The wound was already healing, the supernatural biology of his wolf form working to close the injury, but slowly. The fact that it wasn't healing faster meant it was deeper than normal, meant it had been inflicted by something supernatural with enough power to slow his natural healing.
"What happened?" Maya demanded, moving to his side immediately.
"Rogue wolf," Kai said, his voice carrying the strain of pain he was clearly trying to hide. "From the southern territories. Didn't realize it was pack land, got territorial, things escalated."
"You could have been killed," Maya said, the words coming out more sharply than she intended.
"But I wasn't," Kai said, trying to sound reassuring and mostly failing. "I'm fine. Just need time to heal."
Maya looked at the gash...still open, still bleeding slightly, still angry and inflamed despite his body's attempts at healing. He wasn't fine. He was hurt and trying to hide it, trying to be the strong wolf who didn't need anyone's help.
