“Shit.” Jester set his jaw and held a steadfast gaze on the orb. The dagger was only something that could ward off the entity. It wouldn’t be able to kill it but could knock it unconscious. Love was something both he and Freja couldn’t deny. And this orb was not mindless. It was clever. He could tell by the way it analyzed the situation.
“Freja, you need to run. I’ll hold it off.” Jester didn’t spare her a glance. He was focusing on the menacing energy in front of him.
Freja shook her head. “I can’t leave you like this.”
Jester chuckled. “Who is this girl speaking? The huntress I know wouldn’t have hesitated to sacrifice someone else.” His eyes twinkled with amusement as a warmth crept into his heart. She really was a different person. “It’s not like this thing will kill me.”
“You don’t know that. We don’t know anything about it. We can outrun it. Come with me.” Freja couldn’t possibly leave him there. She couldn’t live with that kind of regret on her hands.
The orb bounced around. The white light around it began to darken as it expanded. “No escape. No escape,” the airy voice hissed out.
Jester took a step backward as the energy flashed different colors, then changed into an airy black smoke. The middle was a dark, solid color, while the outside was made up of black, smokey tails. The eyes turned red and glowered over the two people in front of it as it bobbed from side to side, almost mocking them. Taunting them to run.
Suddenly, it darted forward. Jester turned and wrapped Freja in his arms protectively. Maybe, just maybe … he could at least shield her. The two of them squeezed their eyes shut as they braced for impact.
A scorching heat radiated near Jester’s back. There was no impact, though. He opened his eyes and turned his head. A white flame completely overtook the dark entity. He and Freja looked to see a snow-colored dragon breathing out a white fire, the fire overtaking the darkness, the flame sizzling against their skin because of their proximity. They both took another step back as they watched the darkness get incinerated.
“And you told me the forest was too dangerous for me.” Ciana scoffed and let her tail whip the ground, creating a tremor under their feet.
“Wow, Ciana, that was amazing. Your flame purified it. I guess there is more to the luck dragon than meets the eye. Perfect timing, by the way.” Freja gave the dragon a crooked smile as she sighed in relief.
“Glad you’re making useful friends.” Jester chuckled and put his dagger away. That was a close call. One of the closest he’d ever had. It had to be because of all the demons moving around. Their excessive killing had created a new type of vengeful spirit, only this one felt different, and more powerful. It was probably able to feed off the demon’s energy.
Freja then turned her attention to Jester. “Thank you for protecting me. You risked your life for me. Thank you.”
Jester gave her a soft smile. “No thanks necessary. You would have done the same for me.” He looked at the white dragon and then back to Freja. “You best get going before that pearl starts to really heat up.”
“Thank you for everything, Jester.” Freja took a few steps toward Ciana.
“Wait. Where are you living now? I want to come and visit you soon.” Jester wanted to meet her new mate and make sure everything turned out alright.
“I’m living in the Black Ice Pack territory. I’m their luna.” Freja smiled. “I want you to meet Hunter. He will want to meetthe person who risked their life to protect mine. No matter what happens, I’m staying with him … so maybe I will see you again, then.”
Jester nodded his head. “You can count on it. Safe travels.” He watched them as they took off into the sky, and he continued to stand there, even after they flew out of sight. Frowning slightly, he sighed and turned, slowly walking back into the forest. Freja would be going after the Briar Coven soon. They were very powerful, and he worried she wouldn’t be able to escape them unscathed. There would be losses. She’d just started to really live her life, and he hoped she would be able to get through this next rough patch. Not just live through it, but get through it and continue to burn with her new light.
Hunter leaned on one knee, his shirtless back glistening with beads of sweat. He was disciplining his body with intense training, doing everything he could to keep himself occupied. It was nice having his parents and his uncle Grayson there, but he couldn’t enjoy it. Not with all the uncertainty surrounding his mate. He was worried about her and what sort of danger she could be facing. He was also worried whether he would ever be able to look at his sweet Freja again.
Deep down, he was angry … angry at the Briar Coven for interfering in his happiness. He would be dealing with them soon. Not just dealing with them … he would wipe out all corruption in the coven. The mother of the coven was dead as far as he was concerned. Her life would not be spared.
He lifted his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He squinted upward toward the sun as a few birds flew overhead.He listened to the sounds of his pack sparring among one another.
“Let’s see what this wolf of yours looks like now.” Asher said as he walked up to his son.
“Dad … you wanting to spar with me?” Hunter cocked his eyebrow at his father in disbelief.
“Sure. Why not?” Asher shrugged with a playful smile on his face.
“I don’t want to break your old man hip or anything. Plus, I’m afraid I’m much stronger than you now.” Hunter stood up and turned to face his dad.
“Then I guess it will be good practice for me, right?” Asher shifted into his wolf, Bo, and waited for Hunter to do the same.
Let’s give him a show, then.Blaze panted happily in Hunter’s head. He was excited to wrestle with his dad and for once have the upper hand.
Alright, Blaze, but remember to take it easy on him.
Chasen and Grayson walked up as Hunter shifted into his wolf. His wolf was larger than his father’s before, but now, being the King of the Werewolves, he was a wolf and a half bigger than him.
“Oh, look, we get front row seats.” Chasen smirked and elbowed Grayson.
