The thought scares me. I want Tobias to shift, but the risk is too high. Half-bloods are dangerous. Most are sent to prison for the crimes they commit. Some never even shift back.
As if reading my mind, Red leans in. “I’m not worried about him staying in that other form. He has you. He’ll feel your bond, and he’ll trust you. Plus, with his father’s blood, I don’t think he’ll lose himself completely to the half-blood. His father’s shifter side will eventually balance him, once he bonds with the animal. It just might take time.”
The urgency in his voice holds my attention. “You don’t think we have long, do you?”
His voice lowers. “Tobias heard Rip’s voice the same day the bond was made. Only two days ago. And now he’s controlling him? At this rate, Tobias will be…” He sucks in a breath, like he can’t stand to think about it. “My point is, heneedsto fight back. He’s got it in him. You heard him tonight.”
I nod.
“He needs to connect to that, and fast, Ro. Rip is using magic through that bond, so Tobias needs to meet him with something equally strong. His human half won’t survive this.”
The words hit like a punch. “So you’re saying what? I’m supposed to help my mate lose himself to the half-blood even more?”
“No,” Red says softly. “Help him become it without losing himself at all. There’s a difference.”
“How?”
“I don’t know. But you’re his mate. You know how he thinks and feels. You tried earlier, telling him to lean in. Keep doing that. Help him trust himself. Heneedsto shift.”
I scoff. Tobias has been skittish from day one. How does Red expect me to help Tobias change now, when his entire world is crumbling at his feet?
“I’ll try.” Even if I have no idea how.
36
TOBIAS
“Tobias!”
My attention snaps back into focus. Jericho is standing in front of me, brows pinched together in worry.
“Did you not hear me? I said your name three times.”
A howl nearby makes me jump. I look around as a sudden chill causes goosebumps to cover my arms. My bare feet dig into the wet earth.How did I get outside?
Two wolves bolt through the trees. I don’t recognize them. One more. Then another. And another. They’re everywhere. I wrap my arms tighter around myself and close my eyes as fear crawls up my spine.
Something in me stirs at their presence—a strange, fleeting pull—but I shove it down quickly. No.They aren’t to be trusted.
“Get back inside,” Jericho says. “It’s not safe.”
My lips curl back as my words come out like venom. “Shouldn’tyoube inside too then, asshole? I’m not the only one with a target on my back.”
Jericho’s jaw ticks. “Inside, Toby. Now.”
I turn away, seething.Fucking vamp thinks he’s better than me.
The thought hits too fast, too sharp. He’s been nothing but patient, but I can’t stop hating everyone lately.
As I stomp back to the house, the tug in my head sharpens, becoming hotter with every step. It almost seems to vibrate.
Come to me, Tobias.
I freeze at the voice, fingers instantly reaching for the bracelet. It’s cool to the touch. When he says it again, it’s with more urgency.
Come to me now.
I turn to scan the trees, then look at the sky. No ravens. So did he control me again? Make me walk outside? Was Rip trying to pull me away from the pack?
