Page 94 of Chosen Destiny

Bodey didn’t want Jasmine along. He also wasn’t thrilled about Theo and Charles, but they were strong wolves, and they’d joined our pack. We needed as many capable hands as possible, and though I didn’t trust Charles, I knew Theo would keep him in line, especially with Jasmine there.

Jasmine held firm and told us if we didn’t bring her with us, she’d find her own way there. Bodey and I believed her threat, and I’d seen her fight. She wasn’t trained, but she was on par with me, which counted for something. Besides, given the way Theo and Jasmine looked at each other, there was no doubt they were fated mates, and I knew Theo had visited with Michael to talk about his future with Jasmine and making things right.

Secondly, the former advisors had been adamant about going with us, but Bodey and I had decided on another strategy.

If things went wrong, we needed the former advisors here to take control and protect the pack. Their magic was waning, so even though they were extremely strong wolves, it made sense for them to remain behind in case of an attack. We couldn’t leave our packs vulnerable. Jack, Miles, and Lucas had strong betas who were still at home to protect their states, so their locations weren’t as much at risk.

With that, the eleven witches of the royal coven and eleven shifters total—including the royal advisors, King Sutton, Edward, Theo, Jasmine, Charles, Bodey, and me—were on our way to Kel’s mansion.

Bodey demanded Theo and Jasmine ride with us in his Jeep, which had finally been fixed after being damaged during our fight to leave the coronation dinner. For the entire ride to California, Bodey shot daggers at Theo any time he got too close to Jasmine.

King Sutton and Edward rode with Jack, Lucas, and Miles in the Navigator while Samuel drove Michael’s SUV with Charles, Dina, Chelsea, and two other witches. The other seven witches had split up between two of their cars.

Thirty minutes from the houses Russell had rented for himself and the nineteen others, I reached over and squeezed Bodey’s hand. It was approaching two in the morning, and he’d driven ten of the eighteen hours with Jasmine, Theo, and me taking driving shifts so we could take naps.

Butterflies took flight in my stomach. Miles’s pack had arrived a few minutes before us, and as soon as we reached the houses, we would leave for Kel’s estate. We’d be about twenty minutes from her house and planned to walk through the woods to reach it.

I won’t let anything happen to you,Bodey vowed as he stroked his thumb along my hand.You have nothing to fear.

I turned my head toward him and frowned.If you think I’m worried about myself, you’re wrong.The closer we got to our destination, the more my nerves frayed. I tapped my foot against the floorboard, needing to expel energy. Between bouts of increasing fear and uncertainty, Bodey’s capture replayed in my head. I relived the torture of being apart from him, unable to do anything to help him while he endured beating after beating. Kel had vowed there would be a repeat, but this time, she’d do so much worse.

The edges of my vision darkened.I can’t lose you like that again.A sob built in my chest. I would have begged him to stay behind if I hadn’t known how that would make him feel weak and unworthy.

Babe, we’re in this together.He glanced at me.We stay beside each other. No matter what this time. Theo will be tied to my sister, and they’ve made their intentions known.

They love each other.I tried to comfort him, thankful for the distraction.That’s a good thing. Remember what happened when people tried to get between us?

I don’t like you comparing what we have to them.Bodey scowled.She deserves better than that jackass.

I mashed my lips together.What’s your real issue with Theo? Is it that he was pressured by his dad into pursuing me?

He snarled, his irises glowing.That prick tried to keep us apart.

That was Zeke’s doing, and Theo had a rough childhood.I didn’t want Bodey to think I wasn’t on his side, but he was letting his grudge impact his sister’s relationship. Bodey’s main issue with Theo revolved around me.He and I were friends for a long time. He tried to protect me from Zeke, but Zeke just made my punishments harsher. And Zeke was always hard on him, never happy with the way he did things. It came off like he thought Theo was incompetent.Which had been Zeke’s goal. If Zeke made it seem like Theo couldn’t handle the responsibilities, he had no reason to hand off the pack and advisor position to him.

I don’t like where this conversation is going.Bodey’s displeasure flowed between us.He’s trying to take Jasmine from us, and you’re on their side.

I tried not to smile. He was being silly, but I wouldn’t share that observation with him. Unlike a lot of men, I knew better than to tell someone who was upset to calm down. The last thing I wanted to do was gaslight him. His feelings were valid.Actually, I’m taking your side because I know you. If you give your sister grief about being with her fated mate, you’ll regret it. I was just giving you the backstory to explain why I’m no longer upset with Theo. He was as much of a victim as me for all those years, and we’re trying to move beyond that. Do you realize how hard it must have been for him to come to us and ask to be part of our pack, knowing how much you dislike him?

A bit of regret took the sting out of his reaction.You can’t just let me go on disliking him?

There was the man I knew. He was protective as hell of me and those he loved, but he was a genuine person who wanted his sister to be happy.I could, but then I wouldn’t be a good mate to you.

His expression softened, and his hand relaxed on the steering wheel, allowing his white knuckles to turn back to olive.You think those two are fated mates, really?He glanced in the rearview mirror.

I didn’t have to look over my shoulder to know what I’d find. Theo’d had his arm around Jasmine earlier, ignoring Bodey’s death glare, while Jasmine had cuddled into his shoulder and fallen asleep in his arms.

Do you really think they aren’t?Ever since they’d met, Jasmine had been at Theo’s side constantly. She’d been staying with him, Pearl, and Mom and getting my sister in line.

No. That’s one reason why I’ve been so grumpy.He rolled his eyes.He’s an ass.

I’ve become a better person with you by my side.I leaned over the center console and kissed his cheek. His faint scruff scratched my lips, and I damn near moaned.I think she’s doing the same for him. He’ll get there. I have no doubt your sister will make sure it happens.

He chuckled.I’ll give you that. She won’t settle for anything less than what she deserves. And I guess I better give him a chance.

I’m not saying don’t make him earn it.We all had to be accountable for our mistakes.But keep an open mind, and don’t be biased.

Only for her, and because you asked me to. That’s how much I love you.

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