Page 59 of Cage Me

All I cared about was that she left me alone and never brought people around her home that gave me a reason to be suspicious of her, but the time for not caring about others is over.

“What exactly does that mean?” I ask, and because I’ve never seen her shift, I add, “Do you have a wolf, or do you only have a fae ability?”

“I have a wolf, but our relationship is strained.” Kasha grimaces, and when she doesn’t elaborate, I don’t ask her to. As I’ve learned, bonds with our wolves can be complicated. “For my fae half, I specialize in wind, but I’m also sensitive to the other energies. Yours has always been strong, but now it’s undeniable.”

It’s a good thing I’ve already decided that I can trust her, or I’d be more worried about the excitement in her words.

Before I can say anything else, she raises a brow. “Are you going to hide from the witch now that you know what you’re capable of?”

This piques Drake’s interest, but not mine. I know in my heart that this fight needs to happen. Not only for my peace of mind, but for the rest of our supernatural world. Kel was locked away for a reason and if we can’t banish her like those before us did, then she needs to die. Nothing else is acceptable. I won’t be responsible for anyone else getting hurt.

“No, we’re leaving tomorrow.” My gaze goes to Drake. “Right after Natalia finishes whatever spell she’s been cooking this whole time.”

This has Kasha grinning. “Whatever it is, it’s going to be one hell of a banger.”

“Why do you say that?” Drake asks, seeming more tense than he was just a few moments ago.

“Nat asked me for viloss dust,” she answers proudly. “It’s a powerful hallucinogenic made from flowers only grown in the fae realm. If you give that to the witch, she won’t know up from down. Though, for how long depends on just how powerful she is.”

Interesting and exciting all at the same time.

Kasha gets up. “I have things to do today, but don’t worry, your family is still safe here. Nothing has changed where they’re concerned, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you all need.”

I don’t know how I got so lucky being introduced to a half-fae who isn’t devious or selfish, but I regret not trusting Kasha sooner. I intend to make up for that when all this mess with Kel is done.

When it’s just me and Drake left in the living room, I consider getting up and heading to bed, but I’m too damn comfortable to move. The warmth of my mate envelops me, and the cushions of the couch feel like floating feathers lulling me to sleep.

Except I still haven’t forgotten Drake’s previous rise in tension.

“You know we can’t let Kel go, right?” I ask him, closing my eyes and leaning further against him.

His lips press against the top of my head, and he nods. “That doesn’t mean I don’t wish this wasn’t our problem.”

I have the same wishes, but there’s not a doubt lingering within me anymore. I was made to protect others. While doing so through Natalia’s spells is great, I know I’m capable of so much more now.

That’s not something I can ignore, and I don’t intend to, starting with Kel.

I’m going to wipe her existence from this world once and for all, keeping everyone safe from the danger they likely don’t even know is out there, waiting to strike.

Right after I have a little nap.

Chapter 23

DRAKE

It takes me several seconds to remember where I am when I wake: on the couch with Spencer, inside Kasha’s house. The place is dark and quiet, as is the outside world, but my mate still rests peacefully with her head on my chest, her body laid out next to mine.

My arms encircle her, holding her gently, and I watch the steady rise and fall of her chest. I trail my fingers over her arm, enjoying the feel of her silky skin. A smile forms on my face as our previous conversation comes back to me.

Spencer is a literal angel.

She might technically be a wolf shifter, but now that I know she’s more than that at her core, everything else makes sense.

The draw I had toward her, the desperate need not to let her go, the sense of peace I feel with her… Yes, as a shadow shifter, my desire to claim my mate should have been overwhelming, but my wolf was bound when I met Spencer. There was no influence from my inner beast.

Anything that I felt was because of my mate and her alone.

“Hmmm.” She burrows closer to me, and I tighten my hold.

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