Chapter 40
Max
Rushing after Kaden, twigs snap under my worn boots.
After watching me rinse the blood from my body, Kaden hurried me into a dead run to the center. If not for how he had me screaming his name last night, I’d assume he wanted nothing to do with me.
Glancing to the hard set of his jaw, I ask, “What’s wrong?”
Kaden holds up a hand, halting me from continuing as we take in the large group of Humans. They’re arguing, looking to leave.
Turning to me, he sighs. “Wulf has declined to help. The Humans are readying to continue on without his support.”
Outrage and confusion stifle the words on my tongue. After everything yesterday, Wulf isn’t going to help us?
“But the Crimson Army—”
“Isn’t his concern.” He shrugs. “Wulf’s first priority is always to his shifters. If he puts them into unnecessary danger, they can vote and get him out of leadership.”
So it’s all about power. Like everyone else with some kind of control, Wulf was more interested in protecting his best interest, his power, instead of the betterment of all.
Disappointed but not surprised, I pull the heir back a step. “The raid won’t survive without help. What do we do?”
We could send word to Griffin but even if a hawk reaches him, he won’t be here quick enough. By then, the raid could be picked off by a solider—or another creature.
“Now, we should find a way out of the forest and back to safety,” he says slowly, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The sunlight catches the silver in his ear and the distaste in his eyes as he scans the group.
“Safety? You’re just going to abandon the raid?” Abandon the peace treaty he struck on behalf of his father and people?
I was to stay with him as a gesture of goodwill toward his partnership with the Blackwoods Coven. The Dark Fae were supposed to help them rebuild. What happens to me, now, that the raid didn’t finish?
“The raid was never my concern, kitten.” Burning eyes lock on to mine. “It was a means to an end.”
“What does—”
“I assume you heard the news,” Wulf interrupts, walking over to us. He’s a hulking man, much wider than Kaden.
My magic, seeming to be irritated at his presence, ruffles against my gut where it rests. I have to clamp down on the urge to let it loose.
It doesn’t like him; doesn’t trust him. Not like it does with Kaden.
I decide to listen to my magic for the first time and let my fingers turn the slightest shade of red. Just to be ready.
“You’re not helping.” I cross my arms, wishing I had grabbed my cloak. “You’re just going to let us continue on to certain death.”
He shrugs, the implication of no concern to him. “Griffin should have planned better if he really wanted you to succeed.”
I don’t like what he’s implying. That Griffin set us up for failure.
But logically, it makes sense. This entire raid was ill-prepared and difficult to complete. So, why do it?
“I am sad to see you depart.”
“Sad or disappointed you couldn’t woo her, Wulf?” Kaden asks, annoyed. “Don’t play the charming leader, we both know you’re only interested because you think she can give you something.”
Wulf’s eyes flash with his inner wolf and I take a wary step back. “And what would that be, heir?”
“Power,” Kaden says simply. “You think she has it and you want it.”
He smiles but he doesn’t deny it. It’s something I’ve suspected, especially after his comments before I retired to the cabin. Wulf is power-hungry and he can sense my magic.
The only person who hasn’t tried to use me for it is Kaden.
“Perhaps I can tempt you, flower, to stay a bit longer.” He turns to me, appraising the outfit. His people left me clothing—a black silk tunic and heavy leggings.
I should have kept my dirty clothes on.
“Tempt me, how?”
“You may want to speak to the Mad Witch.” He shrugs, shuffling his feet. Following his gaze, I see a decrepit hut at the back of the village, backed against the thickest trees and barrier. Although the sun shines high above us, that part of the village stays in the shadows.
“We need to leave,” Kaden interrupts, placing a warm hand on my elbow.
The touch burns me but in the best way. I didn’t realize how badly I missed his touch.
“The Humans are still gathering supplies,” Wulf replies, pushing me forward. “If you want to leave with them, you have time. The Mad Witch has asked to speak to the woman.”
Kaden intercepts, his large body halting me from moving. I exhale, relieved that someone is on my side.
“Why would she want to speak to me?” How would she even know I was here?
“The Mad Witch is a seer of great power.” I look back to the hut, Kaden glaring at the shifter with enough intensity to turn him to ash. “She knew you were coming before you entered the hollow. I’ve known you’d be here. She has words to deliver to you.”
Uncertain, I tilt my head, weighting my options.
I’ve never spoken to a seer before. Magic is rare enough in our world that coming across someone who could see the future was an impossible temptation to ignore.
She could tell me what I could do next. Do I follow the raid? Do I return to the Blackwood Coven? Is there another option?
My eyes land on the heir who seems to block Wulf from coming closer to my side.
Do I and the heir mean anything or was it just an incredible night of passion?
It’s a na?ve thought, one of hope and longing ,and I’m ashamed to admit how it reminds me of Tay’s cutting words. That I’m desperate for love. But I can’t deny that I’ve felt pulled toward him since Griffin’s throne room.
And my magic trusts him. That has to count for something.
“I’ll go,” I answer.
Kaden sneers at the shifter before looking to me. “I’ll come with you.”
“Alone. She must receive her vision alone.”
Both of us stare at Wulf even as he turns away. When he’s a few steps from us, he throws over his shoulder. “I hope you find what you seek, flower. You’re an extraordinary woman.”
I don’t miss the growl that vibrates from Kaden’s chest.
“One night and you’re acting as if I’m only yours,” I mutter, heading toward the hut. The heir follows, gripping my wrist in a firm hold.
Spinning me, he glares down into my face. “Remember, kitten, I told you last night. You are mine.” He shifts, arms sliding around my waist so our chests are pressed together. “I don’t trust Wulf. I don’t trust what’s in that hut.”
“You can’t come with me,” I say softly. “Wait outside. I can’t go anywhere. The worst that can happen is an attack, but considering the size, it wouldn’t be a large force.”
He smiles at my deduction, pride shining in his eyes.
“I’m not worried about you falling for an attack.
I worry about your attackers. You’re ferocious when pushed the right way.
” Lips to my ear, he whispers, “Remember, I’ve seen your wickedness, kitten.
You’re the monster everyone should fear.
Not because of your magic, but because of that viciousness. ”
Releasing me, his hands reluctantly leave my sides and I immediately feel lost without him. Gods, have I fallen in love?
“I’ll be right here, waiting.” Looking to the center, he crosses his arm, looking for a threat just in case.
My heart flutters and I nod once.
“I’ll scream if I need you.”
Looking to me, he smiles, dimples pulling in his cheek. “No, you won’t. You’ll slaughter everyone without my help.”
Because he’s confident in my ability—my strength.
Standing tall, I enter the hut and peer into the darkness inside.