Page 28 of Shadow Spirit

“I don’t know that there’s anything to be concerned about,” said Colby. “O’Shea could have been trying to frighten Adriana, but we’ll need to do some research. I’ve never heard of anything, but like I said, a wolf to witch bonding is something of an unknown. There’s nothing like it with wolves…”

Adriana felt the color drain from her face. “But I have—not amongst shifters, but there is a legend in my former coven about what can happen with paired and bonded witch mates. It’s said that the original banshees were formed when their bonded mates died in battle and they sought to avenge their deaths, holding those responsible to account and ensuring their souls wandered forever in the Shadowlands.”

For a moment, the alpha’s table was silent.

“Sweetheart, are you suggesting that O’Shea might be some kind of a witch or warlock?” asked Greg.

“I never saw him perform any kind of magic, but it would explain how he knew where to find me; how he managed to kidnap and subdue me. My coven was very well hidden. We used both magic and camouflage to remain out of sight for centuries. Erin mentioned that when her coven was attacked, the wolves who did it had red eyes. The only creatures I know with red eyes are warlocks and vampires.”

“Shit,” swore Decker. “In my mind, the need for both Greg and I to mark Adriana has become imperative.”

Colby nodded. “It may be the only way to weaken the bond with O’Shea.”

“And if he dies—regardless of who kills the bastard,” said Greg. “A fully formed link between Adriana and both of us, may be the only thing that tethers her to this life.”

They finished their meal in silence. As members of the clan began to disperse, Colby stopped Decker. “We managed to find that bed. Our people have been setting up your room all day. You should feel free to change anything that isn’t to your liking. If the three of you need a little time to yourselves, just let Maya know, she’ll ensure food and drink is brought to your room.”

Adriana was fuming as Greg and Decker led her to their new room within the main keep. “You had this all planned out.”

“Not all of it, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized we needed to be together. We needed to start acting like a bonded trio,” Decker answered.

“He’s right, Adriana. You know he is.”

They entered the room and Adriana was caught up short. Not only had Colby, and she suspected Brie, set up this room for the three of them, they had ensured a great many of her things had found their way here. Some of the things that had arrived were things she hadn’t taken out of storage or boxes.

Decker hadn’t been exaggerating. The bed that was centered on the wall facing the French doors that led out to the balcony that overlooked the sea was huge. In a smaller room, it would have dwarfed the space.

“Decker,” started Greg, “I think we could all just use a little rest…”

“That’s Greg’s delicate way of saying he thinks we ought to avoid an orgy and the two of you tearing chunks out of my neck.”

“Only I’ll be tearing the chunk. If we’re to eliminate O’Shea’s link to you, the mark needs to be gone.”

“Besides which, alphas really cannot abide the mark of another wolf on their mate,” explained Greg, “but Decker’s figured out a way around that.”

“I don’t think I want to hear it,” Adriana said, trying to sound more disgusted than frightened.

“It’s all right, babe. Greg’s right. I think we should spend a couple of days getting settled in. We’ll take care of you.”

Adriana walked into the closet, undressed, and grabbed one of Decker’s t-shirts. Normally, she slept in the nude but sharing a bed with two male wolves made her think a little modesty might be in order. When she emerged from the closet, Greg was already sitting up in bed, the bedclothes covering his lower body and his upper body naked, showing off his leaner, yet still cut chest and chiseled abs.

Decker was standing on the other side, holding the covers up. “You sleep in the middle and lose the t-shirt.”

“I thought it might be better if I wasn’t…you know, naked.”

“You thought wrong,” said Greg.

She reached down, grabbed the hem of the t-shirt and pulled it over her head. There was no hiding her stiff nipples, but then, the t-shirt probably hadn’t hidden them, either.

“I told you earlier,” said Decker, not seeming to mind he was naked with his cock pointing towards his navel, “no more panties for you. Take them off… or I will.”

Adriana bit her tongue but removed the panties. She made the mistake of glancing at Greg, whose own erection was tenting the sheets.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, this is a little weird for all of us, but Decker’s right. We might as well start as we mean to go, at least with sleeping arrangements.” Greg patted the bed beside him. “Come and get in bed.”

She tried to nonchalantly pass Decker and slide into bed. She might have been able to pull it off until he ran his hand down her spine, parting the cleft in her ass and cupping her mons from behind. She was on her hands and knees and was just about to turn and growl at Decker when Greg reached up to tweak her nipple. She whirled around and laid down, grabbing the covers and pulling them up to her chin.

“You don’t really believe that would be much of a deterrent, do you?” asked Decker. “But settle down and go to sleep. We’ll leave you be tonight.”

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