We stare at each other, wordlessly fighting, and I sigh, pinching my the bridge of my nose. “You want me to see what Griffin knows about her.”
“He has notes, he must.” She looks over my shoulder again, lowering her tone. “Notes that could help us, helpher.”
“We searched his castle and found very little.” Unfortunately, Griffin is smart.
“About a weapon. We didn’t look for journals or notes about the Blut Coven, about her.”
Gods, she’s right.
“Is training not going that well that you need more information?” She’s more persistent about helping Max than I would have thought.
“It’s fine,” she brushes off, shrugging. “But when those drugs wear off, her magic will return. And I don’t have to remind you how strong she is. How uncontrollable that magic is for her.”
I remember the headaches she got, the urge to take, the pounding of hearts in her ears. The way her magic seemed to have amind of its own. She was at a disadvantage, never taught the control at an early age, only to fear her power. That was a disservice to her.
The drugs were as much a curse as a blessing. At least they gave her a reprieve.
“Witches and Fae do not control magic the same. We know this from the old scrolls in Uncle’s office.”
Centuries old scrolls that described the world having abundant magic with different races able to access it. Every species had a pull, a calling. It was thought to be a fabricated tale until I developed powers. Then Queen Aoife told me the stories of powerful Fae and the magic we once wielded.
“If we know what she is, we can train her to control her magic.” And not have to hide from it, ignore it. She could learn real control.
If I could help her, she would be magnificent.
“I’ll figure it out,” I promise. “In the meantime?—”
“Don’t let her out of my sight,” she responds. “I know, big brother. Eventually, you’re going to have to let her into this, it’s the safest option.” I glare at her, quiet as she continues, “Eventually, you’ll need to let her decide her own fate.”
Smirking, I tilt my head. “Why would you think I would?” Max’s fate is my fate. I can’t have her deciding anything, if it means losing her.
Fee scoffs. “Because you’re a selfish asshole, but also a lovestruck fool for her, Kaden. Soon, you’ll realize it like the rest of us. You’ll want her to be herself, not someone you can control.”
“You think too highly of me,” is all I say, as I sense Max enter the room. Only Fee doesn’t know I don’t control Max, she controls me. I only keep information from her so as to limit the dangers to her person.
Scanning Max, I see her dagger, the training leathers and the clean face. No marks from our night in the forest shows, but I can smell it—me, on her.
She doesn’t act as if last night happened and I smirkbecause I know differently. Bruises hid under her leather pants, my claw mark are healing along her hips. My ownership covers her.
The beast purrs, pleased, sated.
Instead of acting on my emotions, I incline my head to her as she narrows her eyes. She doesn’t know what to do with this new dynamic nor what to do with me. She is right to be wary, but I know what my next steps are.
Fee might think I’m a fool for this woman, but I am selfish.
I will do everything I can to keep my mate if it’s the last thing I do.
Then? My kingdom.
Chapter
Eighteen
MAX
Duking under Fee’s arm, I roll onto my knees. Lifting my dagger to clash against hers, I brace against her attack.
The hit vibrates up my arms, muscles tightening against the pressure. Swiftly, she kicks out and I flip backwards, a move I just learned. Or rather, needed to learn to avoid her hits.
