Chapter 17
Igroaned, hunching over. The once amazing flavor of bacon turned overwhelmingly salty from the pain and nausea that had hit. I gasped for air, but the pain intensified, and I whimpered.
Raffe stood, knocking his barstool into the back of Keith’s chair.
“What the hell, man?” Keith said loudly as Raffe touched my shoulder, keeping me in my chair.
His fear and concern swarmed my chest, adding to the uncomfortable sensations that made me feel as if my skin was being separated from bone.
“What’s wrong, Sky?” Josie asked, turning to me.
I … I don’t know. I couldn’t speak out loud. Forming words through the pack link was a struggle through the intense pain. It feels like coven magic but stronger. All the other times, coven magic had felt like sandpaper, not sharp like a knife. I don’t know what it is.
My power jolted, responding to whatever was charging through me, and my wolf edged forward in my chest.
“Can you carry her into the living room?” Dru asked, and I heard chairs scraping the wooden floor. “I’ll get my supplies and see if we can determine what’s wrong.” The concern in his voice was deep and troubled.
I shook my head slightly. It’s nothing he can treat. My power edged to a hum, and I tried to focus on my connection with Raffe to lessen its strength. I didn’t want to rip the house apart.
What do you mean? Raffe bent down so we were at eye level.
Eyes burning, I blinked fast to hold back tears. The more I fell apart, the more worried he’d be, and there wasn’t anything he could do about this. It’s magic, but it’s superstrong and nothing I’ve ever felt before. I breathed through clenched teeth, every breath adding to the agony. I wanted to curl into the fetal position, hoping if I got small enough, it wouldn’t hurt all over.
“Get the coven.” Raffe’s head snapped toward the others. “Now!” Alpha will laced his voice, though close to half of the people he was commanding weren’t wolves.
“It might be faster if someone calls them,” Lucy offered. “I can drive there to get them fast.”
Sweat dripped between my breasts, and I realized my heart was racing. I’d take being dizzy from blood loss over this any day. I just wanted the agony to end. Even Raffe’s touch wasn’t making a significant difference. My entire focus hinged on trying not to get skinned, or whatever the magical equivalent was to that.
“I’ll go with you,” Fane offered as more chairs scuffed the floor.
Each noise pierced my brain like a bomb going off. All my senses were on overload, fighting whatever this was. My control was slipping.
“Hurry,” Octavia said, and I heard buttons being pressed on a phone.
She was calling somebody.
I locked my eyes on my empty white plate, my gaze tracing the streaks of grease left by my bacon.
Babe, what can I do? Raffe linked, pressing his forehead against mine.
My chest tightened, adding to my extreme discomfort. I felt like I had yesterday when I couldn’t help him or stop him from bleeding.
Helpless.
I focused on the one truth that might comfort him. You being here helps. I sure as hell was stronger with him beside me.
A door opened and closed, informing me that Lucy and Fane had left. I hoped Priestess Caroline could help. We’d gotten lucky with Raffe yesterday.
The phone line rang twice before someone answered. The voice was young and sounded like Faith. “Hello?”
“I need you to get your grandmother and come here. Something’s wrong with Divinity.” Octavia’s voice rose. “She’s in intense pain, and it came on suddenly.”
“Nana left a minute ago, heading that way,” Faith answered. “We feel something here as well, but nothing like what Divinity must be feeling.”
They needed to stop calling me that. I’d hoped it was temporary, but now the coven was using it. However, I wasn’t in any state to address it now.
“What’s hurting her?” Raffe’s head jerked toward the table.
Thankfully, he’d asked the question. I wanted to but couldn’t gather my wits to speak. The onslaught came harder, and I sagged against Raffe.
He wrapped his arms around me, anchoring me to him, but it only added to the discomfort. Still, I’d never complain about being in his arms. They were my safe haven during a storm.
Unable to hold it back any longer, I sensed my power humming inside me. The intense pressure focusing near the top of my skin collided with the magical presence attacking me. I didn’t know what sort of hell Supreme Priestess Olwyn was inflicting upon me, but I had no doubt she or Slade was the source of this pain.
Slade.
In all the chaos, I hadn’t been able to grieve the loss of someone I’d considered my first real friend. Nonetheless, the lesson he’d taught me would last a lifetime, however long or short that was.
“You should take her somewhere else. Her blood—” Dave gritted out, and Raffe snarled.
“If you don’t control yourself, I’ll kill you,” Raffe rasped and tightened his arms. “I don’t fucking care if you’re mated to Josie.”
“I can’t help what her blood does to me.” Dave cleared his throat. “Believe me, I’d rather not react to it.”
“Josie, get him out of here.” Keith spoke low and threatening. “She’s in pain and can’t control herself. If he’s struggling, he needs to remove his own ass while we deal with her.”
Deal with her.
Those words added to my agony. That was what so many adults had said whenever my classmates had come to them, scared about me.
“Come on,” Josie said urgently. “Let’s go.”
They shuffled off, and I tried to regain my composure.
Still, Keith’s words repeated in my mind, crushing me, and my power increased. I … I need to go outside. My power… it’s unstable.
Raffe lifted me like a princess and ran to the door. The room spun, adding to my upset stomach, but I placed my arms around Raffe’s neck and held on.
Where are you taking her? Adam linked, footsteps pounding behind us.
Everyone was following us outside, and I wished they’d all stay behind. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I trusted my power wouldn’t attack Raffe, but the rest I couldn’t count on.
He adjusted me in his arms, and soon, we were out the door and into the cold drizzle of the foggy morning. Raffe ran down the stairs as my power bubbled to the surface. The sharpness of the magic collided with my power, the two strong sensations fighting.
If this didn’t stop, I’d be ripped wide open. Put me down. I didn’t want him caught in the cross fire.
I wasn’t surprised when he shook his head. I’m not going anywhere. We figure this out together or go down together fighting. I’ll always be by your side. I can feel your power through our bond, and if being near you helps, I’ll never let you go.
My heart skipped a beat. Even in a moment like this, he made me feel damn special.
Despite wanting to argue with him, my power rose even more. Sparks flickered off my skin, although when I raised my head and looked at my arm, I didn’t see any. Each pop and sizzle singed like I’d been burned.
Lucy, where the hell are you? Raffe linked.
We’re on our way back,she replied. She was in a car and heading here before we reached her.
An engine grew louder, confirming her words.
They wouldn’t get here in time.
Not given how the heat was rising.
I felt as if I were being burned alive.
A scream echoed through the air and into my ears. Whoever it was had to be in the same hell I was in. Was it a member of Priestess Caroline’s coven?
Raffe whimpered, and my power flashed. Then, as quickly as the pain had come, it vanished.
The scream ended, and I swallowed. My saliva felt like razor blades, and realization chilled me to the bone. I’d been the one screaming.
Raffe loosened his hold, leaning back to stare into my face. A tear trailed down his cheek and into his scruff. “Are you still in pain?”
That one tear ripped my heart bare for him. I shook my head, needing to comfort him. “I … I don’t know why, but the pain went away.” I sagged and laid my head against his chest, my magical exertion taking its toll.
Two cars rounded the curve on the gravel road to the house, tires crunching. Raffe’s BMW SUV shot toward us in front, followed by an old Chevy.
“Divinity!” Octavia exclaimed, and she hurried to us, followed by Dru, Adam, and Keith. “Where are you hurting?”
She and Dru examined me, and my annoyance flared, taking control. “My name is Skylar,” I snapped. “Stop calling me Divinity.”
Dru’s head snapped back, and Octavia winced.
My stomach soured in an entirely different way than it had moments ago. I hadn’t meant to hurt them—they were helping us—but them not using my adoptive name bothered me.
I couldn’t bring myself to say sorry.
The doors to both cars opened, and Priestess Caroline, Avalon, Fane, and Lucy rushed toward us.
Even though the last thing I wanted to do was leave Raffe’s arms, I placed a hand on his chest and linked, Can you put me down? I don’t want to worry people more than I already have.
He stiffened, and I felt him struggle with my request.
Don’t push yourself. His eyes softened. I felt some of what you did through our connection, and it was horrible. I can’t imagine fully experiencing it. You’re not weak—you’re strong as hell. Not many could’ve survived that.
The corners of my mouth tipped upward in a smile. I’ll be okay, and I need Priestess Caroline to want to train me. I must stand on my own two feet. But don’t worry, I plan on leaning on you.
He relaxed and quirked a brow. You know exactly what to say to bend me to your will. He placed me back on the ground.
I winked, trying like hell to come off like my normal self. That’s part of being a fated mate, right?
That doesn’t work for me, though.
Priestess Caroline pushed between Dru and Octavia and stopped in front of me. Her face was strained, showing more lines than yesterday, and she exhaled. “Thank the goddess, you’re okay.”
“Do you know what happened to her?” Octavia took a step backward like she was giving me space.
“Unfortunately, I do.” Priestess Caroline scowled. “That was courtesy of Supreme Priestess Olwyn.”
“Ha.” Keith snorted. “She sounds like one of us talking about the coven.”
When Priestess Caroline cut her eyes to him, Keith’s face fell into a mask of indifference.
Laughter bubbled in my chest, but I forced it to remain there. Now wasn’t the time for jokes, but learning that Keith might be afraid of Priestess Caroline made this entire situation funny.
“It’s fitting in this instance.” She pursed her lips and regarded him.
Raffe huffed, clearly not finding the situation as humorous. “What did Olwyn do to her? The last time they tried using their magic on her, it didn’t work. What made this different?”
“I’m assuming they used a ritual with an item she left behind at the university in an attempt to locate her.” Priestess Caroline paced in front of us, allowing Avalon, Lucy, and Fane to come closer. Adam came to my side, and we all watched her like a riveted audience.
“Why?” Lucy stepped closer to Fane, though she didn’t seem to realize she had.
“Locator spell.” Avalon looked up into the drizzle. “They aren’t going to sit idly by knowing she’s mated with Raffe and not on their side.”
I laid my head on Raffe’s arm, feeling sluggish, and my wolf calmed, settling inside my chest like she was as tired as my human part. “But like Raffe said, I’ve been immune to their magic since we completed the bond.”
“They were probably working with several high-ranking priests and priestesses, based on the strength of that spell. There had to be at least five covens backing her magic to make sure their collective magic was stronger than your power.” Priestess Caroline smirked. “And they failed. That’s why their magic doesn’t work on you—yours is that much stronger, and it’s arcane-born. You embody the original power ours was derived from. Yours work similarly, but not even a coven member can truly understand the strength of what surges through you.”
I hadn’t thought of it that way. “But they fought me hard.”
“Yes, but I could feel your power fighting back, and it was miraculous.” She rubbed her hands together. “They won’t try that again. For as much pain as you were in, their pain was tenfold. That’s why their magic disappeared the way it did—you pushed them out of here.”
Fane rocked back on his heels. “Does that mean they located her?”
“No, they couldn’t. Her magic repelled them.” Priestess Caroline stood taller. “Normally, when a location spell is performed, the other person isn’t aware that it’s happening. This had some gusto, which meant they probably tried and failed before.”
Even though we were still safe, that didn’t make me feel better. “If they have that many covens behind them, what does that say about the Veiled Circle? Could it be growing or already huge and we didn’t know?”
“She could’ve gotten their aid by telling them you’re under threat from Raffe or a danger to yourself.” Priestess Caroline stopped in her tracks. “Or they could be part of that society. We can’t really know.”
Once again, we had no definitive answers.
“With Olwyn, always assume the worst.” Avalon wrinkled her nose. “Her family has been a menace since the beginning. They’re the reason we hid from other covens.”
I yawned, unable to hide it.
“She needs a nap.” Raffe sighed. “Especially if they try something like that again.”
“I don’t think they will, but I can’t be certain.” Priestess Caroline scowled. “One thing is sure, after that—they’ll be more desperate to find her. The threat isn’t gone—if anything, it’s increased, which means we need to prepare.” Her gaze landed on me. “We need to train you to get you into the best shape possible.” She pointed to the house. “Go, take a nap, and after lunch, head down the road to the next house. Come ready to work.”
“We should wait until tomorrow.” Raffe lifted his chin. “She’ll be exhausted.”
“Exhausted is good. That means her power won’t be as volatile and will be easier to learn to control. In a way, Olwyn helped us.”
Raffe’s blood warmed. “I won’t risk her life. She won’t become another Foster.”
“She won’t. You completed the fated-mate bond. If she struggles, we won’t push her past a healthy level.”
The two of them glared at each other, determined to have their way.
“Raffe, you can come with me, and we can try. You’ll know if I’m tired, and if I get to the dangerous point, we’ll go.” I needed to find a compromise so both felt like they were in control.
“Fine.” Raffe glanced at me, his face softening. “As long as you promise to stop if it becomes too much.”
I nodded. “Promise.”
“Let’s get some rest.” Raffe took my hand and led me back to the house.
We went to our bedroom, and Raffe shut the door behind us. I ran a hand along the dark wooden dresser across from the bed. The wood felt cool under my fingertips.
I lay on the hunter-green comforter, and as soon as Raffe wrapped his arms around me, I felt safe and drifted off to sleep.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d slept, but I woke to the sound of Raffe snoring in my ear. I smiled and turned to face him, his face so serene. Most of the time, when we were awake, we were dealing with threats, and it was rare to see him completely unguarded.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” he murmured, his eyes opening to slits.
“If I’m taking a picture, I’ll need you to remove some clothes.” I winked, heat spreading through my body.
My tiredness melted away at the thought of Raffe naked in front of me.
He smirked. “You’re supposed to be resting, not trying to seduce me.”
I shrugged, trailing a finger along his cheek. The buzz grew stronger, and after this morning and yesterday, I had to connect with him. I need you, I linked, still expecting him to say no.
Instead, his eyes darkened with desire. You had a hell of a morning, but I need you too.
Then his mouth was on mine, his tongue demanding entrance.
I opened my mouth, and when our tongues met, I moaned. I needed him so much, and our connection demanded that we unite.
His fingers dug into my sides in that way that drove me wild. My heart pounded as I responded to each stroke. He pulled me against him, and I felt him harden underneath me. The world spun, and need knotted within me, driving me to near madness.
His taste and smell enveloped me, and I badly wanted him inside me. We’d been through so much trauma, and we couldn’t fight this any longer.
I yanked his shirt up, and he moved so I could remove it from his body. As I tossed it to the floor, he pulled mine off as well. One hand went around my back and unfastened my bra. His eyes darkened as he ogled my breasts.
His head lowered, and he suckled one nipple, his tongue flicking against the sensitive skin, causing my back to arch. He chuckled.
I gasped as his fingers rolled over the other peak, the buzz shooting between us. He unfastened my jeans then pulled them and my panties off. I yanked on his sweatpants and almost whined over how long it was taking him to toss them and his boxer briefs aside.
He placed his fingers between my legs, but I smacked them away to straddle him.
“But I need to get you ready—”
“Believe me, I am.” I leaned back, taking in his curves and six-pack.
He smirked as I lowered myself on him, slipping him inside me. Then he moaned, his body shuddering and thrusting inside, filling me.
I rode him, spreading my legs farther apart so he could hit deeper. At first, we moved slowly, but after a few thrusts, we quickened the pace, both hungry for the release and our souls to combine.
He caressed my breasts as I lifted and fell, helping him slide in and out of me. Friction heightened into exquisite pressure, and before I realized it, ecstasy slammed through me.
All through my pleasure, we kept a steady rhythm, and he watched as I succumbed to the sensations.
Damn, babe.He groaned, pumping faster. You’re so fucking hot. He flipped me over then stood at the side of the bed and towered over me. He scooted me to the edge and slipped back inside me then settled a hand between my legs, circling as he filled me.
I wasn’t sure how it was possible, but my body was already tensing again. The wild need for another release pulsed through my core.
His fingers pressed a little harder, and tingles exploded around them.
Are you close again?His jaw clenched.
I nodded, at a loss for words.
“Thank gods.” He grunted, and his body jerked as he orgasmed. I fucking love you.
Our bond opened, his pleasure flooding into me, and a second release crashed through me.
I love you too, I replied and moaned even louder as we rode the sensations out together, our bodies completely in sync and our souls merged. We could feel each other, including our pleasures combining, making everything more explosive and amazing.
We and our wolves were all satiated.
When we’d calmed, he slid out of me and climbed into bed beside me, pulling me into his arms. He kissed my forehead as I turned and nestled into his chest. It didn’t take long for him to drift back to sleep, but my peace changed to guilt as the memory of how I’d snapped at Octavia and Dru haunted me.
It wouldn’t get better until I addressed it with them. I slowly crawled from Raffe’s arms. He was still tired from the blood loss of yesterday, and I managed not to wake him as I quietly dressed and covered him with a blanket.
Then I snuck out of the room, ready to search for the two people I’d hurt.
A television was playing in their bedroom, so I knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” Octavia called.
“It’s me.” I grimaced, knowing the next words would make the entire situation worse, but I had no choice but to say them.