Page 91 of Destined Mate

I’d always thought that a witch’s magic would feel invasive, but this felt safe and tingly.

She lowered her hands. The warmth disappeared, but the discomfort didn’t return. She murmured, “That’s the best I can do. I’m sorry.”

I looked down…and my mouth dropped open. She’d healed more than I’d expected. A thick scab covered the wound, and I could tell it would be healed completely in a day or two. I rolled my shoulder and felt only a faint sting. I smiled and breathed, “Thank you.”

Something unreadable crossed her face. “It was my honor.”

Though I was healed, I’d lost enough blood that I didn’t want to risk driving. “Can one of you take my spot?” My voice sounded slurred even to my ears.

Bodey jumped out, and Dina moved into the back seat, taking the spot beside Samuel. I was confused about what was going on until Bodey opened my door, lifted me up, walked me around the car, and put me in the passenger seat. I leaned my face against the cool window, enjoying the chill as Bodey slid into the driver’s side.

He put the car into drive, and we took off.

“I’m sorry about the mess.” My eyes shut.

“What mess?” Bodey muttered.

I laughed, the sound strangled. “Fair. I ruined your Jeep, and you’re sitting in my blood.”

The silence made me uncomfortable enough to open one eye. Bodey had gone rigid, his hands clenched on the wheel. His expression was tense, and the muscle in his jaw twitched. Finally, he rasped, “You havenothingto apologize for.”

My eyes closed of their own accord, and I didn’t have the energy to respond.

“She isn’t what I expected,” Dina said from her spot behind me. “When I felt that magic roll off her, I thought the worst. But to see her protect Samuel…protect all of us tonight….”

Samuel whined from the back seat, and then I heard a flop like he’d given up and lain down.

“Unique.” Bodey cleared his throat. “She’s unique, loyal, and doesn’t let her weakness define her. Something this world desperately needs.”

Warmth surged through me. The way he’d described me meant more to me than if he’d called me beautiful. Those qualities were things that would never change, whereas beauty was nice but fleeting.

“The others?” Dina asked. “Did we leave them to die?”

“No. Just like we expected, once Samuel was out of reach, Queen Kel’s wolves dispersed.”

“She’ll try again tomorrow.” Dina asked, “What was the loss on our side?”

“Ten alphas. They lost four times as many. And they don’t know where the coronation is being held.” Bodey exhaled. “So let’s be careful and hope everything will be fine.”

I wanted to keep listening, but instead, I drifted off to sleep.

* * *

The engine quieted,stirring me from my slumber. My eyes popped open, searching for a threat, but I found myself somewhere familiar.

Bodey’s garage.

I lifted my head just as Bodey and Dina opened their doors. Samuel jumped out after Dina and stopped at the door that led into the house while I struggled to sit up. Luckily, I wasn’t dizzy or extremely fatigued anymore.

As soon as I reached for the handle, my door opened, revealing Bodey. He bent to scoop me up, but I shook my head. “I can do it.” For some reason, it was important for me to walk on my own. Maybe because he’d professed his love to me, and I didn’t want him to believe I was weak.

My blood coated his side. I winced, but remembering how he’d reacted to my apology earlier, I kept my mouth closed.

Seeming undeterred by my state, he placed a hand on my back, which was sticky with dried blood, and guided me toward the door.

“I’m walking home unless you need me to stay.” Dina stood at the garage entryway.

My head was foggy, but I remembered that the witches lived at the other end of the neighborhood. I tended to forget that Zeke’s pack was an exception since having no witches nearby had always been my norm.

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