Page 30 of Only You, No One Else

Caster reached for the unique rhythm of Mark’s heart. He seemed awake, but calm, and he breathed a sigh, relaxing into his chair. Other than Damien, Marcus was the only person he could be vulnerable and safe with in equal measure.

“You want to discuss it?” Marcus was always one step ahead.

“He is it, Marcus.” He tried and failed to keep the awe out of his voice even as Marcus’s face maintained the calm assurance he needed. “His surrender is exquisite. I fear he might need me too much.”

Marcus shook his head. “He won’t. And if he does, I am confident you can handle it. Does he trust you?”

Caster’s mind went back to the perfect scene they’d shared in the cabin a few hours earlier. The extent of Mark’s trust in him was apparent in the way he let go of everything, in his total surrender to the pain. He couldn’t help his smile.

Marcus smiled back. “There you go. That’s all you need.”

But then Zeke, the Alpha’s determination to get to Mark, the memory of his confidence that Mark would be his, was impossible to ignore. “But there is Zeke…”

“You seemed to handle that well from what you’ve told me.” Marcus’s subtle shake of the head stopped his argument. “Mark is here with you. When that Alpha threatened him, he called to you with such powerful intent, you were dragged into his mind. That is nothing short of extraordinary.” He smiled. “In all my years, I’ve never heard of that happening.”

“It was strange and sort of normal at the same time.”

“What did Riley say about that?”

Caster shrugged, even though the enormity of what they discussed was a considerable weight on his shoulders. “He said it was a consequence of the protection spell. I don’t understand it, but I am thankful Mother thought to connect it to me.”

Marcus's knowing nod was not surprising. Of course, he was aware. “I learned a long time ago that Celine can see ten steps ahead.”

Caster smiled, his heart lighter. “Yeah, it is best to just do what she wants. It is easier that way.”

Marcus glanced at his watch again and then reached for his phone. “That’s why I’m praying Damien gets here in time for her dinner. I don’t want to have to explain to her why her boys aren’t here. She needs to see Mark. I told her to give you some space, but you know she doesn’t listen to me.” He waved a hand between them. “When news of this new threat reaches her, if it hasn’t already, she’ll be looking for him.”

Caster nodded. “I know.” He reached for Mark’s heartbeat again, allowing its echo in his mind to calm him.

“Hey…” Marcus waited for him to meet his gaze. “Nothing will happen to him.” The conviction in Marcus’s tone was impossible to ignore. “This time, he has you and me, which means he has the whole vampire army behind him.” He leaned forward, his tone hardening. “That witch and her resurrected Alpha will find it very difficult to reach him.”

For the first time since he’d occupied Mark’s mind space, Caster felt calm, reassured of his position in Mark’s life. His love for Mark was exponential in its capacity. It scared him and thrilled him in equal measure. But with his family’s support, he was certain they would survive whatever was coming.

CHAPTER 20

Edie returned a few minutes later with Adella. Kyle’s presence at the door was reassuring, as was the combined power of the two witches in the room. But it was his wolf’s calm inaction that eased his mind. Still, he reached for Caster’s scent, finding it in the space of a few seconds and bathing his soul in the security it brought.

Edie placed the copper bowl she carried on the table as Kyle handed Mark his new phone. He stared at the device in his hand, longing to call his brother even if just to make sure he was OK. It was irrational to worry about Dean. It was the traitors in the Werewolf Council who needed to worry. An angry, betrayed Dean was not something he would want to deal with. He stuffed the phone in his pocket, resolving to go to his brother with solutions, not additional problems, and that meant finding Amelia. It was time for the witch who’d protected him all his life to explain her unique role.

“I think we need Caster,” Edie said as he sat across from her, readying his mind for the effect of their magic. He was still his mother’s son, and it would take time for him to be fully on board with witches. Still, he trusted both women in the room.

He started to shake his head…

“We need him, just in case Zeke comes back,” Edie said, her smile indulgent.

He nodded and reached into Caster’s mind. The clear image of him would always be the easiest part. It was much harder to find the words to admit his weakness. Caster?

His wolf let out a low whine, its complete submission on display as he felt Caster’s presence in his mind. What is it, my love?

I need you.

Right now? What’s happening?

He shook his head. Part of Edie and Adella’s hushed conversation reached his occupied mind as they set up the table for what seemed like a complicated spell. I’m OK. Edie and Adella are here. We want to find Amelia, and Edie says it's best if you’re here.

Do we need Riley?

It didn’t seem necessary. The power he could feel from the two witches in the room would be more than sufficient. No. I don’t think so.