Page 78 of Eclipsed Heart

I followed them, wanting to learn more about my parents. That River knew my father as a kid tugged at me. The former advisors had known them, but since we’d been constantly addressing threats, I hadn’t asked more questions about them. I hadn’t even thought about asking who they’d been as people. “What was he like?”

Samuel and Bodey joined me. Samuel bit his bottom lip and wiped his hands on his pants legs nervously.

“Strong. Loyal.” She went to the fireplace and faced the room. “He cared deeply for his people, including the witches.”

“That’s how Michael described him too.” Samuel lifted his chin. “I would’ve loved to have gotten to know him and had his guidance.”

River laughed. “Oh, sweet boy.” She placed a hand on her chest. “Your father is still with you. His and Mila’s magic is part of both you and your sister. They created you, after all. A part of them will continue to live through every generation if you have children of your own.”

Those words struck something deep within me. I rubbed my own chest as Bodey stepped behind me, placing his hands on my hips. Even through my jeans, the buzz of his proximity caused a hitch in my breath.

“You have a very strong fated-mate bond.” River sucked in a breath, staring at us. “I can feel the magic rolling off you from here. A royal hasn’t had a fated mate for some time now.”

Dina nodded. “I believe that it’s a sign that things are about to change.” She gestured to Stevie, who was finishing cleaning up the mug. “This one is the fated mate to Jack and Miles and Stella are fated mates as well.”

“Interesting.” River pursed her lips. “I wonder if Lucas will find his fated mate too.”

“Does that matter?” Samuel asked, his brows furrowing. “I was under the impression that chosen mates were equally worthy.”

Sitting on the couch, Dina crossed her legs. “It’s not that chosen mates aren’t fine. Michael and Janet are chosen, and they love each other dearly. You were raised around them; you’ve seen that through the years. But a wolf being with their fated mate strengthens both of their magic once they fully settle into the bond.”

Bodey’s hands gripped me harder. “What do you mean?”

“A soul divided in half is stronger when made whole again.” River ran her hand along the mantel. “You and Callie are amazingly strong wolves in your own right—that’s why I can see the magic between you without searching hard. You two are still settling and learning your place with each other and your roles within the packs, but once you figure things out, you can share magic with one another through your bond. A chosen mate can’t do that.”

“My place is beside Callie—that and taking care of Idaho,” Bodey said confidently. “I’m unsure what you mean by ‘still settling.’”

I swallowed, hearing the contradiction in his words. Leading Idaho was the future he’d expected. I couldn’t ask him to give up his position just because Fate chose him to be with me. That would be selfish, and he’d grown up knowing all these people and caring for them as a packmate and a leader.

Samuel came to my other side and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll be there to help her with all the royal duties if she wants me. We won’t let my sister flounder.”

“Of course I do.” I couldn’t do this alone, and having Samuel’s help to make decisions alongside me was something I would never take for granted. “I need all the help I can get.” He was able to make hard decisions quickly, whereas I couldn’t tell which option was the least wrong. Each felt like I was picking between a hole in the head or a hole in the chest.

“And I’ll be here for you in any way I can,” Stevie said softly, uncertainly—like I might not want her help.

My heart ached. I hated that she felt like I might shun her help. But what else was she supposed to think when we’d grown up with the idea that we were worthless and didn’t matter to our own pack?

River mashed her lips together and straightened. “As much as I would love to stay and discuss your magic and future, we will need to do that another time when there isn’t an imminent threat. Being away from Miles’s pack and my coven members is detrimental to our people, especially while Miles and Stella can’t be there.”

I should’ve thought of that. Here I was, wanting to pepper her with questions when she’d come here to help me get answers about what had happened the night of my parents’ death. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s not your fault.” She smiled and gestured to the couch. “I was the one who mentioned Bodey’s and your bond.”

A knot formed in my stomach as I moved to the couch. I’d learned from the last two witches that this would not be comfortable, but I’d deal with it for a chance to get some answers.

I’ll sit next to you,Bodey linked, taking my hand.Maybe if we touch while she examines you, it won’t be as bad.

You don’t have to.I squeezed back lovingly.It’s not painful, just…not comfortable.

Bodey sat next to me. In other words, he still wanted to try to help ease some of my discomfort, and I adored him for it.

Dina sat on my other side as River walked toward me.

When Samuel didn’t move, I cleared my throat and linked,Do you mind joining Stevie at the bar? I feel as if I’m on display.Two weeks ago, if people had stared at me like this, it usually ended with me being punished or getting hurt. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get comfortable with being the center of attention.

Yeah, sure.He quickly moved into the kitchen.

As River kneeled in front of me, I took a deep breath. I didn’t understand why, but I hated how witch magic felt when they were probing inside me. It felt dirty. As if I’d been violated.

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