Page 23 of Wolf Mate

What the hell was up with that? Did I stink?

“That’s a fair request.” Slade put his hands into his jeans pockets. “Besides, she has magic, so feeding off her is forbidden.”

“Yes, but she’s alsohuman, so what rules apply to her?” Adam rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s a blurred line. Humans aren’t allowed to know about our existence, but she does, and she’s human, so she shouldn’t have any sort of magic, but she does. She’s not even a hybrid, yet that sounds like what she is. She’s an enigma.”

That was why I’d never fit in.

I never had and never would.

And I still didn’t have an explanation.

My heart ached, the wish that I’d find a way to belong here long faded out of reach. It had been a hopeless wish.

Raffe glanced at Lafayette.

The vampire tapped a finger on his chin as he scrutinized me. When his gaze slid to Slade, I noticed Slade nod slightly.

Lafayette dropped his hand to his side. “Fine. Adam is right. We need to figure out the rules and how they apply to her, but she’s not lying. None of her vitals changed. But …” He paused, moving closer to me.

Raffe tensed, and Slade’s jaw clenched, but neither of them blocked his advance.

His irises darkened. “You need to understand that if you inform anyone of anything that even hints at the paranormal, we’ll be forced to kill them. No matter how many people you tell. And our network is worldwide.”

The threat hung in the air, covering me like an uncomfortably warm blanket. “Understood.” I would never hurt anyone innocent. Not even my bullies deserved to die for this. What I’d seen tonight was inhumane. “I swear, I won’t say anything to anyone beyond the five of you.” I was very specific because I had a shit ton of questions I was determined to get answers to over time.

“Good.” The tension left Raffe’s shoulders. “That’s settled. Now I need to meet with my dad and inform him of what happened tonight.”

“Thatis a fucking good idea.” Keith rubbed his stomach. “And I need pizza and tacos.”

That was the second time he’d mentioned food. Even the thought had my insides revolting.

“Go on.” Raffe placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll help Skylar get back to her place.”

“No.” I straightened and almost cried in relief when my legs didn’t give out. The ground still seemed to move under my feet, but I wasn’t falling over. “I can make it back by myself.”

He arched a brow. “I saw you fall into Slade. You’re exhausted.”

“Speaking of which …” Keith trailed off and snorted. “I mean, the pun wasn’t intended, but it works.”

“I’m a warlock, not a witch.” Slade scowled.

Keith raised his hands. “Which is weaker than a witch, so you’re welcome.” He patted his chest and waggled his brows. “Like I said, speaking of which …” He paused, emphasizing it all over again. “Raffe, how the hell did you manage to function after that horrible humming sound before the rest of us could?”

Tapping his hands on his black slacks, Raffe chewed on his bottom lip. “I … I don’t know. It was painful, but when she began moving away, I was able to follow her. I covered my ears until Slade appeared and she dropped.”

Now that I was standing, my legs were already wobbling. Exhaustion was slamming into me again, and if I didn’t go, I wouldn’t make it back on my own. I needed to show them I wasn’t a complete weakling. “I’ll leave you five to discuss … whatever. I’m going to bed.”

“I can walk you to your door.” Slade smiled slightly. “I need to get back as well. My roommate will be worried.”

“Are you—” Raffe started, but he clamped his mouth shut.

Adam and Keith furrowed their brows, watching him.

“That’s a good idea,” he rasped. “I’ll see you two around.”

Not wanting to stay but also not wanting to leave Raffe’s side, I took slow and steady steps. Slade kept pace beside me, and I expected him to try to anchor me as Raffe had, but he kept his hands at his sides.

The two of us walked in silence, and after about twenty steps, I glanced over my shoulder to find the other four guys gone. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it still bothered me that I hadn’t even heard footsteps.

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