Page 94 of Marked By Night

Vin clears his throat, clearly uncomfortable. “We have a pack doctor back at the packhouse. Don’t worry, as soon as I’m dismissed, I’ll head straight there to get looked at. My shifter healing, combined with Sadie’s magic will take care of most of the cuts from the broken glass, but the hit from the orb is a different story.”

“I will heal it for you,” Kaos states, giving me a small smile.

In return, I kiss him on the cheek, glad he offered before I could say anything.

Kaos runs his hands over Vin’s chest. His eyes close and his nose scrunches in concentration. He glances back at me and I catch a spark of fear in his eyes. “This is old and very dark magic. He will need to be closely monitored and healed over the next few days and even then, it’s not a guarantee. I’ll have to consult my library and see if there’s anything we can do to speed the process.”

He turns his attention to Vin. “I won’t lie, you’ll likely be scarred in the area.”

Vin is going to be scarred because of me.Because I wasn’t strong or fast enough to protect myself. A lead weight settles to the pit of my stomach and I take that guilt and use it to harden my resolve. I need to learn about my powers and my magic as soon as possible to make sure I’ll never be caught off guard like this again.

Fate really likes to test me though, doesn’t it?

Dante wraps his arm around me and Hemsworth nudges my leg. Silently lending me their strength. “Let’s get you all back to the estate.”

The mansion pops into view a little while later, but that’s not what makes my stomach flip with anxiety.

Elian is barreling our way, darkness glittering in his emerald eyes. “What the hell happened?” he asks as his eyes track Vin’s every movement. “And why isn’t the traitorous shifter dead?”

“Because that shifter isn’t a traitor and he saved my life,” I say, and I get a backup growl from Hemsworth. Huh. Makes me sound even more menacing.

“Aww, that’s a good pup,” I tell him, bending over to hide my smirk. He’ll be getting several extra steaks later for sure.

“Fine. Vinson, you’re dismissed. The pack doctor can take care of you there.”

Hell no. If Elian thinks his word is going to be law around here, he’s got another thing coming. The shadows I released return to me in a flash, bursting to life at my command.

Elian’s eyes widen when he sees them before he quickly masks his reaction.

“He is not dismissed,” I say. “He’s coming to the house with us so Kaos can look after him and heal his injuries properly. So, kindly fuck off.”

Tactful I am not. To the point, I am.

Dante whistles low, glancing between Kaos, Elian, Vin, and I with interest. “Sadie’s going to give you a run for your money, huh Eli?”

Elian shoots me a look that could wilt a dozen already dead roses, but I don’t cower or shy away from his stare. His nostrils flare as he stalks toward me, stopping inches away from me, threatening to suffocate me with his aura.

Once again, I find myself captivated by those green eyes of his. They should be soft like the moss and the grass they resemble. Instead, they’re hard like garnets and emeralds.

“Why are you even here?” I ask.

His gaze flickers away. “I just got off the phone with Vald—one of the Elders. He wants to formally extend us an invitation.”

Dante and Kaos start speaking at the same time and I can’t understand what they’re saying. Elian holds up his hand and they stop.

“We can’t refuse their invitation, dammit. I already tried.” He sighs, placing his hands behind his back as he delivers the next blow.

“Savannah issued a challenge.” The words burst from his lips like he’s signing my death warrant and maybe he is. I have no clue what a challenge is.

“How soon?” Kaos asks breathlessly, laying a comforting hand on my shoulder. “How long do we have?”

Elian rubs his inked fingers across his jaw, those green eyes flicking over to where I know Dante and Kaos are standing behind me.

“One month.”

“Moons above! We need to start training her, right now,” Dante says, trying to usher me onwards, but I’m glued to the spot.

“What’s a challenge?” I ask.

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