Page 92 of Eclipsed Heart

“We’ll take you there,” I promised, stepping toward her. “I didn’t mean for Zeke to take you away, but I’m glad that you’re safe.”

Her irises lost their warmth as she glanced at Zeke.

Something definitely wasn’t right.

I hated to jump right to the point, but Queen Kel’s wolves had a tendency to show up and turn things to shit without warning. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? I learned some information, and I was hoping that you’d have some answers for me.”

She started. “Um… Maybe. If I know anything.”

Bodey tilted his head, watching her every move.

“Why did you look at me so oddly the day Theo and I visited Lynerd?” Even though I could smell a lie, I focused on my hearing, wanting to see if I heard even a slight elevation of her heartbeat.

“Oh.” She wrung her hands, and her heart did beat slightly faster. “That.”

I linked to the group who’d come with me, excluding Zeke and Theo.Is it me, or does she seem to be under duress?

Bodey stepped toward me, readying to protect me.

“I sensed something strange about your magic.” She laughed a little too loudly. “Dina noticed the same thing.”

“Yes, but Dina’s mom wasn’t the one who repressed my mate’s memories.” Bodey clasped his hands. “So I’m thinking you realized there was more than just a strong wolf being suppressed. The magic resembles your own.”

She flinched but didn’t say another word.

“Is that true? Did you recognize who’d spelled me that day when you met me?” I wanted to make sure there wasn’t a way that she could get around the truth.

Zeke stood. “Do you know how crazy that sounds? Her parents were from Lynerd’s pack, hours away.” He waved a hand. “If this was the information you thought she’d be able to help you with, you’re more delusional than I realized.”

“Maybe.” Samuel narrowed his eyes at Zeke. “Oryou’renot smart enough to realize the brilliance in having a witch from far away cast the spell for that exact reason—especially if Lynerd wanted to punish the royals for naming you the Oregon alpha advisor.”

“The police confirmed a gas leak set off the fireplace explosion.” Zeke rolled his eyes. “There was no evidence of foul play.”

“And a witch can alter a person’s mind,” Phil said from behind Samuel. “If someone killed Mila, I would think you’d be the first person who’d want to know.”

We were wasting time on Zeke and not focusing on the person who could hopefully provide us with answers.

“If you’re worried about retaliation for what your mother did, you don’t need to worry.” I placed a hand over my heart and hoped to the gods that she could sense my sincerity. “You were achild. You did nothing wrong.”

Sybil’s bottom lip trembled.

I hoped I was getting through to her. “If someone has threatened you, forcing you to remain quiet, I give you my vow that I will protect you. This answer isn’t just for me—it might give us insight into what’s going on with Queen Kel, or at least who to talk to for more answers. You could help save so many lives.”

“I’m sure no one—” Zeke started.

But Sybil nodded. “I’ll help you. I’ll remove the spell my mother placed on you and allow you to access your memories. But it’ll take a little time. If I peel back the layers too quickly, it will be extremely painful.”

The relief hit me so abruptly that I sagged into Bodey. He wrapped an arm around my waist, the electricity arcing between us. I’d never believed I’d have someone to stand beside me, and once again, I was thankful that I had a strong, loyal mate by my side.

“Well,wonderful,” Zeke said, the last word strained. “But we should probably wait until we’re somewhere safe before we allow that to happen.”

Bodey arched a brow. “I thought you said this place was safe.”

“It is, but Callie’s right. Maybe we should head back to my pack neighborhood, where more wolves can guard us.” His voice rose a little.

“Or…” Theo stood from his desk, coming to stand next to Jasmine. “We could ask for some of our pack to come here. There are several working in town who could come immediately.”

“Now that,” Michael said, snapping his fingers, “is a smart idea. The more, the merrier, especially since we’re so close to town. This would be a harder location to breach if we have enough wolves outside.”

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