Page 77 of Fated to the Feral Wolf

“Imagine that, a world leader who actually knew about the magic he depended on.” Karissma said, sarcasm practically dripping from her tone as she let us finish studying the map. After a few more moments, she waved it away as easily as she’d waved it into existence.

“There’s an intersection in Alaska too,” Reed said a little petulantly.

Kari’s mouth pressed into a thin line. She had that same look our mother used to get when Reed was a toddler.

“I have a question. You mentioned beings of great magical power helping Bri,” Shay interjected. “But… how? I don’t have any more power than any other shifter, as far as I know.”

“You do, actually,” Kari said with a gentle smile. “Your fae nature hasn’t been fully awoken, as it doesn’t for fae until they’ve bonded with their life mates. Once you two have tied the knot… You’ll be sitting on a near-nuclear level of power. I can’t say forcertainthat you could best the high alpha here in an arm-wrestling match, but I’d say there’s a strong chance.”

Shay blinked, mouth hanging open briefly as she turned to me, then back to the witch. “But how does that help Bri?”

Karissma bobbed her head back and forth, considering. “Think of it like a battery pack. Brielle’s battery only has one bar. She’s always low. Her bond to Kane allows her access to a second bar of energy. You could give her a third, at full power. That bar could be the difference between her surviving the lifting of the curse, or not.”

So, Brielle was some kind of energy vampire? I glanced with concern between Shay—my loving, selfless mate, who’d already thrown herself on a literal blade to save her friend—and Kane, his gaze hopeful as he hung on the witch’s every word. I didn’t like it, not one bit.

I cleared my throat. “We’ve got a lot to discuss and to think about. Perhaps we should head back to the pack lands?”

“Of course. I’ll be here when you’re ready to discuss next steps.” She stared me down as I led Shay past her, and I knew she saw right through me. Centuries-old witches tended to have that ability. It was how they survived all the witch hunts.

FORTY-SEVEN

Shay

We were barely out of our rental on Johnson City pack grounds when a harried beta rushed up to us.

“High Alpha! I’m so glad you’re back. Alpha Todd has put together a last-minute fete to celebrate your historic visit to Texas.”

“Historic?” Kane asked with a heavy dose of skepticism.

“Apparently, it’s been more than two hundred years since your father visited, and that was before Alpha Todd’s time. The neighboring pack Alphas, ah, would like the opportunity toparticipatein history. Or so they bellowed over the phone. Repeatedly. Until he agreed to host the event, which begins in less than two hours.”

The beta’s harried expression suddenly made a lot more sense. Dread built in my chest. A room full of alpha energy wasnotmy idea of a good time ever, but especially not now. I was processing everything we just heard from Kari and really struggling. My not bonding Dirge—right away, thank you very much—was one skosh shy of actively hurting my best friend. But were we ready for that? There was still so much we didn’t knowabout each other, and sure, the attraction was through the roof…

But bonding was for life.

Granted, at this point, I couldn’t imagine life without him. Even when I thought he’d be doomed to permanent wolfhood, I had still wanted him close. But now… now we spent our nights tangled up and our days getting to know each other. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Did that mean we should bond, though? Right now? It was so fast.

I was conflicted. And the more I thought about it, the more it felt like I was keeping secrets from him, secrets that might make him want nothing to do with me.

“I see,” Kane said with a chuckle. “Well, we’ll be staying in town for a bit longer, and we’d be happy to meet the neighbors.”

Reed cut in, his politician voice firmly in place as he took the aide by the elbow. “Unfortunately, though, we didn’t bring formal attire for an event of this type. We packed light.” He bestowed the man with a dazzling smile, and I swear on the Goddess’s hem the man nearly swooned.

“That’s no trouble at all. I’ve already called in a tailor, and his team is staged with formal-wear options for each of you, just outside your lodgings.”

“Excellent…?”

The man wasn’t breathing. He stared into Reed’s charming face for a long moment before he realized he was waiting for an introduction. “Marvin,” he finally stammered.

“Thank you, Marvin. Please let Alpha Todd know we’ll be there with bells on.”

“Of course, I’ll update Alpha Todd.” He wandered off in the direction of the other alpha’s office, but not without casting a few looks back over his shoulder at Reed, who’d already jumped into business mode.

“Okay, as usual, I’m approving outfits for you.” He leveled a disapproving glare on Gael. “But I suppose your mates might want to handle your outfits now?” He looked at Brielle first, then me.

“Umm, can we just say that we’re not exactly formal, and we’d appreciate you handling all menswear decisions?” Brielle asked with a grimace.

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