Selene shook her head. She understood that some wolves had vices, intense addictions to things or people that grew stronger near the full moon, but they tended to be relatively harmless and easily fulfilled. Caffeine addiction was common or an increased need for raw meat. Vices were private annoyances, not something most wolves talked about openly.
“His vice is sex.”
Heat flushed Selene’s face and she placed her fingers on her warm cheeks in surprise. “But he’s not mated,” she whispered.
Artemis shook her head. “He has sex with many different women at all times of the month to feed his addiction, and I’ve recently heard his need is getting worse.”
“But that’s dangerous. Aside from the risk of unintended pregnancies, what must it do to his soul to connect intimately with so many people?” Thank the goddess that werewolves were immune to sexually transmitted infections and couldn’t catch or transmit human diseases. She shivered to think of the risk he’d be taking if they weren’t.
Artemis nodded her head slowly. “I have seen this before.”
“You have?”
“This isn’t a simple vice, Selene. Jason’s human side is addicted as well. It started with the wolf but I fear the addiction has afflicted the man.”
“What did you do when you saw this before?”
“Breaking a vice requires intensive spiritual therapy. Only about half of these cases ever recover. Some die.”
Selene inhaled sharply. “Do you think the prince could die of his vice?”
“Shhh.” Artemis raised a finger to her lips. “They’ll hear you.”
“Forgive me.” Selene composed herself, folding her hands in front of her hips and bowing her head.
“I believe this vice will destroy Jason—if not physically, then emotionally—unless he gains control soon. This need of his has become a dragon. If he continues feeding it, the beast will eat him alive.” Artemis gave Selene a knowing smile.
“How can you tell,Preotka?”
The old woman’s rheumy gaze drifted toward the royal family. “Experience. I’ve seen it before, with others.”
“There must be something we can do.”
“Vices have been overcome before with help from the goddess. But he mustwantto be free of his addiction. He must choose a new path.”
Selene glanced over her shoulder at the group of royals gathered near the makeshift altar. Gerty and her husband Arthur, the king and queen of the woodland fae who called this forest home, had emerged from their trees and were mingling with the rest of the wedding party. Nate, the groom’s brother, had also arrived. It was time to begin the rehearsal.
Quickly, Selene said, “Perhaps if I spoke to him, let him know we are willing to help and that he has the power to break the spell this vice has over him?”
“You have my permission to try, Selene. If you succeed, with help from the goddess, I will seriously consider it a sign you are fit for the next level on your spiritual journey.” Artemis kissed her forehead and drifted toward the others.
A swell of pride filled Selene. The next phase of her spiritual journey was to advance toPreotka, to become priestess. It was the goal of every acolyte to be promoted to priestess and devote her life to serving the spiritual needs of the pack, but most acolytes never made it. Could she be one of the rare exceptions? A werewolf acolyte strong enough to win the goddess’s favor and advance to the most respected role in the priesthood?
All that stood in her way of achieving the pinnacle of her life’s work was Jason Flynn and his vice.
4
Jason checked his watch for the third time in fifteen minutes. He loved his sister, but the crawling sensation under his skin was only getting worse. After the incident with Nickelova that morning, his vice should have been appeased for at least twenty-four hours, but the release proved superficial. His wolf was already begging for more, his need like a spring coiled too tight, ready to snap. He pumped his leg and wished Artemis would talk faster.
“Jason, I want you to carry the gifts for the goddess in the processional.” Laina pointed at a prop platter with plastic fruit.
“Huh?” A bead of sweat narrowly missed his left eye, prompting a swipe of the back of his hand across his forehead.
“Silas is walking me down the aisle. I thought this would be a good way to involve you in the ceremony.”
With a tight smile, he picked up the tray, blinking rapidly. “Of course. I… I’m happy to.” Surely he could carry a platter of fruit? He licked his lips, his mouth as dry as the Sahara.
After a nod of appreciation in Jason’s direction,PreotkaArtemis began walking them through the ceremony from start to finish. She took extra time with Kyle and his brother Nate since their human upbringing meant they were unfamiliar with pack traditions. Night was upon them, the half-moon bathing the venue in a subtle glow. When Laina and Kyle were in position, practicing their vows, Gerty waved her wand in the air and sent a legion of fireflies to light up the space above their heads. Everyone oohed and ahhed at the display.
