Chapter 7
My mate released a ruthless snarl I’d never heard before, and I feared what it meant.
“What do you mean it’s not my home anymore?” Raffe’s nostrils flared, his mouth set in a firm line.
Every inch of me wanted to step closer to him, but I kept my feet firmly planted. Standing beside him would make it all worse. They needed to see him, their future leader and alpha, not me.
Aldric flicked his attention to me then back at Raffe. “Son, you chose a human—”
My patience snapped, and I stepped up beside Raffe anyway, allowing my wolf to surge forward. I rasped, “I’m not human anymore, so that’s not a valid complaint.”
Pride surged through our connection, catching me off guard. I’d thought Raffe would be annoyed with me for speaking up since he was the alpha heir, but the opposite was true.
“That’s impossible.” Aldric’s forehead creased, and he leaned toward me and took a huge sniff. “That … that has to be from the partial mate bond.”
“It’s completed now because she’s a wolf,” Raffe said and moved so Aldric could get a strong whiff of him as well. “Our scents are combined in both of us.”
“What is this sorcery?” The older man’s eyes bulged. “She must be a witch. Someone we can’t trust. This goes against nature.”
Raffe’s jaw clenched.
Despite holding my tongue my entire life, I couldn’t anymore. I was tired of people disregarding me and pushing me aside. “Even if that were the case, I was still human first. Either way, I’m supernatural now, whether you like it or not.”
“Wolf shifters can’t be turned.” A man with ash-blond hair crossed his arms. He appeared to be in his fifties, slightly older than the king and Aldric. “Because inevitably, some weak fool”— he paused, glaring at Raffe—“falls in love with a human and hopes he can change her so they can be accepted by the pack. But that’s not how it works.”
“Yet, she’s proof that it did.” Raffe gestured at Aldric. “You met her before the bond was complete, and you could tell she was human.”
“The rest of us can vouch for it as well.” Adam moved forward, flanking my left side. “And she’s not a witch. She’s never smelled like one.”
“Son, be quiet.” A man with light-brown skin and curly dark hair broke in front. “You don’t need to remain loyal to someone unfit to lead, especially when the king has ordered that his son may not return here. Even the king has turned his back on Prince Raffe.”
The sharp slice of pain that came from Raffe stole my breath. Even though Raffe had said that if being cast out was what it took for us to be together, so be it, hearing that his dad had actually come to that decision hit hard, especially when the news had come from someone else. His dad should have informed Raffe himself.
“Not only has he decided to mate with her, but he had you bring a human and a vampire to our pack home.” Adam’s dad’s expression twisted in disgust. “Someone so reckless can’t take over the alpha position and lead us.”
Between his words and Raffe’s pain, I couldn’t take any more. “You mean someone who isn’t bigoted and who can see things beyond the wolf shifters’ point of view? Because, let me tell you, narrow-minded people actually hinder progress and alienate anyone different from themselves. True strength and courage are in seeing the world from other perspectives because not all things are right or wrong. There’s a shit ton of in-between.”
“This is exactly what they’re referring to.” A man with bronze skin scoffed. “You have no respect for tradition and supernatural law. I’m just glad my son, Adam, Josie, and Lucy can now be free of Raffe’s recklessness.”
A lump formed in my throat. I hadn’t considered it could be just Raffe and me when this was all done. My heart ached at the thought of not having Adam, Keith, Josie, and Lucy around. And lumping Keith in with the rest of them made me question my sanity. But Raffe and I could get through anything, even as a pack of two, as long as we were together.
I couldn’t gloss over what Keith’s dad had accused me of. “I do respect tradition and laws, as long as they make sense. There’s value in all of that, and even in past mistakes. But standing between fated mates … there’s no justification in the world for that.”
“I agree.” Keith stepped forward, dragging Octavia along slightly behind him. “Dad, they love each other. Believe me, I was against it before, but if you just—”
“No! Stop right there.” Keith’s dad’s eyes darkened to onyx. “You will not get more involved in this mess than you already are. This ends now.”
“That’s something I can agree with.” Raffe arched a brow, and his gaze settled on Aldric. “Should I link with my father, or do you want to inform him that I’m here to speak with him?”
“Your father isn’t here. He’s in Atlanta delivering this unfortunate news.” Aldric clasped his hands together. “That’s why I’m here, delivering this news since your mother went with him. He doesn’t want to be interrupted unless it’s a life-or-death emergency, which this isn’t.”
I snorted. A person could call it life or death. “What do you consider a situation where we show up with a human, a very injured vampire, and Josie at half strength?”
“An unfortunate inconvenience.” Aldric’s expression softened as he glanced at his daughter. “One I’m looking forward to hearing explained.”
I had no doubt he didn’t want to hear it, but I wouldn’t contradict him.
As if reading my mind, Josie and Dave flinched, and Josie leaned away from Dave, biting her bottom lip.
You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, I linked with her, wanting her to know she had my support. Other than the almost-dying part.
The corners of her mouth tilted upward, and Aldric’s concern faded into a scowl.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“So damn much,” Raffe interjected and took my hand. “This whole situation is appalling because I did nothing wrong. If Dad wants me gone, so be it.” His eyes glowed, and he lifted his head high. “He’s not my alpha anymore. I can’t be part of a pack that doesn’t support the woman I love.”
A short man in the back who hadn’t spoken gasped, and the other four men grimaced. Aldric’s nose wrinkled.
What’s going on? Whatever he was doing must be huge.
I’ve left Dad’s pack. Raffe winced as if in agony. I’m technically a rogue and can’t link with anyone here anymore.
Rogue. That wasn’t good. Even in nature, wolves preferred to stay in packs. Wait, but we’re still communicating like this.
He squeezed my hand and answered, We’re fated mates.
Well, there was no way in hell I’d abandon him. “That goes for me too. I don’t see King Jovian as my alpha, though in fairness”—I pursed my lips—“I never did.”
“Who would’ve thought you’d grow on me?” Keith snorted. “And if you’re trying to join Raffe’s pack, this is how you do it.” He handed Octavia off to Adam and strolled over to stand in front of Raffe.
“Keith, what are you doing?” his dad growled and clutched his arm.
Keith jerked his arm away while his eyes met Raffe’s. He then averted them to the ground. Just like that, I felt a warm link I was familiar with vanish. It was so strange, and I missed the connection.
“What did you do?” His dad’s voice shook with rage.
“So, I just look at him and then look down?” There had to be more to it.
You have to challenge me, then avert your eyes and submit.
Submit.
I didn’t like the sound of that, but if that was what it took to have Raffe lead our little rogue pack, I’d do it.
I released his hands and shook out my own, preparing to look away. Not that it would be that hard. Raffe was strong, more so than me. I just wasn’t sure what to expect.
You’re just locking eyes with me, not preparing for a fight. Raffe mashed his lips together, a bit of lightness emanating from him.
The slight reprieve from the hurt was much needed.
Fine. I rubbed my hands, wanting everyone to see that I supported Raffe just as much as he supported me. Then I met his gaze.
My wolf inched forward, embracing the alpha challenge. Raffe’s crystal-blue eyes lit up like the summer sky, gorgeous and pure, exactly like his soul. I told my eyes to look downward, but they didn’t listen. Instead, they remained in place, engaged in the battle.
Shit.
“You need to look down,” Keith spoke slowly, like I hadn’t understood him the first time. He stomped his foot on the concrete, emphasizing his point. “Right here, where your feet touch.”
Adam sighed. “Man, I think she knows what you meant by down.”
Something’s wrong, I linked, not wanting anyone to hear me say it. I can’t. My wolf is refusing to listen to me.
Raffe’s irises brightened. It’s your wolf. Damn, she’s strong. If you don’t want to chance being the alpha, you’ll have to rein her in and force her to listen to you. Her animalistic side is showing.
Great.
Yet again, I had to control something I didn’t understand at all.
“That’s what he gets for splitting off.” The smaller man in the back laughed. “He’s going to have to follow a woman. I knew he wasn’t king material.”
When we’re done here, I’m kicking his ass first. My power jolted in tune with the beating of my heart. The power coursed through me the same way blood filled my veins.
Even with me threatening his dominance, Raffe smirked and replied, I’m fine with that. And if you want or need to lead, I’m okay with that as well.
Even though my wolf wanted to win, there was no way I could do that to him, especially in front of these sexist men. His reputation would be ruined.
I took a deep breath, concentrating on the magic swirling in my chest. I visualized a lilac thread surrounding it—something I’d never noticed before or couldn’t concentrate on. Imagining my favorite color comforted me … made my wolf feel less foreign. I yanked on the thread to force her to retreat.
A drop of sweat dripped down my forehead, and perspiration beaded on Raffe’s upper lip.
This was going on too long.
Desperate, I jerked harder on the thread, trying like hell to shock my wolf. I felt her retreat, and before she could surge forward again, I broke eye contact with him.
The thousands of warm spots in my chest vanished, and the spot that had been Keith’s popped back up inside my chest.
It’s about damn time. Keith tapped his foot exactly where I’d wound up staring.
I cut my eyes at him and retook my spot at Raffe’s side.
For a minute, I thought you might win. Raffe took my hand, raised it, and kissed the back.
Maybe I would have. I’d never know. Which I would forever be good with because being arcane-born was challenging enough. I didn’t want to be a pack leader, especially of people who understood this world and what being a wolf shifter was about far better than I ever would. Better you than me. You’re an amazing leader.
“Okay, you’ve made your point.” Aldric flicked his wrist, his face flushed. “Now leave and take your human and vampire with you.”
Raffe’s neck corded, and I could feel his anger take hold.
“That’s more than fine with me,” Adam muttered and dragged Octavia behind him toward Raffe.
His dad lifted his chin. “Yes, give that woman to him, and let’s go home.”
Unlike Keith, Adam didn’t make a production out of it. Instead of proclaiming his intention, he met Raffe’s stare. Their wolves emerged, but like Keith, he submitted to Raffe seamlessly, and his warm spot returned inside my chest.
Adam’s dad stumbled back as he paled.
Lucy followed suit, leaving Josie standing alone next to Dave a few feet away. As each of them transitioned to Raffe’s pack, they moved next to him or behind him, effectively drawing a line in the sand.
Adam’s and Keith’s dad’s nose wrinkled, and Aldric grabbed Josie’s arm.
“Come on, Josie,” he said loudly. “At least you haven’t lost your mind, other than standing so close to a bloodsucker.”
When she didn’t move, Aldric tugged on her again, but she glanced at Dave and then at us.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered.
I forced a smile, wanting her to know I didn’t blame her. She had a dad who wanted her in his life—something Raffe no longer had.
“You don’t owe them an apology for anything.” With his free hand, Aldric rubbed his forehead. “Their recklessness will end up killing them.”
Dave turned to us and swayed. He still wasn’t doing well.
“I’m not apologizing to them.” Josie leaned back and frowned. “I’m apologizing to you. Even though I know you love me and want to protect me, I believe Skylar and Raffe should be together, and I can’t remain with a pack that’s biased.”
My breath caught. Once again, Josie had surprised me. Her character was rather meek and mild, but she had a backbone I hadn’t seen before.
“Stop this.” Aldric scoffed. “Right now. You don’t know what you’re going up against.”
“Neither do you, Dad.” Unlike the others, Josie remained in her spot, but she completed the stare-off and, seconds later, joined us.
“No.” Aldric dropped his hand like he’d been touching something hot. “Josie—”
Raffe wrapped an arm around my waist and straightened. “I think it’s time to head out.” He spoke loudly with command, sounding every bit like a leader.
Warmth spread through me. He might be the leader, but I’d be in control in bed. But damn if I didn’t find his sense of command sexy.
Josie kissed her dad’s cheek, then looped her arm through Dave’s and headed back to the vehicles.
We all turned that way, and Octavia’s brows furrowed as if she were trying to figure out the most confusing puzzle in the world.
I nodded toward the cars, and she sighed before following Adam and Keith.
“Wait!” Aldric called out. “Maybe we can work this out.”
Raffe paused, and I stilled beside him.
“It’s too late for that. You all made your intentions and how you feel about my mate clear.”
We continued, and when we reached the vehicles, Raffe tossed the motorcycle keys to Keith. “Lucy, Josie, and Dave can take your car with the cat. Sky can’t handle riding on that again. Octavia can stay with us.”
Raffe got the BMW keys, and soon, I was sliding into the orange leather passenger seat. My ass ached when I sat, but the seat was so much more comfortable than the bike.
With everyone in the vehicles, Raffe turned on the child lock so Octavia couldn’t get out. He backed out first and sped a little too eagerly toward the road.
I couldn’t blame him. I wanted to get far away too.
As soon as we’d all pulled out, Raffe turned in the direction away from Seattle.
So, I hate to be like this, but where are we going? Keith linked, asking the question no one wanted to address.
We couldn’t go back to campus, nor could we stay in their childhood homes.
Despite my reluctance, I suggested, “We could go to my parents’ house.”
Raffe’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “That’s the first place the coven will look. But they shouldn’t bother your parents if you aren’t there. We’ll have to rent a cabin or something.”
“Actually, I have a suggestion.” Octavia cleared her throat. “But you won’t like it.”