Page 32 of Destined Mate

After taking a big bite of food, Miles opened the book and began flipping pages. “We need to go over everything and make sure we have the traditional things in place.”

Jack leaned over, staring at the pages. “What’s that?”

“It’s called a book. It’s kinda like an iPad but thicker. Instead of swiping, you flip pages,” Bodey said through a mouthful of pancakes.

I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh, but Lucas and Samuel snorted.

“I meant…” Jack started, then leaned forward so he could wrinkle his nose at Bodey. “Is that what you were all talking about yesterday? Because I thought it was just his notepad.”

“It’s a bound book of notes.” Miles shrugged. “So technically, you aren’t wrong.”

Samuel leaned toward Janet, his eyes on the book. “What kind of details are in there?”

“The clothing we should wear and the crystals and herbs we need to hunt down. All of it will ease the pain that will occur when the witches use their magic to identify and anoint you as king.” Miles flipped a few more pages. “It’s quite detailed. The cloth should be made of a material that won’t interfere with the spell. Apparently, some man-made materials will repel the magic in the tattoo ink if we aren’t careful, and the spell won’t work.”

The bite of pancake lodged in my throat. “I didn’t realize the witches were so involved in the coronation.”

All seven pairs of eyes flicked toward me.

“It’s how the witches and wolves renew their pledge of allegiance to one another.” Michael’s jaw twitched. “Both have a huge part in the ceremony. Did Zeke not teach you our traditions?”

I took a sip of coffee to get the pancake to go down before I choked. “Maybe it’s just me.”

The seven of them glanced at one another.

Bodey said, “All thatisimportant, but we also need to send scouts to our borders and make sure Samuel doesn’t go anywhere alone. Queen Kel has made it clear that she wants to take over the territory and grow her kingdom.”

I could’ve kissed him—metaphorically speaking, of course—for changing the subject. I wasn’t stupid; he’d deliberately taken the focus off me.

The conversation continued, and I concentrated on taking one bite at a time. I didn’t want to draw their focus back to me.

When the guys were done eating, they all stood. Bodey took my plate. “We’ve got to head out and meet Zeke to talk about everything. I’ll be back for lunch later.”

“Yup!” Jack beamed. “Weallwill.” He leveled his gaze on Bodey, and I wasn’t sure what I’d missed.

“Text or call me if you need me.” Bodey brought our dirty plates and silverware to the kitchen sink.

All the men followed him into the garage, and the door shut, leaving Janet and me alone.

As soon as I opened the dishwasher to help her clean, Janet smacked my hand lightly. “Go to your room and get some more rest.” She pointed a finger at me. “I’ll take it from here, and then I’m heading next door to my house. I’ll lock up when I leave.”

The stern look on her face had me obeying, not because of her wolf but because she looked very much like a mom.

Following her instructions, I went to my room and crawled back into bed, but sleep never came.

I was losing my mind. I’d been in bed for three hours, and I was restless. At home, I always had something to do, and I was getting antsy.

As promised, Janet left soon after I’d come upstairs, so I was stuck in a strange house all alone. I got out of bed and straightened my clothes and hair. Bodey should be back soon for lunch, so I headed downstairs.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, the doorbell rang. I paused but realized I was the only one here to answer.

Slowly, I approached the door.

When I glanced through the peephole, I blinked, not believing who I saw.

CHAPTERTEN

This hadto be some sort of joke, or I was seeing things.

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