“You’ve fixed vices before?”
She inclined her head. “Yes. But breaking a vice like this one could be tricky. He’d have to face the trauma he’s distracting himself from.” She straightened her sash. “In any event, this is all speculation. Jason might be perfectly content where he is in life, muddy aura and all.”
Selene glanced over her shoulder at the group of royals gathered near the makeshift altar. Jason looked happy enough, laughing and joking with his family. 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, “Artemis, what if I spoke to him, let him know we are willing to help? I mean if he does admit that he’s unhappy, maybe there’s more we can do.”
“You have my permission to try, Selene. If you succeed, with help from the goddess, I will seriously consider it a sign you’re 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.
ChapterSix
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, he’d gotten himself off twice, 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.
This was nothing like before. People called Jason a playboy, and he’d earned that moniker these past few years, but he’d neverhadto have sex. He’d gone weeks without it at a time with no physical symptoms. Emotional, sure. He’d remember Jessica and have to crawl into a bottle if he couldn’t find another option. In that sense, sex was his vice. It was a balm for the pain that always lingered just under the surface. But this was different. Nickelova’s curse had turned his need from a two on the dial to a twelve. He positively wanted to crawl out of his skin.
“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. Twilight was upon them, the waning moon visible in the darkening sky. 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 aahed at the display.
Jason tried to appreciate the beauty around him, but he couldn’t. His hands trembled beneath the tray of fake fruit. He was sweating in earnest now. At the first opportunity, he set the offering down and removed his jacket despite it being a cool spring night.
“What’s the matter with you?” Silas whispered. “You’re sweating like a sinner in church.”
“I am a sinner in church.”
Silas chuckled. “Seriously though.”
Jason ran a finger along the inside of his collar. “Feeling a little under the weather.”
His brother’s bushy brow furrowed. “What kind of under the weather?”
“Like a bad flu.” It wasn’t a lie.
“Hang in there. This shouldn’t take long. Afterward, you can see the healer so you’re good to go tomorrow.”
“Definitely.” He planned to see someone about this curse, although he wouldn’t call his friend a healer exactly.
“Can you alpha me into feeling better?” He gave his brother a tired laugh. “You know, take the edge off.”
“That bad, eh?” Silas rubbed the stubble of his chin and contemplated his brother in silence. “I wish it were that easy. You can’t alpha away the symptoms of illness. It only works on things under your control.”
Jason swallowed down a wave of nausea. “Great.”
Silas grimaced. “Damn, you really are sick. I think your face just turned green.”
Jason rubbed the base of his skull. His headache pounded like a big bass drum.
“There is someone here who might be able to help,” Silas whispered.
