I’d never liked magic. Or witches. But in this moment, I felt connected to a coven I hadn’t even known existed until recently. “There’s only the two of us left, right?”
Constantine nodded, and then winced when Hunter slammed his hands against the shield, reminding us both that his patience was running out.
“He’s not going to hold off much longer,” I said, though the entitled alpha did back up when I waved him away.
Constantine let his magic flow deeper into mine, probing along the swirls of my energy. “There are tendrils of foreign magic mixed with yours,” he said as his eyebrows drew closer. “I can’t tell if it was an attack or just a warning, but either way, it’s a concern.”
He dropped the shield, but they’d all heard him. “How can you ensure it doesn’t happen again?” Kellan asked, his expression darkened by worry. His violet eyes assessed me, and I wished there was a way to reassure him. In truth, if any of my mates had been mentally attacked while asleep, I’d be raging and trying to catch and kill myself a witch.
“I can place wards on the house itself,” Constantine said. “At least here you’ll sleep safely. It’s much harder to infiltrate your mind when you’re awake, as your own personal shielding is strong. Asleep, we’re all more vulnerable.”
“Yes, thank you,” I said with a shudder at the thought of not being able to sleep for fear of another magical attack.
Constantine pushed himself back off the bed. “Okay, I’m going to start working on it now. As long as you sleep under this roof, you should be safe from dream manipulation. Keep your shielding up through the day though. When you open to the pack, spread that shielding out around them as well. Don’t just drop it… include them instead.”
I blinked at him, as it had never occurred to me to include themthat way. “Right, so instead of dropping our shields, I just expand it out to fit all of the pack.”
“Exactly, he said, and then with a nod he hopped off the bed and headed for the exit.
“Thank you,” I called after him, wanting to say it again. “We appreciate you helping us out. Not just with this but also Jewels.”
Constantine’s eyes were shiny as he shook his head. “I’ve wanted to keep you safe for years, and more than that, I’m sick of having to run. I mean no harm to the shifter or witch communities, and yet I’ve been shunned from both. I’d love to settle somewhere. Visit you on occasion. For that to happen, the more powerful witches must be taken out.”
It didn’t bother me that there was a personal reason for him to care about this war. I wanted him to be able to stop running too. I wanted him around so we could continue to nurture these tendrils of a relationship.
“We’re going to make sure you don’t have to run anymore,” I assured him, determined to manifest our victory. We were going to win this battle.
Jewels picked the wrong pack to fuck with. If that bitch entered my dreams again, I was going to figure out a way to kill her.
CHAPTER 37
EMME
After his assessment, Constantine left us for the library, where he’d set up all his spell equipment. On top of casting protection over the house so we could safely sleep, he was still working on the blood-tracing spell—our plan B if Slade and Talon’s search didn’t pan out.
So far the first site had been a bust, housing avery humanprotest, which explained away their recent power usage surge.
While they moved on to site two, I dragged myself off to shower and get ready.
“I’m going to assist Constantine,” Hunter said after he helped me into the shower. “Unless you need me?”
I always needed him, but there were far more important priorities today. “Go, I’m totally fine,” I said, waving him off.
After he left, Finley pressed in through the open bathroom door. “I have therapy,” he said, steam wafting around him, “but I can cancel if you need me here.”
“Not a chance,” I told him. “Tell Dr. Karen I said hello.”
He stepped over to the shower door, and I leaned out to brush my hand across his beard, pulling him closer for a kiss. When we parted, I was rewarded with a hint of my favorite dimples. “I’m so proud of you for sticking with therapy,” I murmured, keeping it just between us. “I still seeand feelimprovements in your energy and aura. You’re doing amazing.”
Finley shrugged but couldn’t hide his hint of pleasure at my praise. “Before I decided to heal, I felt like I was living on a boat at sea. One minute it was smooth sailing, and the next huge waves would almost throw me overboard. And while my healing journey won’t ever be linear, it’s in general so much smoother now. The waves aren’t as severe, and they don’t take me by surprise. I feel like I might finally be on an even keel.”
He dropped his forehead against mine. “Still my peace,” he whispered against my skin. “Don’t forget to rub cream on your tattoo when you get out of the shower. I left it by the sink.”
I only had minimal discomfort today and already felt like his mark was settling against my skin. “Thank you, Grouchy.”
“Anytime, darlin’.” Then with one last kiss, he left me with Golden.
Kellan smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, Shortcake. It’s just you and me. Whatever should we do with our time?”
