Page 36 of Beyond Fate

No words could describe how Damon felt in that moment. He wasn’t sure how it happened, but their bond finally felt complete. He reached up and cupped Casimir’s cheek. “I love you too, my amazing warrior.”

Damon quickly yanked his hand away when Casimir’s touch sent a jolt of electricity through him. Casimir’s wings shot out. Then he flew backward before crashing to his knees. The earth around them shook, and the trees swayed in response.

Flipping to his feet, Damon hurried to his mate, but Casimir held up a hand to stop him. An energy blast shot out in all directions, knocking Damon to his ass. “Casimir, what’s wrong? What’s happening to you?”

His only instinct was to protect his mate. Damon shifted into his wolf and let out a loud, piercing howl. Moments later, three large wolves charged into the forest.

Now all four surrounded Casimir.

Black veins crackled all around Casimir’s body, like he was trapped inside an electrical ball. He panted heavily on all fours, and Damon had never been so terrified in his life. His father cautiously approached, only to be zapped back by the powerful energy emanating from Casimir.

Elvine and Raidh flew into the clearing, hovering near Casimir. Raidh closed his eyes and began to chant, although no audible words could be heard. Damon could see the flow of magic from Raidh to Casimir.

What in the hell was going on?

Elvine landed next to Damon and curled her small hand into his fur. “Casimir’s dark magic has been restored. He’s been without it for so long he’s having a difficult time adjusting to its return. Raidh is helping by slowly reintroducing the magic into his body, so it doesn’t overwhelm Casimir. Isn’t this exciting!”

Casimir winced in pain, holding on to his stomach tightly.

Damon hated feeling so helpless. He couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. He shifted, unconcerned with his nudity as he moved a little closer and lowered to one knee. “Just breathe slowly,” he said soothingly. “Relax, sweetheart, and let Raidh help you.” Damon wanted to move even closer, but the black electricity was still crackling around Casimir.

Raidh continued his silent chant, using his hand to guide the flow of electricity in a clockwise motion. Damon watched as the black veins began to move in the same way, pulling outward then retracting into Casimir at a much slower rate. Even so, Casimir panted heavily, his face still a mask of pain.

Kalen shifted back into his human form. “Turn your head, young lady.”

“I’ve seen male genitalia before,” she huffed.

Jax shifted and spun her around. “Keep your eyes off of him,” he said with a low growl.

She stomped her foot. “I want to watch this. Raidh is my best friend, but I’ve never seen him use magic this powerful before.”

“What do you mean powerful?” Damon asked. “He’s just controlling electricity.”

Elvine let out an exasperated breath. “Casimir is a Méityah Béskym, a guardian commander, Mr. Scratchy Crotch. Only one béskym is born among the guardians. Your mate was born a commander, making him the leader over all the other guardians. His magic is even more powerful than our king’s. If Raidh doesn’t help stabilize his abilities, they will destroy everything in a hundred-mile radius.”

Damon had already known his mate was born a commander. He just hadn’t known Casimir’s magic had been that powerful and prayed Raidh could keep a handle on it.

Kalen moved closer to Casimir again. “You’re a Frost, which means you don’t let anything or anyone gain the upper hand over you. Frosts fight like hell with their kéfyte standing strongly by their side. We’re right here, Casimir. Fight to control your powers, son.”

A hard, burning lump formed in Damon’s throat. He never thought he could love his dad any more than he already did, but his heart swelled even larger at the display of strength and support from Kalen.

“How’re we doing, hon?” Damon asked.

The dark electricity vanished. Casimir looked up at Damon with a soft, but proud smile. “I’m a Frost, nékah. Piece of cake,” he said before his eyes rolled back and he hit the ground.

“Casimir!” Damon closed the distance as Raidh fluttered to the ground, his eyes closed.

“He just needs time to rest,” Elvine said quickly. “Both of them.”

Jaytee shifted and carefully picked Raidh up and curled his mate into his arms.

“Thank you,” Damon said to his twin. “Thank you for allowing your mate to help mine.”

Jaytee gave him a lopsided grin. “That’s what twins are for.”

“Turn around,” Jax snarled as he spun Elvine again. “Swear to god I’m going to spank you if you keep looking at our…you know.”

She crossed her arms with a scowl. “You do realize you can’t punish me. I’m nearly 700 years older than you.” A wide smile spread across her face as her eyes sparkled. “I can’t believe it took me this long to realize it.”

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