We stop in the front entry of the manor, and he turns to face me fully. “You don’t need to,” he says gently. “I promise. If something bigger comes up, I’ll come find you.” Then, he kisses the top of my head, something he seems rather fond of doing whenever we’re parting.
Wolf’s chuckle slides through my mind, rich with amusement.He’s putting his scent on you.
My head tilts as I watch him walk toward the west wing.How so?
He breathes on you when he kisses you,she replies smugly.Once you let him bite you, he won’t feel the need to do it. But until then…
Right.
The biting thing.
I’m still not sure how I feel about that particular rite of passage. The only other female wolf shifter I know is Stephanie, and there is absolutely no universe where I askherwhat to expect. I’d sooner search the internet and accidentally end up on a government watchlist.
Let’s go for a run,Wolf suggests, and honestly? Best idea she’s had all day.
Especially now that I’m apparently some kind of supernatural PacMan, chomping my way through bad juju and ancient corruption like it’s a hobby.
Some peace and quiet in the woods sounds pretty damn amazing right about now.
I turn and cut through the house, slipping out the back door and onto the terrace. The air hits me instantly—clean and bracing. Frost glows in the distance under the late-afternoon light, and everything feels still and balanced.
For a moment, I just stand there, breathing it all in.
Then I spot him.
Marius is making his way toward the far edge of the clearing, hands shoved deep into his coat pockets, head bowed like the weight of the world has settled between his shoulders. Maybe he’s going for a run too. Or maybe he’s just trying to outrun his thoughts.
“Da—” I start, then stop short.
The word catches painfully in my throat. Am I supposed to call him Dad? I know I did in the cave a couple times, but emotions were high and… Now, I don’t know if I’ve earned it yet, or if he has. Self-consciousness wins, and I clear my throat, raising my voice instead. “Marius.”
He halts mid-step and turns.
There it is again, that quiet, stunned pride in his eyes, like he still can’t quite believe I’m real. It hits harder than I expect, settling low in my chest, warm and unsteady.
We move toward each other, my boots crunching softly over the frozen grass as I lengthen my stride, suddenly eager to close the distance.
“Hey,” I say, and it comes out as an awkward squeak because apparently my brain has decidednowis the perfect time to abandon all social skills.
“Rowan.” His voice is softer thanusual, like he’s holding something fragile. “I was just going for a run.” His mouth twists, almost hopeful. “Care to join me?”
The grin that spreads across my face is completely unstoppable. “I would love nothing more.” I tap my chest lightly. “Plus, I can test out my new tattoo for the first time.”
He winces. “Who did the spell for you?”
“Mildred.”
A low huff of laughter escapes him. “Terrible bedside manners, but she’s one of the most effective witches alive.” He nods once. “Cade chose well.”
That last part comes out grudgingly, like it cost him something to say, but my heart flutters anyway. I never got to experience a father silently judging every man in my life, deciding none of them were good enough.
Maybe I’ll get that now.
And Cade better happily deal with it.
“Anything I should know before I shift this time?” I ask, glancing down at my boots and cataloging what I’m wearing out of habit—thick socks, dark jeans, a cream sweater, my jacket. The jerky treat I shoved into my pocket at the last second, in case I see Archie, bumps against my thigh.
He shakes his head. “The magic should handle the details. Ready?”
