6
MAX
Dropping into the clearing later that night, I avoid Reid’s kind gaze and Fenrir’s fury, taking off into the forest. Confusion and rage bubble up within me, and it’s hard to focus past it. Cutting the branches with my dagger, I hack my way through until I’m far enough way.
And Iscream.
The full moon is days away.Days. When the moon reaches its pinnacle, Kaden’s curse will become permanent and no matter what I do—no matter if it’s my love, my blood or a ritual, he will remain a beast.
And he’ll be gone, lost to a curse frommyfamily.
I scream again, throwing my blade amd it hits the mark, embedded into the dar tree. The thud vibrates outward.
We’re still at least one or two full days’ ride from the Veridian Palace. Maybe more. I’ve no idea and I’m stuck—fucking trapped. All because of this insane prophecy, idiotic rules and Gods who think to meddle!
Gods, this is frustrating!
Huffing, I plant my fists onto my hips, thinking of Baris’ warning.A stupid one, really. Why travel this far if Aoife was not supposed to help us? What do the Gods know that I do not?
My magic curls in my gut, a cat seeking mice. It wants to fight, to react, to take and burn everything in my rage. To battle back this utter helplessness that seems to hang around me like a mourning shroud.
I barely withhold the urge to command my guards to move—I want togo. I need to push this along. Their feet will bleed and they will drop from exhaustion, but damn do I not care.
Damn Baris and this uncertainty.
Every moment we waste, every moment I delay, means Kaden is stuck in that curse. I can’t live with myself if he stays like that any further.
Does he miss me? Does he understand what’s happening? Pressing a hand to my chest, I close my eyes and will myself to focus on the glowing connection in my heart. The link between Kaden and I, is the only thing that keeps me going. As long as it burns, I know he’s still here.He’s still mine.
The night has been less than forgiving—wolves, crazy dreams, almost killing my allies, and of course, learning my father is descended for mythical creatures—but we are racing against Fate. I inhale, willing my anxiety to lessen, concentrate on the bond. All of this feels like too much.
But if Kaden is still here, as long as he fights, then I can too.
The spot flares brightly, and I blink, feeling breath on my face.
Two glowing eyes, full of warmth and life, stare down at me and I grin.Kaden. Fear and relief so tangible pull me out of sorts and I nearly gag against the sensation. Scanning him, I take in his wounds. They’re healed, but his fur is still matted from the fight, and his face is pensive.
He’s as worried for me, as I am for him.
“Kaden,” I breathe. “I was so scared.”
A clawed finger lifts my chin. His silken black hair hangs over his shoulder, caressing his sharply pointed ears. His snout is long, fangs dripping drool, but he’s still the most beautiful male I’ve ever seen.
He leans close, inhaling my scent, and his chest brushes mine.Hard and compact, his heat soothes a part of my heart that’s been aching for him. Swaying close, I let him nuzzle my neck, his cold nose pressing to my temple.
Gods, this isn’t fair. He’s here, but he’snot.
“I miss you,” I murmur, enjoying the feel of his nail rake over my shoulder. It cuts into my shirt, and I hiss, the pain intertwining with pleasure.
It wasn’t long ago that his fangs brought me to heights of ectasy I’ve never experienced. It’s a tease of what could happen.
He tilts my face and our gazes lock. Twin burning flames, the ones that used to terrify me and I grew to love, ignite my desire and burn away my fears. They pierce the darkness inside of my soul, and choose to see the good. Much as I’ve always done to him.
This is my mate. My husband. My king.
“I don’t know what to do,” I confess. “Everything—everyone is relying on me. Everything is so heavy without you. I’m expected to be a queen, to lead, but I don’t know how. Everyone needs me in different ways and all I want—all I canthinkabout is you.
“Baris thinks we just need my blood and our love to break your curse. But something tells me that’s not all. Why else would we be traveling to the Veridian Palace? If the Gods know something, we should know, but of course, no one is explaining it. It’s as if we’re driven here for their needs and not ours. As if we’re to find something. But if Aoife?—”
