Page 104 of Wolf Mate

Keith knocked his hand away from me and growled, “You heard her.”

I turned and stumbled into the hallway. I was surprised when Lucy fell into step beside me and walked out with me.

In the elevator, my vision clouded. I needed Lucy to stay here so I could go to my car and drive somewhere I could fall apart without anyone watching.

Once again, I was alone.

“Don’t give up on him,” Lucy whispered, taking my hand and squeezing. “You make him a better person.”

I snorted, the sound rough and bitter. “I don’t buy that. And Lucy, he couldn’t decide. It’s over.”

“But you need to understand—”

“Stop.” She wasn’t making things easier even though she was being a friend. I needed to be alone and grieve everything I’d lost. Again. “Idounderstand. Believe me. People only want me in their lives for a short time if at all. Then they realize I’m not worth the cost.” I was destined to be alone, and I had to accept that. “He’s your cousin, I get it, but I need to take care of myself and get my emotions under control.” My blood was already near a hum.

The elevator dinged, and I slowly released her hand, not wanting to be a jerk to her. She’d stood by me. “I’ll come back soon. Text me when they all clear out?”

“Where are you going?” She bit her lip.

“Not the woods, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Even though I wished I could be there. “I’m going for a drive to clear my head.”

She huffed. “Okay. Be safe. If you get more upset, pull over. I’ll text you soon.”

“Promise.” My voice cracked, indicating how damn close I was to losing it.

The doors slid shut, finally leaving me alone. With the tears already pouring down my cheeks, obscuring my vision, I realized I couldn’t drive. Not like this. But I needed a way to calm down.

I had the number of the only person who wasn’t associated with Raffe. I texted Slade.

Me: I need to go into the woods. Can you come with me?

Even if I was desperate, I wasn’t suicidal and didn’t want to be attacked by a vampire unable to resist my blood. Not only would it put my life at risk but that of my attacker.

My phone dinged, and I started. With how tense things were between us, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he hadn’t texted back.

Slade: Already in the woods in our usual spot. I’ll meet you at the tree line.

Thank God. I took deep breaths to calm my blood, but it didn’t help. Not wanting to rush and cause more adrenaline to course through me, I moved steadily toward the woods.

No one was outside. Most students would be either in their rooms or at the dining hall since the night air was cold. But I couldn’t feel it.

I was numb, and inside, I was broken.

I hated meeting Slade while I felt like this, with my insides shredded as if I were near death. And my blood hummed.

All the tree branches around me shook in tune with the hum of my blood. I stiffened. My agony was stronger than ever before. It felt as if I’d left part of me behind with Raffe.

“Oh goddess, Sky.” Slade stepped from the tree line, his brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I sniffled. “Just wolf shifters being themselves.”

“Come on. I want to show you something,” Slade murmured, taking my hand. It felt wrong, but I didn’t have the energy to pull away.

I followed him, my power pulsing out and moving the trees closest to us. It was as if each tree I passed waved under my spell.

Then I felt the thrumming of other magic, and it eased my blood. The hum settled into a fizzing strength I was more comfortable with.

We stepped into the clearing where Hecate, Cade, Gavyn, and Priestess Olwyn waited. Priestess Olwyn was in the center of the others and smiled at me. “Skylar, I’m so glad you messaged Slade. You can see what it’s like when we practice our magic.” She held out her hands, palms up, and a storm cloud formed overhead and poured rain into her palm where it disappeared.

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