Page 77 of Wolf Mate

“We can figure it out. Together,” he said softly.

I really liked the idea of that. But theBook of Twilighthad said that one of the rare coven priestesses had had a relationship with an arcane-born. The only place it was documented that we knew about was there, and I couldn’t give up the chance to learn more. I hoped he’d understand. “I’d like that too, but I’m sorry. I can’t risk it.”

He frowned and rolled his shoulders, his hands tightening on my waist. “Fine, but if you’re going to talk to him, I better damn well be near.”

“That I fully support.” I kissed his cheek. “I don’t want to be alone with him ever again.”

“Good, because you never will be again.” He kissed my lips, and we got lost in each other.

During microbiology,Slade and I had agreed to talk in the woods after our classes, but first, we, including Raffe, had economics. I’d switched seats in both classes and was sitting next to Dave, the bookstore guy, who’d quirked an eyebrow at the change but hadn’t commented aloud.

Raffe was still a few seats behind me. Today, I didn’t hesitate to glance over my shoulder at him, and we gave each other quick smiles. I’d texted Raffe about meeting Slade afterward, and he’d let me know that he, Adam, and Keith would be near my normal training spot with Slade in case something happened.

Dave side-eyed me. “Trouble in paradise?”

I blinked at him. “What?”

“You and Slade. You two break up?”

My eyes widened. “We were never together.” How many people had thought we were?

“Interesting.” He pulled out his laptop and set it up for class. “Don’t get me wrong. Slade’s more my speed than—” He nodded back toward Raffe. “But still a little self-centered.”

Oh, had I ever learned that. I felt foolish for not listening. “Thanks for the warning.”

He shrugged. “Didn’t want to get on Slade’s bad side. Supreme Priestess Olwyn tends to take things out on people who piss her off if they’re students here.” He tapped his head. “Food for thought.”

Great.

The teacher started class, and I wondered how screwed I was.

After class,I left a little after Slade, not wanting to walk with him.

Raffe, Keith, and Adam hung back, but I could feel the buzzing on my neck informing me that Raffe was watching me.

That was a handy sense to have.

In the clearing, I felt something tingle around me. Probably my nerves.

Slade was already there. I saw him, and my phone dinged. I glanced down and read the message from Raffe just as Slade laughed.

He said, “Something wrong,Skylar?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Raffe: Come back. The area is spelled. We can’t get close or hear anything.

I huffed. That tingle hadn’t been from nerves but from the perimeter spell Slade had cast. I should’ve considered the possibility, but damn, Slade had been in the same class as me for the past hour, so he shouldn’t have had time to set up a spell. He would’ve had to walk the entire area, and I’d hurried here separately from him with Raffe, Adam, and Keith following half a mile behind to make sure Slade didn’t know they were watching.

Obviously, he’d accounted for everything.

My blood took off straight into a fizz. After Saturday, I didn’t feel comfortable being alone with Slade. That was why I hadn’t argued with Raffe about staying close. Even though Slade wasn’t drunk, I didn’t know what to think about him after he’d shown up Sunday and ambushed me outside the apartment this morning. He was acting like a different person.

I scanned the area, avoiding looking at Slade. I quickly replied to Raffe, not wanting to leave him hanging.

Me: I’ll head back.

“Skylar, will you please look at me?” Slade asked gently, sounding more like the friend I knew.

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