Page 8 of Chosen Destiny

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” He blew out a breath, his eyes lowering in submission. “She won’t listen to me.”

My phone rang in my pocket, and I jolted. I’d forgotten it was there. I pulled it out, and Queen Kel’s name scrolled across the screen.

Fuck. Speak of the devil…

CHAPTERTHREE

I froze.I couldn’t bring myself to answer the phone. Obviously, I needed to answer to see what the queen had to say, especially since she had Bodey, but I feared what news she might share.

I rubbed my chest, still feeling our mate link. He wasn’t dead.

The phone rang a third time.

“You should answer that, Callie.” Zeke snickered, glancing down at the phone in my hand. “It’s probably about yourmate,after all.” The word dripped with disdain.

“It’s Caroline to you,” I spat as I swiped the answer button on the phone. Michael inhaled as I put the phone to my ear and said, “Hello.”

Theo murmured, “Why is she calling herself Caroline?”

“That’s her birth name,” Miles replied. “She really does have her memories back.”

Of course they’d know that. The former advisors and their sons had been around me as a child. Flashes of memories of them coming to our house to meet with my dad while the guys gave me a hard time played in my mind.

“Ah… I was beginning to wonder if you would answer.” Kel clicked her tongue. “I’m thinking the king consort doesn’t mean as much to you as I thought.”

Her insinuation had me growling before I could stop myself. “I willkillyou and relish each moment.”

Jasmine flinched, wrapping her arms tighter around her waist. Her guilt poured into our bond. Even though I hadn’t put the call on speakerphone because Zeke was here, everyone could hear what Kel was saying due to their wolf hearing.

“Now Callie—” Kel started.

“It’s Queen Caroline to you.” That was the name my parents had given me, and I’d be damned if I allowed her to call me anything else.

Samuel went to Jasmine and placed a hand on her shoulder. Theo’s jaw tensed, but I didn’t have the energy to focus on whatever was brewing between him and my new sister.

“See!” Kel laughed, the sound caressing me like a piece of silk—smooth and comforting and a way to hide the evil within. “You did get my present, and you’re still threatening to kill me. Poor form. It’s polite to thank someone who helped you out.”

I laughed bitterly. “Taking my mate is not a present. If you don’t want to make me a real enemy, bring him back to me now.”

“Silly girl. My present was killing the witch for you.”

I gritted my teeth. “How was that a present?” This woman didn’t understand the concept of giving gifts.

“It gave you what you wanted.” She chuckled darkly. “Your memories are back.”

“Sybil was about to unblock them when you attacked and killed her.” I didn’t want Kel to think I was indebted to her inanyway. “If you wanted to gift me something, Zeke should’ve been your target.”

She laughed loudly. I imagined her throwing her head back, her dark, full hair flowing around her. “Zeke said you were weak and didn’t have the stomach for such things. I’m glad he was wrong. Tell me, is Zeke still alive, or have you already killed him?”

“He’s alive.” I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my voice.

“Ah… that’s unfortunate. He’s a weasel, but then again, you’d know better than anyone. Did he mention that he was the real reason we were able to attack the coronation?”

Zeke flinched as every person in the kitchen glared at him.

“Dad?” Theo gasped. “That was you?”

“She’s the queen.” Zeke gestured to the phone in my hand. “She could be lying about everything!”

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