Page 58 of Eclipsed Heart

“We should totally write a song about it.” I chuckled. “There can’t be anything out there that even exists with that theme.”

“You write it; I’ll sing it.” She winked.

I forced my eyes to widen and my jaw to drop. “No way. We would never be able to sell it with that voice.”

She stuck out her tongue at me, but she leaned over laughing. “Bitch.”

Though I loved her, Stevie couldn’t sing to save her life. I faced forward once more and leaned back, closing my eyes and enjoying the cool breeze on my cheeks. “We did say we wanted a different life.”

“I’m quite certain neither of us meantthis.” She paused. “But hey, you’requeen.That’s amazing. You can help people who are in our situation.”

That was a lofty goal. “I’m a queen who doesn’t know what she’s doing,andI don’t remember a damn thing. I’m not certain that Fate isn’t messing with me again.”

“What did Zeke say when you went there yesterday?”

I opened my eyes and gritted my teeth. “He admitted he knew who I was, so it’s true. He didn’t smell of a lie, but at the same time, he said that he wasn’t the one who spelled me.”

“Well, yeah. He’s not a witch.” She tilted her head, causing my breath to hitch.

Damn, the conniving bastard. He’d chosen the words carefully, and I hadn’t caught it. “No, he can’t.” I banged my head on the back of the chair. “See! This is why Ineedyou.”

Talking to her about this was exactly what I’d needed. Not that I couldn't talk with Bodey or even Samuel, but Stevie knew Zeke the same way I did. She knew how vicious and vindictive he truly was, whereas Bodey and the others had dealt with him as equals. Not only that, but they’d grown up knowing they’d one day be in charge of their territories. Stevie and I had a completely different view than the rest of them did.

Seventeen years ago, the child version of myself had known that I’d someday be here, but the person I’d become when my memories were erased hadn’t. Bodey and the other advisors had no idea what it was like to be a weak wolf, to be tormented and then thrust into the highest possible position with an advisory council trained since birth with tons of experience.

“Please.” She scoffed. “I’ve always known there was something unique about you. You’ve never trulyneededanyone. You survived so much shit, like when Pearl and the others caught you alone. You’re a survivor, and you’ll figure this out.”

I rubbed my temples and then kissed my fingers and held them toward her. She had such good intentions, but she couldn’t see things from my perspective. “That’s my point. Until two days ago, all I had to worry about was making sure thatIsurvived, and today, I’m worried about how I can keep over tenthousandwolf shifters safe. How am I supposed to figure that out?” My chest tightened, panic gripping me. “Samuel was the one who was prepared for this. Not me.”

“We both know Fate’s a bitch, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise.” She shrugged. “That’s all I got.”

The two of us had cursed Fate for as long as I could remember. I dropped my hands into my lap. “Maybe this is Fate’s way of getting revenge, even though Bodey is definitelynota punishment.” I cut my eyes toward her and smirked. “And I’m sure you feel the same way about Jack.”

Her feet dropped, thumping against the wooden floor. “I don't know what you mean.” Her voice sounded high-pitched and breathy.

I arched a brow. “When he touches you, is there a buzz or jolt? Not faint tingles but a truly physical reaction, almost like static electricity but way better?”

Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. “I thought I was crazy. Yes, that happens. How do you know?”

Tingles flared through my body. I was so damn happy that Stevie had a fated mate and that it was Jack. “Because he's your fated mate.”

“Wait. What?” Her head jerked back. “How do you know that?”

“First off, I noticed your reaction on the couch earlier when he touched you, and second, that’s what happens when Bodey and I touch. Same for Stella and Miles.”

Face blanching, she shook her head. “You’re trying to tell me that analpha advisoris my fated mate.”

“That's exactly what I'm saying.” I shrugged, trying to hold back my laughter at her astonishment. “Maybe Fate's not a complete witch after all. At least she chose good guys for us.”

“No! That’s cruel.” She crossed her arms and grimaced. “He can't be with someone like me. Hell, he wouldn’t want to be. I’m weak…nothing.”

Heat coiled deep inside me. “First off, you’re notnothing.Stevie, you’re a sweet, funny, loyal, and beautiful woman.” I hated when she talked about herself that way. “And second, if you two want to be together, then there’s no problem at all. Jack’s funny, loyal, and loud and likes to instigate harmless fun. You two balance each other completely.”

“But—” she started, just as Bodey linked with me.

I lifted a finger to ask her to wait while he said,I hate to interrupt you talking to your sister, but you've got a text message from the queen.

The world stopped.What does it say? Let’s link the others in so they can hear it too.

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