Page 52 of Ember's Claim

The dragon is young, but it’s clear he’s got an understanding of how serious Ember’s situation is.

“You know, my biological father was the last dragon king in Faere. They’re now a matriarchal society, but that’s a whole different story.” His strong jaw clenches as his head shakes. “Considering Ember’s lineage, it’s not crazy to imagine we’d find our way into some type of power position one day.” He exhales heavily. “But I don’t understand any of the wolves’ rules or customs, and that scares the shit out of me. How am I supposed to brainstorm possible problems and ways her enemies will attack?”

“I’m familiar with shifter culture, and I know how to pull my own weight.” Giving him a tight smile, I do my best to block the memories of my little brother and the mate he lost. “I truly didn’t foresee this. My gifts block anything too closely related to my own timeline.”

“That’s bizarre,” Veryn says. “We have a family friend who is a seer. She sees everything—even stuff for her own granddaughter.”

“Yes, well, I do not.” I shrug. Unlike my parents, I wasn’t born in Faere. I simply inherited their elven blood, but I wasborn in the human realm shortly after they migrated. Prophecy wasn’t a gift I was born with; it only began to develop over the last five hundred years. Who knows how powerful the skill will be in another five hundred, but for now, there are limitations. “My warnings were only meant to inform her of the dangerous game she was playing. Any involvement with the paranormal council is precarious for someone who is unique.”

I’ve interacted with many councils on many continents over many centuries. The North American Paranormal Council doesn’t reach the top five of terrible encounters, but they are currently hunting my dear friend Calyx.

It’s unclear if they think he’s guilty of something he hasn’t done, or possibly they’re hoping he’ll clean up a mess he didn’t create. It’s impossible to tell, and until we have a better understanding of which category their interest falls under, we’ve all decided to do our best to stay off their radar.

“Are you wanted by the paranormal council? How did you get involved with them, anyway?” The dragon eyes me carefully, scratching his stubble-covered jaw.

It might be pertinent to share those details with my mate’s other mate, so I repeat my line of thoughts, aloud this time. “I don’t believe I am. I’m not sure how they could know about me in the first place, but your council believes, mistakenly I might add, that Calyx is powerful enough to influence an entire pattern of evolution. Omegas have ceased to be born, simply because the universe deemed they weren’t being looked after properly.” I shrug, rolling my eyes. “Okay, that’s not necessarily a factual account, because no one knows for certain, but I’ve lived many lifetimes, and that’s my best guess.”

“We know several omegas of a variety of species,” the dragon says, sighing heavily. “They’ve just been safely tucked away behind the sanctuary ward surrounding Haven. Octavia—the town council leader—is leery of the paranormal council eversince an incident with one of my fathers…” He goes on to share a bit about how his father was kidnapped by a paranormal council agent and used to fuel his nefarious spells.

“That is truly heinous.” I bow my head. “It’s sad how the few can taint the image of the many.”

Magic users, especially those with dark gifts, are viewed negatively by the supernatural world.

Veryn sighs, stretching back against the couch cushion. “I need to make a few phone calls and ensure Ember’s family won’t storm the gates as soon as they hear the news.”

“Agreed, that would not be helpful.” I move to shove myself off the couch. “I’m going to strengthen the ward. If anyone with ill intent attempts to enter, it will wake me.”

“I should probably step outside, so I won’t wake her while I talk on the phone.”

I’m pleasantly surprised he seems to be open to working together.

Shifters are notoriously awful at sharing, but perhaps his upbringing lends to being more open-minded than most.

Or perhaps his beast senses the partially formed matebond I placed on Ember’s wrist? That’s probably the more likely option. Shifters respect matebonds above all else.

Either way, I’ve waited a millennium to finally meet my other half. He can have thoughts and feelings on the matter, but not a single one will stop me from making that little wolf mine.

I simply need to coax her into liking me, convince her to do her portion of the claiming ritual, and our bond will be complete.

My hands light, buzzing with the hum of magic. I edge to the side and continue to strengthen the ward. No one will breach the interior without me knowing about it.

“Shit, shit, shit,” Cohen hisses, jogging toward me while glancing back over his shoulder.

“What’s the matter?” I ask, checking on the dragon. He’s still on his phone, pacing back and forth, a bit like a caged lion.

“There’s abeautifulfae female and a nightmare hot on my trail. They are on the warpath.” Cohen trips over his tennis shoes, shoving his glasses up and coming to a stop all in one graceless motion.

“A male nightmare?” Veryn shoves his phone in his back pocket, striding toward us. “Or a female? This is important.”

“Female,” Cohen wheezes. “Good God, I’m out of shape.”

“They aren’t a threat.” The dragon chuckles. “Now, if Malice was with Rogue…that might be a bad sign.”

“I wouldn’t speak too soon,” the tall, willowy blonde fae says, appearing from the shadows next to the nightmare. I believe Rogue is the fae, but that’s a piece of information I picked up while watching Ember. “Why are you with Ethan Sanders? You know he’s our target.” She speaks to Veryn but gestures toward Cohen.

“That wasat leastthree aliases ago.” I chuckle, shaking my head. Looking at the fae female, I ask, “Does your council even want you to succeed?”

I sense the change in the air but make no move to stop the nightmare who siphons from her spot to immediately behind me. The press of the blade against my throat leaves me questioning that decision.

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