“Never. Unless you’re alpha-mate material.”
“What?” Kiara had been in Five Bridges longer and knew a lot more than Maeve did, especially about Savage Territory. “What do you mean, alpha-mate material.”
“I don’t know for a fact, but I’ve heard that one of the signs that a woman can bond with an alpha is that she can smell him. What’s it like, by the way? His scent, I mean.”
“Madagascar vanilla and so erotic, my knees almost gave out.”
“Do you think you could be an alpha’s mate?”
“I have no idea but I’m not exactly thrilled by the idea.”
“But you’re thrilled by Braden.”
She sighed. What was the point of not owning the truth? “I am, more than I realized until I’ve been taking care of him for the past several nights. By the way, is it true shifters like you to be on all fours?”
Kiara laughed quietly. “That’s what I hear, but then I’ve never been with a wolf. I take it the idea appeals.”
“They bite down on the back of your neck. It’s about control.” Her knees suddenly turned to jelly again.
She gave herself a shake. “I have to get back. But as soon as Braden is better, I’m going to ask him to help. I mean, he’s an alpha and stronger than any of the shifters at the Landing. I’ve been working on my spells to see if I can create one powerful enough to bring someone else with me. When I can, I’m sure we can bust down this wall. Something. I swear, Kiara, I’ll do everything I can get you out of here.”
She watched Kiara struggle to sit up.
“Don’t get up.”
“I want to. It’s important.” She finally stood up, wincing despite the pain medication. She pressed her hand to her neck. It was bleeding.
She drew close to the bars and slid her fingers through. Maeve slid hers over them. Kiara leaned her forehead against the iron. Maeve did the same.
Her mind reached Maeve’s.Your friendship has kept me alive. I need you to know that. You’re so strong, Maeve. I wish I had half your strength.
Maeve couldn’t have been more surprised.I feel the same way about you.
At that, Kiara leaned back and smiled. “Maybe that’s why we’re friends.” She jerked her head suddenly behind her and switched back to telepathy.You should leave. One of the guards is coming.
Maeve dropped out of sight then crawled her way back up the path. The cell doors had a sightline through to the individual cell windows and the side garden beyond. With her satchel slung onto her back, she kept her pouch handy since the black and purple swirls returned to harass her. She flicked her herbs at it and kept the path clear until she reached the sidewalk once more.
She spotted a cab and raised her arm. When the cab pulled close, she opened the door and hopped in. She wished like hell she could levitate and fly. It would make her life so much simpler.
Now all she had to do was talk a wolf into helping her to bust Kiara out of the worst witch-prison in all of Elegance Territory.
Unfortunately, the hour was closing in on dawn.
When she got back to the Landing and headed down the spiral stairs to her home, she could hear him snoring. Suddenly, fatigue settled hard on her as well.
Before either of them could do anything, Braden needed to heal a little more and she needed a good day’s sleep.
