Page 25 of The Fate of Eternity

“Wait here,” the wolf grumbles before disappearing through the tree line, and I quickly realize we’re at Janie’s restaurant.

I rub my lips together nervously as I stare at the space that sits between me and the building, the same one that seems to have changed my life forever. It’s exactly where I was standing the first time I was called out and challenged to a duel. A duel I wanted nothing to do with. AwolfI wanted even less to do with and a stupid bitch calling for my head, all for what?

At the time, it felt like a huge inconvenience, but now? Now I know it was a pinnacle moment, one we haven’t turned back from since.

Before I can ponder any more on the matter, Cassian comes rushing out of the building in a blur with another figure at his side. When they halt in front of us, I smile at the appearance of Janie.

Her brown hair is swept back in a low ponytail and her black and red plaid shirt is unbuttoned, revealing a white tank top underneath.

“Hey, Warrior.”

“Warrior?” I repeat, the question clear as she grins at me, but her eyes meet Cassian’s.

“Sorry, inside joke.”

“Amusing,” I breathe, unsure how I feel about it, but the fact that there’s no hostility lingering in the air sets me at ease.

“He is, isn’t he,” she retorts, turning back to me with a shit-eating grin that I match with one of my own. Cassian grumbles under his breath, but she ignores him as she takes a step toward me. “I hear my expertise is needed.”

“I didn’t say expertise,” Cassian barks, rolling his eyes at her dramatics, and she shrugs.

“You didn’t have to.” The power play between them is hilarious and completely reminds me of Nora. Just like Janie, she’s the one with all of the power. “Why don’t you guys head inside? Jake will feed you all,” Janie offers, waving for them all to head toward the restaurant, but Raiden scoffs, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as he levels Janie with a stare.

“I’m not leaving you alone with her.”

“Why?” The perplexed look on Janie’s face makes it clear she has no idea what his issue is.

“Hecould show up.”

One generic word, two letters, and my spine stiffens. It’s clear whoheis. No further introductions are necessary.

“I understand your concern, but he hasn’t shown his face in days. Not since the trial that was supposed to be aired to thekingdom was abruptly canceled. Nice speech, by the way,” she adds, grinning at me, and I blush.

“Thanks,” I murmur, caught by surprise that the trial was public to the outside world, only a surprise to us, and more shocked by the fact that Bozzelli still pulled it.

Damn.

“You can fuck off now, Cassian. Take these assholes with you,” she states, offering a sterner look this time.

To my surprise, Raiden presses his lips to my temple before taking a step toward the others. The four of them sulk off without a single word, which is more amusing than anything, but Brody pauses as he reaches the door, eyebrows drawn tight as he looks me over.

“I’m good. Save me a steak,” I say, and he winks, the tension easing from his frame.

“That’s my girl.”

“She’sourgirl,” Kryll retorts, glaring at the mage in question, who doesn’t relent.

“But she’smyDagger,” he insists, earning a shove from Raiden.

“Shut up, Brody,” the vampire snaps before they all disappear inside.

I stare at the empty space, certain one of them is going to come barreling out at any moment, but nothing happens.

“So, a fae wolf, huh?” Janie murmurs, cutting through my thoughts, and I nod.

“Apparently.”

“How is that going for you?” she asks, eyebrow cocked as I shrug.

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