Chapter 16
Black smoke poured from Raffe’s wound, his blood boiling as the magic seared through it. A shock shot through my fated-mate connection to Raffe, knocking me back. I almost toppled over until strong arms wrapped around me, keeping me upright … mostly.
The smell of laundry detergent and the lack of musk informed me who it was.
Dru.
I tried to get my feet underneath me, but my legs felt like jelly. I couldn’t take my eyes off my fated mate.
“It’s fine, child.” Priestess Caroline waved a hand, and the black smoke bent around it as if it had a mind of its own. “It’s working. A spell like that is vile magic, so cleansing it is like cutting through soot.”
My ears rang, but his blood calming once more kept me somewhat sane. At this point, I couldn’t do much more than trust the coven members.
My legs gave out even more.
“I told you that you gave him too much blood. Fane, help me get her into the chair.” Dru’s arms tightened as he tried to drag me to the chair next to Raffe. He grunted and muttered, “And she’s harder to move than I expected.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched my brother race toward me, shaking his head. “She’s a wolf shifter, Dad. What did you expect?”
I needed to be touching Raffe. That was when we were the strongest, but dammit, I couldn’t even stand.
Fane came up beside me, and the two of them hoisted me into the chair. The world spun harder, but now that I was back at Raffe’s side, I leaned toward him—and began slipping out of the chair.
Placing his hands on my shoulders, Fane held me upright and said, “Get the IV out of her arm.”
I moved my arm to touch Raffe and also made sure they didn’t take the IV out. If giving him more blood prevented him from dying, then I was on board. Even though I could survive without him, I didn’t want to.
“I’m trying.” Dru moved to my side, holding my arm.
I shook my head. “He needs—”
Lucy cut me off. “Sky, look.”
My brows furrowed, and I turned my head to look at Raffe. His wound had stopped bleeding, and as the last bit of nasty mist came out, the skin closed all around it. He was almost healed. “How?”
“His wolf shifter magic was healing him, but the coven magic prevented the wound from closing. When it left, he healed as intended.” Priestess Caroline lowered her hand. “However, he has lost a lot of blood. He’ll need rest, but the antidote worked, and he should make a full recovery.”
My entire body lightened, and oxygen filled my lungs once more. He was going to be okay.
“Which means he doesn’t need your blood anymore, or you’ll wind up in far worse shape than him.” Dru tsked, removing the needle from my arm while I was distracted.
“Hey.” I slurred slightly, and my body wobbled.
“Come on, Sleeping Beauty.” Keith strolled over and lifted me into his arms. “Let’s go find you somewhere to slumber. Your true love is asleep and can’t kiss you awake just yet.”
Here he went, making another damn princess joke. You’re not funny, I linked, but my words sounded slurred even inside my head. And I don’t want to leave him.
We’ll take him wherever we put you. Don’t worry. Keith moved forward. But he’s lying still and not trying to be a damsel in distress.
Fuck you. I tried to snarl, but it sounded more like a wheeze. And stop running. He was moving so fast that everything blurred around us.
“Here, I’ll go with you,” Octavia said, sounding way closer than should have been possible with how fast we were moving.
She was human, after all.
A bright light blinded me. Where are we?
Outside. What are you talking about?
I exhaled, just giving up. I hadn’t realized I’d given that much blood, but I was getting tunnel vision, which wasn’t a good sign. The edges of my vision turned black, and before I could link with the others, the darkness took me whole.
“I’m telling you—kiss her,”Keith said and chuckled, tugging at my consciousness. “That’s how all the fairy-tale princes wake up the princesses at the end.”
He was still going on about that? Surely I’d just blacked out for a minute, then.
A very familiar and comforting buzz wrapped around me. My cheek tingled against something hard that smelled of Raffe. I cracked my eyes open to find myself cuddled in his arms and lap. He was shirtless, which had the hairs on the nape of my neck standing on end. Who else was in here?
“Shut up,” Raffe muttered. “She’s sleeping. You’re going to wake her.”
“She needs to eat something soon, though the IV fluids I gave her should help tremendously,” Dru said from somewhere above my head. “I’m surprised you’re already up. You lost a ton of blood, and you’d be dead if it weren’t for Divin—er, Skylar.”
“And look how that left her,” Raffe growled. “You shouldn’t have let her do that.”
Lucy snorted from somewhere near my feet. “Like anyone could stop Sky from doing something she was bound and determined to do, especially when it comes to you.”
“In fairness, seeing you like that and watching that gooey shit work isn’t anything I want to see again.” Adam sighed. “It was pretty awful.”
“And speaking from experience,” Josie added, “when your fated mate needs something, the other half will give it to you, no matter the consequences. Put yourself in her shoes, Raffe.”
“I’m with him on this one.” Dave scoffed. “The number one priority is keeping you safe. We’d rather die than have something happen to you.”
Part of me didn’t want them to know I’d woken up. From the sounds of it, for once, we were all sitting around and talking. We weren’t running away or looking for resources. We were discussing risking our lives for each other, but there wasn’t an imminent threat.
How much longer are you going to pretend to be asleep? Raffe’s voice popped into my head, and his arms tightened around me. Not that I’m complaining. Octavia, Dru, and Fane have been hovering around you, so I suspect they’ll try to steal you away from us once you’re moving again.
Busted. I guess I can’t pretend anymore since you foiled my plans, I teased. I’m just glad you’re awake and sitting up. A wave of emotions slammed into me, and a sob built in my chest.
Great, I’d gone from being somewhat content to trying like hell to swallow a sob. The pressure built, making it hard to breathe.
Hey. He leaned down, kissing my forehead. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.
I opened my eyes and took in his strong jawline, full lips, and caring eyes.
“What did I tell you?” Keith whooped. “All he had to do was kiss her, and boom, her eyes are fucking open.”
“He kissed her forehead.” Fane chuckled. “I don’t think that counts.”
“True love’s kiss knows no bounds,” he countered.
I turned my head begrudgingly and saw Keith sitting on the raised tile edge of a fireplace across from me. I lifted a brow. “Someone is obsessed with fairy tales and Disney movies. Bambi is one of the first references you ever made to me. There’s a theme, and you always bring it up first. I believe you’re a closet fairy-tale lover.”
He tilted his head back and puffed out his chest. “Please.”
“She’s right, man.” Adam shrugged from his spot beside Keith, leaning against a gray-green wall, staring out a window. “You do bring it up often.”
“What do you expect when animals come to her like that?” Keith raised both hands. “Not that I’m complaining. It’s quite badass. She saved our asses through that connection, or whatever the hell it is, but still, that’s straight out of the storybooks.”
I blinked and took in the living room. Josie was sitting next to Keith on the tile with Dave beside her. Lucy sat next to me and Raffe in the middle of a gray leather couch with Cat-Keith in her lap and Fane on her other side. Octavia was perched on a single seat in one corner, and the TV above the fireplace was on, but the volume was muted.
The screen showed the house we’d been staying at the night before, with firemen and police surrounding it.
My semi-peaceful moment was over. I tried to sit up and wobbled a little. Raffe pulled me to his chest, steadying me.
“Be careful. You have an IV, and you gave me too much blood.” He arched a brow, daring me to say something.
I kept my mouth shut … for once. Anything I said would either annoy him or make the air smell like sulfur. It was best if I took my constitutional right and pleaded the fifth. I glanced down and noted the IV in my arm full of clear liquid. Dru was hydrating me and giving me sugar to give my blood a boost. I probably wouldn’t have been awake if he hadn’t done that.
I nodded to the television. “What are they saying?”
“They’re mainly confused about how no one heard or smelled the fire until the house had nearly burned down.” Octavia rubbed her mouth. “And, of course, the medical professionals came on record, claiming that the neighbor the reporters interviewed on-site must have been suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Out of every plausible situation, that was the best one. The older man hadn’t been hurt or in danger, and they didn’t think he was crazy. I only hoped nothing changed those assumptions even if they aren’t able to determine how the fire started.
I suspected they’d never figure it out, but the supernatural world could still be at risk.
Dru came up beside me, and I propped my head on Raffe’s chest as he removed the needle and tubing. The sound of Raffe’s steady heartbeat and strong breathing made everything worth it, including the stress, fear, and uncertainty. If we hadn’t come here, he wouldn’t have made it.
“I’ll get you some food.” Octavia stood and headed out of the room. “You and Raffe should both eat something.”
“Remember, nothing too heavy,” Dru called. “It could make her nauseous. And bring some orange juice for her to drink.”
My chest tightened. Having my biological parents doting on me was very unsettling.
Shit. Parents.
I searched my pockets, but I didn’t have my phone. It had probably gotten lost in the fire. Mom and Dad must be worried sick.
What’s wrong? Raffe tensed, scanning the area as if a threat had materialized from thin air.
“Mom and Dad. They’ve got to be worried about me.”
Raffe pursed his lips. “The coven could be monitoring them.”
That didn’t make me feel better. In fact, that made it worse. “I need to call them.”
“Okay.” He leaned to the side, removed his cell from his pocket, then handed it to me. “Use my phone.”
I glanced over to find Dru’s lips pressed into a firm line. He moved toward the back of the room to get rid of the tubing.
Unsure if I could stand on my own to get some privacy with everyone around, I decided to text. When I opened the phone, there were ten missed calls from King Jovian and Queen Tashya. I glanced at Raffe and linked, Are you going to call them back?
No, I have nothing to say to either of them. If Dad had made it clear that we were welcome at home, Aldric wouldn’t have made the mistake of turning us away. Aldric does whatever he believes my dad wants, and Mom will stand up for us but won’t go against my dad.
I wanted to push him to reconsider, but we’d gone through enough for one day. On top of that, he seemed resolved, which meant I’d have to handle that conversation more delicately.
I opened a new message and put both my parents’ numbers in a text.
Hey, it’s Skylar. My phone got fried. Little did they know I meant that literally. This is Raffe’s phone, but I wanted to check in.
Octavia entered with two packs of Ritz peanut butter crackers and two orange juices. She handed the items to Raffe and me just as the phone dinged.
Mom: Where are you? EEU called and told us you ran off with him.
Dad: Come back home now. This has gone too far.
My back stiffened, and my stomach churned uncomfortably. I didn’t like their tone, but I had to remember they didn’t understand my world or what Raffe meant to me. They thought I was throwing my future away and didn’t know that I’d found my path with Raffe.
Me: There are things going on that I can’t explain. Just know I’m fine, and I love you. Talk soon.
Since he wasn’t taking his parents’ calls, I turned the phone on silent and handed it back to him. I hated the way my eyes burned because I never wanted to upset or disappoint my parents, but they were determined to take me away from the one man I never wanted to be without. There was no question who I’d choose if I had to, but I hoped it never got to that point.
“Hey, you did the right thing,” Lucy assured me and bumped my arm.
Unfortunately, I would have toppled over if not for Raffe. Resettling in his lap, I took a pack of crackers and nibbled.
“You all must be hungry too.” I lowered the cracker, not wanting to eat in front of them if they were also hungry.
“We ate while you two were passed out.” Keith patted his stomach. “Venison, and let me tell you, it was delicious.”
I almost wanted to ask if he’d eaten Bambi but swallowed another bite of cracker instead, although meat sounded way more appetizing. “What time is it?” I hadn’t checked on Raffe’s phone.
“Almost eleven.” Fane yawned. “Which means time for bed.”
“We only have four bedrooms, so someone will need to sleep on the couch.” Octavia frowned. “I’m sorry.”
“I’ll take the couch.” Adam gestured to the front door about fifteen steps from here and to the stairs where one set led down and the other up. “I can watch all the exits and entrances.”
Dru nodded. “Josie and Lucy can stay in one room, and Fane will stay downstairs with Dave and Keith.”
“What?” Fane crossed his arms. “What about Skylar and Raffe?”
“They’ve completed their mate bond, been injured, and won’t agree to be separated.” Lucy snorted. “Ask me how I know.”
Fane rolled his eyes. “Fine. Come on. I’m ready for bed. I can show the girls to their room, too, since I take it you want Sky and Raffe in my room.”
Keith stood, happily following Fane with Josie, Lucy, and Dave trailing behind. The five of them headed up the stairs, leaving Adam, Raffe, Octavia, Dru, and me here. Octavia left to grab some bedding for Adam while Raffe and I ate our food. My eyes drooped with every bite, exhaustion kicking in.
Soon, we were done, and Adam made up his bed as Octavia and Dru led us past the kitchen and down a hall. They stopped at the first door on the left.
Octavia motioned. “This is you. The sheets are clean, and we left some clothes that should work until we can buy you some of your own.”
I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “Thank you.”
“Get some rest.” Dru patted my shoulder, causing my breath to catch.
It was easier when I hadn’t known or liked them. Dru had been concerned since we arrived, and Octavia had come through like she’d promised. Still, I’d thought Slade had my best intentions at heart too, and I needed to remember that.
“Yes, sleep well. Priestess Caroline has asked for you to meet her after breakfast.” Octavia gave me a sad smile. “She wants to see what you can do and if she can help you.”
My heart raced unsteadily, but getting control over my power would be nice.
“I’ll make sure she rests.” Raffe opened the door and stepped inside. “I promise.”
The two of them nodded and continued down the hall, and I followed Raffe inside. I scanned the hallway for the cat. When I didn’t see her, I wasn’t surprised. She was as much Lucy’s as mine now.
Minutes later, we had taken a shower and crawled into bed. Raffe pulled me into his arms, and I stared at the cream walls and out the window where the moon rose between hazy clouds.
Warmth shot throughout my system as Raffe’s body pressed into my back. My ache for him sat heavy inside me, and I turned to him. I needed him so badly after nearly losing him.
I kissed him, but he hesitated.
My chest squeezed as I pulled back. “What’s wrong?”
“You’re still not well.” He traced a finger along my chin and smiled tenderly. “Holding you is all I need for tonight.”
I pouted, and he laughed.
Tomorrow night, I’ll ravish your body, love. He winked. Tonight, I’m going to take care of it. Your health is the most important thing to me.
“Fine,” I growled and kissed him once more. Then I plopped onto my side, and his body molded to mine.
Within seconds, I fell peacefully asleep.
The next morning,we all sat in the kitchen. Octavia had cooked pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast.
Raffe, Josie, Dave, and I sat at the bar across from the square table that sat six. Somehow, the seating here fit our group perfectly.
We were all chattering as if we’d known each other for longer than we had. It helped that I’d woken up feeling normal.
I reached over and swiped an extra piece of bacon from Raffe’s plate.
He grabbed my wrist before I could reach my mouth, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth. What do you think you’re doing?
Eating bacon.
He pointed at the granite counter on the other side of the island, where a plate held several pieces of bacon. “There’s plenty over there.”
I leaned forward like I was going to kiss him, and his hand relaxed. Then I popped the entire piece of bacon into my mouth. But it’s not as good as the pieces I steal from your plate.
You pretended you were going to kiss me then stole my last piece of bacon. I require payment of some sort.
I grinned, ready to quip back at him, when something agonizing sliced through me like someone was trying to rip off my skin.