneasiness. "You look like a princess. You are at the top of the pack house your room is the only door to the right you are still in your pajamas. Should I say more?"

I swallowed. "No. Go on with the other thing about making my wishes come true."

"Better." He straightened himself. "We have unlimited time because I also heard your maid call out to you. I want you to imagine yourself running across a log, feeling the wind in your fur. Free as a wolf can be."

The image was already formed in my head, and I wasn't talking about the fake scenery my father created just to make me feel better about a lot of things. I smiled, enchanted by the imagery. "How can you do that?"

Amos chuckled. "Ah, that's my little secret, Princess. But trust me, when you're with me, anything is possible."

I couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure?"

He nodded confidently, giving me more of his smile. They tugged at my heart strings. They made me smile better than I have in years. It was the first time someone like this would make me abandon my plan to leave the pack house.

"Positive. I am not just your average friend."

I felt a sense of awe, almost forgetting to be skeptical. "But how do I know you can really do it?" I glanced around at the obvious. "What if I am really a princess?" I was taunting him, and he knew it. He was a sly wolf, and I wasn't complaining.

Amos grinned as if in agreement with whatever I was saying. "Because, Princess, if you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it. And I'm here to be your ally in that conspiracy."

I blinked, taking in his words. "You're smart, Amos." I paused. "Have you ever been in this situation? You seem to know a lot."