Page 68 of Chosen Destiny

There wasn’t much I could say to correct Jack. He hadn’t said anything untrue, which was his point.

I also didn’t want Theo to take back what he’d said. “You coming here and asking to join our pack shows that you’re changing.”

Displeasure soared through Bodey as he wrapped his arm around my waist, anchoring me to him. He linked,I really hate this guy. If it weren’t for your family, I’d kick his ass and tell him to go away.

I didn’t doubt that, but I couldn’t abandon Theo even if Bodey wanted me to.It’s not an excuse, but Theo tried to do right by me and Stevie when we were younger. Zeke treated us even worse because of it, so Theo stopped. He was too young to take over the pack then.

Yeah, but when he got older, he should’ve done something.

It’s hard to see that when you were raised a certain way.I nuzzled into his side, making sure Bodey didn’t feel threatened by my feelings of friendship for Theo. They weren’t anything close to what I felt for Bodey, but I understood that Theo was a sore subject since he’d been trying to date me just a few weeks ago.Now that his eyes are open about his dad, he’s here, trying to do the right thing. He could schmooze up to Queen Kel and offer Mom and Pearl to her, but instead, he’s here to ally with us, and it has nothing to do with me.Now wasn’t the time to add that it probably had a lot to do with Jasmine.

As long as we make it clear that you’re mine, I’ll manage.He bent down and kissed my lips gently, then pulled me against his chest, claiming me in front of Theo. I enjoyed every kiss and touch, not bothered in the least by his attention. If allowing him to do that also made him feel more secure and safe about me, who was I to argue?

You better cut that shit out, or I’ll be performing the same show with your sister,Jack linked, effectively killing the warmth spreading through me.

Thinking of Jack mauling my sister beside me made me sick.

Damn you, man,Bodey linked, but I could feel humor swirling from him.I was trying to make a point to Theo.

Dude, you made a point to all of us,Jack replied as I leaned back. He waved a hand in front of his nose.We smell you both clearly. You don’t need to worry.

Samuel coughed, and his nose wrinkled. I had no doubt he felt the same way about Bodey’s and my display.

Steepling his fingers, Samuel rolled his shoulders. “We need to connect Theo before Lynerd forces the pack link and alpha-wills him.”

He had a point. We didn’t have time to waste.

Again, my lack of knowledge surfaced. “How does that work with you being the royal advisor and him already being in your pack?” I asked my mate.

“I need to hand my pack over to Samuel.” Bodey released me and cracked his neck as he moved toward my brother. He linked with us both and asked Samuel,Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured.

Since I wasn’t marked, I’ve been a little out of sorts. My entire life, I expected to be king even though I didn’t want it. Then, to have it taken away… I’ve been off balance, especially with Callie growing into her position. Being responsible for Idaho feels meant to be.His expression looked earnest.

I’d thought he was upset about me becoming queen, but he was unsettled because he didn’t know his place in this world. My mate had finally given him the answer.

“Uh… are you two sure about this?” Jack moved to Bodey’s other side and tugged on his collar. “Maybe we should—”

Something hard furled in my stomach.

“Is there a problem?” Theo asked, his gaze flicking between Bodey and Samuel. “We can do it later.”

“Everything’s fine.” Bodey walked to the end table next to the couch and removed a small knife.

He cut his fingertip and held out the blade to Samuel. Samuel didn’t hesitate to mimic the gesture. Blood welled up on each of their fingers, and Bodey held out his hand to Samuel.

Samuel touched his bloody fingertip to Bodey’s, and their eyes glowed, their wolves surging forward.

“What are they doing?” Stevie whispered as she came to stand at my side.

Jack rubbed his hands together. “They’re transferring the pack. Unlike witches, we can’t push a lot of our magic into one another, so blood blending is the best way for one wolf’s magic to enter another wolf. It’s similar to a mate bite but not as intimate. Now Samuel has to submit to Bodey.”

My body turned rigid. That was why Jack had been nervous. Samuel’s wolf surged forward, and sweat beaded along Bodey’s upper lip. Samuel’s jaw tensed, but Bodey was clearly having a harder time.

If Bodey lost this battle, Samuel would become the alpha of the pack and the territory, with Bodey as his beta.

Samuel, you need to avert your gaze,I linked with him, worried about what the implications would be if Bodey was viewed as weaker in the eyes of our people. It didn’t matter to me; Bodey was my mate, no matter what happened here. But whether I liked to admit it or not, Bodey being seen as a beta could make it harder for my people to get behind us.

I can’t,Samuel replied.I’m trying, but my wolf won’t have it.

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