Chapter 27
King Jovian took a step back, and the anger melted from his face. What?
“You heard me, but I can say it out loud if that will help you understand.” Raffe’s neck corded. “Last Saturday, when the football team played an hour away, at least one coven member created a barrier, tricked Lucy and Skylar into thinking someone needed help, and cut Skylar off from the rest of us. Then, three Eastern wolves attacked her—wolves that Aldric picked up earlier that day.”
My blood jolted in tune with how my pulse quickened. Raffe, I thought we wouldn’t accuse him of anything until we had proof. Even though I hadn’t expected this conversation to go well, I hadn’t been prepared to confront him.
He was threatening us, and I won’t stand here and fucking take it, Raffe replied, edging forward so he stood between King Jovian and me.
I had no clue about any attack. King Jovian shook his head. The wolves Aldric picked up were the Atlanta alpha and four members of his pack. They came to discuss your betrothal to his daughter. I had to tell him it wasn’t an option after all, and let’s just say it didn’t end well. I’ll handle them. His eyes hardened and focused on me. We need to discuss a more pressing matter. How is it that Skylar smells like a wolf and has made it seem like you two have a completely formed bond? She shouldn’t be able to pack-link, yet she is. The rumor of my son mating with a human has already begun circulating due to your brazenness, and having anyone learn that a human can link with us and form a completed bond is dangerous. What sort of magic are you using? Are you trying to ruin our family name?
My mouth went dry, and my blood pumped, edging into a fizz. He truly thought the worst of me, and I had no clue what I’d done to warrant it. Raffe’s hands fisted, but I didn’t want him interjecting on my behalf, so I snapped, “I’m not ruining anything.” I didn’t bother to pack-link. I wanted him to hear my tone.
He chuckled darkly. “All the evidence says otherwise. You’re human, and it was bad enough that Raffe claimed you—now you’re trying to fool us into thinking you’re a wolf. That’s impossible. No one will believe it.”
“You better back off,” Raffe growled and pointed at him. “She’s my mate, and no one talks to her like that, especially someone who tried to have her murdered.”
“I never gave any such order.” The king’s eyes glowed, his wolf edging forward. “And what you two are doing is risky, not only to shifters but to all supernaturals.”
Raffe crossed his arms and sneered. “You don’t give the orders. I know how it works. Plausible deniability.”
I understood Raffe wanted to push the topic, but unless we addressed his father’s accusation, he’d keep pivoting back to me. Only one thing could end this argument once and for all.
I marched toward a gigantic fir surrounded by thick bushes.
Dammit, Sky. What are you doing? I told you to stay beside me! Raffe’s anger swirled through my chest, but I could also feel his hesitation.
Addressing your father’s accusation. I reached the tree and stepped behind it.
“What’s wrong, son?” King Jovian asked smugly. Your mate suddenly doesn’t want to face the consequences of using magic like that?
She’s not running anywhere, Raffe replied equally smugly.
I removed my clothes, the chill in the air returning now that the sun was about to set. It’d been warmer than normal, thanks to the partially sunny day, but with the wolf-shifter magic running through me, I didn’t get as cold as I used to.
Once I was naked, I stood, ready to shift.
Nothinghappened.
A knot formed in my stomach. Why wasn’t I shifting?
“Raffe, what are you two up to?” King Jovian asked, sounding tired.
What’s wrong? Raffe asked.
Clearly, I’d jumped the gun. Uh, it’s not happening.My heart clenched. What if something was wrong with me? Maybe King Jovian was right.
The breeze kicked up, reminding me that I was naked near campus. Keith and Adam would be close by at any second, and Raffe would kill them if they stumbled upon me.
“She’s shifting to show you she can.” Raffe’s voice sounded clipped. Tug on where you feel your wolf’s magic and let her know you want her to shift. She’ll understand you.
King Jovian snorted. “I can’t wait to see how she pulls this off.”
I felt the same way. The whole point was to prove him wrong, but I feared I’d been misguided. I didn’t have to ask or tug her the first time I shifted. I knew I should’ve practiced shifting before now, but between the attack, Raffe’s football schedule, and the makeup work from the classes I’d missed, we hadn’t been able to get away.
Because you were under attack. She took over. This time, she doesn’t feel imminent danger.
I wasn’t so sure about that, but I kept my smart mouth shut. I closed my eyes, feeling foolish but needing to focus. I searched for the spot in my chest where the magic flared whenever my wolf became excited about something. That was when I noticed a ball of warmth next to the spot where Raffe’s emotions stayed.
Unsure what he’d meant by tug it, I imagined yanking at the warmth in my chest. Thankfully, my wolf responded, and the magic became thicker as if she’d been asleep. Unsure what to say, I stated the obvious. I’d like to shift … please.
Just like that, she responded. Magic soared through my body and brushed my mind. My skin tingled, and I glanced at my arms to see black fur sprouting. Okay, it’s happening.
Keith popped into our link. The cavalry has arrived. We’re coming up on you now.
Stay fucking back for a second, Raffe replied. Sky’s shifting, and you better not see her naked.
My back broke just like last time, and King Jovian asked, “How long is this going to take?”
“Give her a second,” Raffe bit. “She’s only shifted once before, and it was during the attack.”
As my body contorted into animal form, I gritted my teeth. The shift still didn’t feel natural or comfortable. After what was only seconds but felt like minutes, I connected, I’m in animal form. All is well. Even though King Jovian was out there in less-than-ideal circumstances, being in full wolf form felt nice.
“You can see for yourself.” Raffe sounded assured.
“Oh, I can’t wait. I heard your friends approaching just before this happened. You do realize I’ll know it’s not her when whoever it is comes out.”
When I trotted from behind the tree, King Jovian’s smug grin fell. He walked toward me, but Raffe grabbed his arm, stopping him.
“Stay right here. I don’t trust you near her,” Raffe snarled.
King Jovian scowled. “This can’t be real. I need to get closer to her. This has to be an illusion.”
Not wanting to give him a reason to say we’d manipulated him, I trotted to him, my blood fizzing. The power within it wasn’t funneling into the ground yet, so I hoped like hell that meant I wasn’t calling the forest animals to me. If King Jovian had a hard time grasping that I’d shifted, I didn’t need him freaking out even more over a horde of animals rushing to me.
The closer I stepped toward him, the wider King Jovian’s eyes became.
When I was ten feet away, Raffe linked, Don’t come any closer. I don’t trust him. He hadn’t taken his gaze off his father.
Humans can’t be turned.King Jovian sniffed, trying like hell to find proof that I wasn’t real. Something is very wrong with her.
Pain sucker punched me. Once again, I stood before someone who thought I was abnormal and didn’t fit in. Even as a true supernatural, people wouldn’t accept me as one of their own.
Nothing is wrong with her. Raffe bared his teeth. She’s a wolf shifter, so you have no reason to have her killed.
King Jovian winced. Son, this isn’t natural. Nothing about her is natural.
The rejection I’d felt all my life swirled throughout me, and my blood hummed. Raffe, my power. It churned inside me like when I’d called the animals. I need you. I froze as fear weighed down my legs.
Something like awe spiraled into me as Raffe stepped to my side. He linked, I can feel it coming off you through our bond and sense how it unsettles you.
He threaded his fingers through the fur on the back of my neck, our bond buzzing and easing the hum. My lungs expanded more easily.
“Your mother wanted me to come here and make things better between the three of us, but do you know the impact she could have?” King Jovian lifted his hands. “Son, you’ve got to put your people first—”
“If you and the pack won’t accept my mate, then I don’t need any of you.” Raffe’s face twisted in disgust. “She’s the best person I’ve ever met with the kindest heart, despite people like us treating her like shit and fearing her. But not me. Not anymore. She’s my fated mate, my claimed mate, and the woman I’ll die protecting from you or whoever you send our way.”
King Jovian rubbed a hand over his face, and he pried his focus away from me to his son. “Raffe, you’re my only heir. I need you to see things for what they are. Your mother and I were chosen mates, and we’re happy.”
I snarled, my wolf surging forward. I wanted to rip out his father’s throat at the mere mention of Raffe with someone else.
“And that confirms everything.” Raffe sneered and linked to me, Keith, Adam, Josie, and Lucy, Sky, Shift back to human form while I handle my father. I don’t want to risk us getting separated. I want to get out of the woods in case a witch is on standby to harm you. The rest of you, keep a lookout for anything strange. If Sky gets hurt, you’ll all have hell to pay.
I hated to leave his side, but there was no point in talking with his father. He wouldn’t accept me, just like my dad probably would never fully accept Raffe. I trotted back behind the tree.
“You did hint for Aldric to place a hit on her, didn’t you?” Raffe pushed.
After a moment of silence, his dad sighed. “I … I don’t know if he misunderstood me. Either way, Skylar may be the best person in the world, but she’s not fit to be queen. She wasn’t raised our way, and—”
“We’ve claimed each other, and even if we hadn’t, it wouldn’t change a damn thing.” Raffe’s determination and resentment strengthened.
The sensations radiating from him were just as strong as his wolf power, stealing my breath. My blood activated again, but I pushed away my concern, needing to get back into human form. Using what Raffe had suggested earlier, I tugged at my mind and asked my wolf to retreat. Just like before, she listened. The transition eased my blood, and my body shifted back into human form.
“If you want me to remain your heir and part of the pack, it will be with Skylar at my side. There’s no room for negotiation. This isn’t a business decision or a strategy on my end. It’s simple. She’s my entire fucking world, whether you like it or not. When I said I’d leave the pack, I meant it, and if one hair on her head or strand of fur on her wolf gets injured due to your influence, accidental or not, I won’t be your son anymore. I’ll be your enemy.”
Butterflies took flight within me, and I hurried back into my clothes and shoes. The magnitude of his love astounded me, but I also didn’t want him to give up his future over me. My blood returned to a hum, and I needed Raffe’s calming touch.
“Is this how you want things to be between us?” his dad whispered.
When I rejoined them, King Jovian’s shoulders were hunched, and he didn’t look like the commanding man I’d come to know.
Raffe didn’t pause, coming to my side and taking my hand in his. His jaw worked as he linked, No, it’s not. But you’re not willing to listen to your own son. With that, Raffe and I turned and headed toward the apartments where we’d be visible to humans.
I’m sorry, I linked, letting my remorse flow toward him. I wish our relationship wasn’t the cause of the rift between you and your dad.
He smiled sadly. Like I am with your parents.
True.
Still, that didn’t mean either one of us had to like it. I stepped closer to him, letting our sides touch, and replied, But you have to give up your future.
No, I don’t. You’re my future and the only one I care about. Raffe kissed the back of my hand. Sure, I’d love to lead the shifters, but there’s no way in hell I’d do it without you by my side. I’d rather be poor and work hard every day for the rest of my life, as long as we’re together.
Even though it should have been impossible after our day, I laughed. Spoken like a rich kid whos never had to struggle.
We’re spreading out and staying in the woods to keep an eye on things, Adam replied. If we see anything strange, we’ll let you know.
Uncle Jovian is heading back toward the student center, Lucy added. I’m surprised he didn’t try to alpha-will you.
Oh, he did back in Seattle. I was able to fight it. Raffe grimaced. He knew better than to try again, especially with Sky’s and my completed bond.
We stepped out of the woods, the lights of campus on for the night.
I hoped that being a shifter would make things better. That was why I’d wanted to show him after all.
Me too, but I’m not shocked. Raffe released me and wrapped an arm around my waist. He said, “Dad’s old school, and he doesn’t like women who are stronger than him. And that’s exactly what you are.”
I rolled my eyes. “More like I’m someone who might implode and take the world out with her.”
“As long as I go with you.” He scrunched up his nose and smiled. “That’s all that matters to me.”
“Stop.” I stuck out my tongue. “This world needs you in it.” The apartments were fifty feet away, and my footsteps quickened. We needed to get inside before something else happened. We’d dealt with enough drama.
No, Josie linked, sounding scared. Guys, I need you here now. Her tone turned frantic. I’m farther back, but I can hear Dave, and he’s in pain. I can smell his blood.
Dave.
The vampire who’d drugged me. He could give us answers.
Releasing me, Raffe gestured toward the apartments. “Go. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Like hell I will!” I didn’t pause; I just ran toward the woods.
Dammit, Sky, Raffe linked, his frustration slamming into me. This is what happened last time when you got separated and hurt!
I’m a strong woman, remember? I tossed his words back at him.
We kept pace with each other, and he groaned. Stay close to me, and let me stay in front, so if we meet a barrier, you won’t run through it.
That’s no problem. I didn’t want to get into a situation like that again either.
A broken howl rang through the woods.
Josie.
I pushed myself harder, keeping pace behind Raffe.
He faltered, and my gaze shot in the direction he was facing.
My heart lodged in my throat.
Dave lay on the ground, his face paler than ever, while a woman I’d never seen before was stabbing a dagger into his chest.
No! We needed answers only Dave would know. Raffe, please tell me we aren’t too late.