“So, a fated mate basically? Like a vampire’s Bride.” Like what Harlow is for Alec. “It’s forced?”
“In a way, but more for the male than the female. Nothing in it deems wehaveto fulfill the bond. It’s the world’s way of saying ‘no more need to search. This is her.’ As I mentioned, it’s very uncommon, so not many go searching for such a connection or else we’d be looking forever.”
At least there’s choice. I wouldn’t enjoy having Hecate force me with a certain warlock. If they can walk away from the compulsion, or fall in love naturally, then it doesn’t sound too bad.
“Interesting. You said ‘our wolf’.”
His lips quirk. “In a way, the wolf and man are one but also separate.”
“Yours talks to you?”
“Not in the way you’re assuming. It’s more of snippets of his thoughts, urging me to listen to his needs. Often, his desires are what I want because weareone and the same. In this form, human thoughts control my actions, whereas as a wolf, nature and instincts do. But the thoughts mingle and influence no matter the body.”
“Then not a Jekyll and Hyde situation?”
“I don’t what that is.”
I wave my hand, the concept not really important. “If your wolf has so much control, is that why you growl so often?”
“I growl because I’m a wolf and a man. Wolves growl their emotions. It’s natural for me, no matter the form.”
I laugh, and his growl ruptures around the cavern, echoing louder due to the small space. It’s unthreatening, ending with a flash his teeth, more pointed than earlier. It’s playful and even charming.
“Thanks for telling me all that.”
He hums, readjusting his body again. “You’re very curious about your enemies. That could lead to danger if you go asking the wrong questions.”
“Were any of those the wrong questions?”
“Yes.” He doesn’t expand.
“Are we still considered enemies? You’re quite charming if so.”
He rumbles in annoyance, which makes me laugh, given the recent conversation. And then I can’tstoplaughing, thinking all the things I’ve experienced in the past couple days.
“You know, staying with you guys isn’t half bad. Even if the Alpha’s been ignoring me the past two days… Thanks for bringing me here. It’s really nice, seeing this side of your life.”
A moment passes of him staring intently at the space between us, and then at me. He seems to want to say something, but instead leaps to his feet, walks around the cave, and stretches a hand for me to take.
“Tour’s not over. Come on. There’s something I want to show you.”
Twenty-Five
RYDER
How I wentfrom ignoring this woman to taking her on a fucking tour of our caves is beyond me.
My ancestors would slaughter me if they were aware a witch from the very coven they once warred with is inside our hidden places.
If only the wolf could be blamed for bringing her here, but he isn’t. After avoiding Carina, of only seeing glimpses when passing through the camp, of her vacant and anxious expressions, Iwantedher to smile again.
And I needed to be the one who made it happen.
Carina’s about to get a lot of hell thrown her way, more than she’s already experienced, and if a bit of peace is what she needs, I’ll damn well provide it.
Two days of distance evaporated within the hour, leaving me with only myself to blame. And then I was irritated because I could have been getting to know her better if I didn’t stay away.
Bringing her here feels more of an invasion, more intimate, than having her at camp. Even if there, she’s also filling my home. She climbed right into this bed like she owns the thing.
