CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“Iwould imagine they wouldn’t want to get involved, knowing she’s your queen. The last thing the covens want is a war. If they do pursue that, they will be on their own.” Reed had heard about Freja before. What witch or warlock hadn’t? The witch who gave up being the mother of her coven to be with a vampire. She gave birth to a daughter, who would be a powerful dhampir. They’d all heard about her. He heard she’d been cursed and wouldn’t have much life left. Somehow, she’d beaten the curse, though. Was this a power of her own? He looked into the deep green eyes of this auburn-haired young woman. Her eyes were their own symbol of strength. They believed that those with green eyes bore more magic than those with other colors. He wasn’t sure if there was any proof to that, but it was a well-known belief.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you beat the curse?” Reed was too intrigued not to ask. The mall was loud with the chatter of people everywhere. It was a public place, but he felt comfortable having the conversation there because no one would really know what they were talking about anyway.
Freja looked down at her feet. “I didn’t.” She felt bad every time she thought of Reiya risking her life for her. “Hunter’s sister, Reiya, removed the curse from me.”
Reed looked up at Hunter in astonishment. “Wow. That is some serious power your sister has. It would take an entire coven to remove the powerful curse that was placed on her. And your sister did it alone. Remind me to always stay on the fairy princess’ good side.” Reed chuckled but had a small glint in his eye as he looked at Hunter. Hunter was also part fairy, like his sister. He would be powerful as well. The Black Ice Pack was a pack that should be respected and given a wide berth. A war with them would not end well. Lucky for Reed, he had remained close to the Black Ice Pack ever since his sister was mated to Caden. Rosa was actually a fairy and not a witch. They were siblings from different marriages. She and her father were fairies, while he and his mother were from a coven. They were young when their parents got together, so they were always full siblings as far as they were concerned.
“Your mother’s old coven, The Briars, is still led by the same leader, Meryl. She is still … well, she’s still the same. She can’t stand the thought of someone thinking they’re better than her and her family. Heck, she even cursed a dragon who turned down her daughter. Poor guy was cursed to never be able to experience someone touching him again. What a horrible life just for refusing her daughter.” Reed frowned. “So, while I would imagine they wouldn’t want to get involved, I honestly don’t know. The covens won’t stick by them. They would be on their own. But they are very full of themselves.” Reed looked at Hunter. “I’ll let you know if I hear of anything, but just keep your eyes and ears open. Be cautious. The Briars are vindictive, and they are still bitter over Freja’s mother.
“It isn’t so much you, Freja. While you are an unknown to our world, it really isn’t about you. Their prejudice is because youare your mother’s daughter. A very powerful witch who turned down her coven.” Reed’s eyes softened and he smiled. “You seem like you have a good heart. You’re strong. Don’t let their lies and malcontent fill your head.”
Freja could feel Hunter’s warm hand rub her arm while she stood securely at his side. She was touched. She thought all the covens would think she was an abomination. Her judgment of all witches in the past was apparently wrong. She thought they were all like her mother’s old coven. The man’s hazel eyes were truthful, full of honesty. With a slight nod, she sighed, offering a small smile. “Umm … thank you. I-I’ve always thought you all would rather see me dead. An ‘abomination of the world,’ I believe is what The Briar Coven called me. I always assumed all the covens felt the same way.”
“There are many covens, Freja. But there are five that stand above them all. The five points, or heads. The sister covens that belong to each point. The Briar is only one point of the pentagram. The other four do not align with them at all. They’re an extreme branch of elitists who have ego issues. My coven is another point, The Bloom. I make decisions together with my wife, but I’m confident she’ll feel the same way. We stand with the Black Ice Pack as allies, and therefore, we will also stand with you, Freja. We’ll make a declaration that going against you will be the same as going against The Bloom Coven. Hopefully that will keep The Briar Coven away.” Reed knew his sweet wife would agree with him. They hated how Meryl ran her coven and wanted a new mother in charge. The other points had been discussing a way to install new leadership. They wanted it to be as peaceful as possible, though, and were still trying to think of a solution.
“Thank you, Reed. I appreciate your support.” Hunter looked down at his mate. He couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt her just because she was different. He might not have knownher long, but he could sense who she was. She cared a lot about others and wasn’t a bad person at all.
“Of course, Hunter, you’re practically family as far as I’m concerned.” Reed grinned widely. “Well, I need to pick up some cheddar and chili fries for my lady. If I forget to bring those back, she’ll turn me into a toad for sure.” Reed chuckled and nodded again to Freja. “Take care of yourself.” His eyes met Hunter’s once more with an unspoken affirmation before he walked away.
Jin’s brows furrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest. “If anyone tries to hurt Freja, they won’t be getting away with a warning from me.”
Chasen chuckled. “Don’t worry. The whole pack has Freja’s back. Hell, the whole werewolf species does, since she’s now their queen.” The truth was that Freja was in a very safe position now. Especially with Reed declaring his coven’s protection over her. The Briar Coven would be putting themselves in a very dangerous position if they messed with her.
“I’m not afraid,” Freja said calmly. “I’ll meet any challenge head-on and not shy away from it. The choice is theirs if they wish to live or die.” If they went after her, it would give her the reason she needed to wipe them off the face of the planet. She was even more experienced now than when they’d first cursed her. She was stronger now, too. She felt Ember quietly move in her mind, agreeing with her but staying silent to respect Freja’s mental boundaries.
She leaned into Hunter’s side, feeling his sculpted body, his warmth radiating through her, his comforting arm holding her protectively. She didn’t deserve someone like him. He was an amazing person, and he was out of her league. Yet he was her mate. She was the one who’d lucked out with the mate bond and got someone who was kind and caring. Finding him was like winning the mate jackpot.
“What you mean to say, my dear mate, is WE will meet any challenges head-on,” Hunter corrected her, gazing down into her green gems. The chaos of the shopping mall vanished as he stared into her eyes. They were the only ones who existed in that moment. Silver meeting emerald. His heart began to pick up its pace as desire for her began to consume him.
“Freja, you have to do this with me,” Jin squealed, oblivious to the connection she had just broken between the two of them.
Hunter and Freja looked at Jin, who was holding up a slushie that Chasen had given her. She grabbed another one and held it out to Freja. “Let’s see who can drink theirs the fastest!” Jin squeaked in delight as she shoved it in Freja’s hand.
The girls went to sit at a nearby table as the two men stood by, watching them in amusement. These two girls were both viewed as dangerous beings, but they were the exact opposite. They were adorable, with some childlike features. Chasen and Hunter had the best mates in the world. They couldn’t have ever asked for better.
"Um ... Hunter?"
Hunter turned and was met with a brown-haired girl with pale blue eyes. It was Kristy from Birchwood Pack. She looked up at him nervously, her fingers twisting together. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
Chasen curled his lip at the girl, and a low growl escaped his throat.What the hell does this bitch want?
Easy, Chasen. I've got this.Hunter held his hand out in front of his brother. He glanced toward where Freja and Jin were engaged in an icy battle to the brain freeze. He sighed and walked a few feet away with Kristy, though not far.
The last time he'd seen her, she'd been in bed with Alpha Will, pregnant with his child, planning to pass the pup off as Hunter's own. The memory still stung, though the void in his chest had long since been filled. His life was complete now, andhe was happy. Hunter wasn't one to hold a grudge, especially since he’d found someone much better, so he kept his expression neutral.
"How have you been?" Hunter said carefully, unsure what she wanted.
"I haven't been well. I lost the baby." She reached her hand down to her stomach with a frown.
Hunter felt a flicker of sympathy despite everything. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"Yeah," she whispered. "It's been really rough. After I lost the pup, Alpha Will ... he cast me aside. Said I was worthless to him without an heir. That I'd failed at the one thing I was supposed to do." Her voice cracked. "I thought he cared about me, but it was always just about the plan. About getting control of the packs."
Hunter's eyes flared with anger, though not at her. Whatever Kristy had done, the alpha using her like a pawn was a harsh punishment.Now we kill him,Blaze said smugly.
We won’t kill him, but he will be stripped of his title. He has abused his power and is not fit to be a leader.
