Page 33 of Wolf Bitten

Head jerking back, I tried to ignore the sting of his complete dismissal. Of course they didn’t want me around other wolf shifters, but still … Raffe had chosen me as his mate.

Warmth spread through my chest, though the heat from his anger was still there. Raffe took a step back, coming to my side. He interlaced our fingers, the buzz of our bond strong, and said, “Either she comes, or he can call me to tell me this information. It’s your choice, but I’m sure Dad won’t be thrilled if he learns I would’ve been willing to travel to the mansion.”

My eyes burned, and my vision blurred. I hadn’t expected Raffe to support my offer to go with him. In fact, I was certain he didn’t want me around his father, yet he was willing to bring me home like he wasn’t ashamed of me. My blood jolted despite his touch.

Aldric’s jaw twitched, and his eyes glowed.

I glanced at Raffe’s and saw that they’d remained his normal blue, meaning Aldric wasn’t talking to him.

He had to be talking to King Jovian.

After a moment, Aldric nodded. “Fine. Get your things and let’s go.”

“Now?” My heart skipped a beat. I was exhausted. I didn’t want to ride in a car for the rest of the night and face Raffe’s father in the morning. Seattle was over three hours from Portland, so we’d be rolling in around seven in the morning.

“Mymateneeds her rest.” Raffe released my hand and placed his arm around my shoulders. “I won’t fight going, but we will let her sleep until eight. We’ll reach the Seattle house by lunchtime, and we’ll both be in a better place mentally, especially if my wolf has alone time with her while she heals.”

Aldric frowned but nodded. “Fine. I’ll meet you at your car at eight thirty. Don’t be late. You’ve almost pushed King Jovian too far.”

Raffe smirked, not helping the situation.

“We’ll be there.” I didn’t care what I had to do; I’d make sure Raffe got there. I just hated that I was going to miss more classes. I’d have a shit ton of makeup work to do when we got back, and I needed straightA’s to have a shot at vet school, given how competitive getting accepted into a good one was.

Footsteps sounded down the hallway, and I pressed closer to Raffe, uneasy about who was coming. With my luck lately, it could very well be a serial killer coming to finish me off.

The three of us were still staring at one another when the buttons on the keypad were pressed, indicating Lucy had returned.

The door opened, and I sagged in relief when Lucy, Josie, Adam, and Keith entered. They’d all made it back. Josie’s expression seemed more serious than usual.

“How’s Slade?” I probably shouldn’t have asked that in front of Aldric, seeing as wolf shifters hated witches, but Slade was the reason I’d escaped. Annoyance radiated off Raffe, but he remained quiet.

Keith rolled his milk-chocolate-brown eyes. “Still breathing, unfortunately.” He scratched his dark-brown scruff. “One less Wright would make the world a better place.”

“Daddy.” Josie smiled, her somber expression lightening. She tossed her long, dark, wavy hair over one shoulder. “I didn’t realize you were here.” She hurried to Aldric and pulled him into a hug. Her hair and eyes were the same shade as her father’s, though her skin was a touch more bronze and her lips poutier, reminding me of a model.

Her lack of surprise at Raffe and me being here spoke volumes, and Aldric’s deep scowl confirmed he shared the same thoughts.

Clearing his throat, Adam shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and strolled to the couch. His loose, curly brown hair hung slightly into his honey-brown eyes. “Slade’s got some broken ribs, but we helped him to his apartment, and Supreme Priestess Olwyn was there, waiting for him.”

That was one benefit of Slade’s mother being on the board of directors at EEU. She was nearby when he needed her. I was thankful, but I wished witches had healing powers.

Lucy pulled me into a hug and grumbled, “I’ve been so worried about you. I’m glad you’re finally home.”

“And looking like a person and not a mud goblin.” Keith wrinkled his nose. “I’ve never seen anything so disgusting. I’m glad Raffe had me drive his bike home, so I didn’t have to be around you two.”

Raffe snarled and took a hurried step toward Keith, but I grabbed his arm and held him beside me.

“So you’d rather I’d done nothing and died?” Bitterness laced my words. “I didn’t coat myself in mud for the fun of it. It was either that or Warin and the other five vampires finding us.” If the situation arose again, I’d coat myself in mud without a second of hesitation.

“You made the right choice.” Lucy pulled back and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

Aldric grimaced. He didn’t like the way the others were acting toward me … well, besides Keith.

Exhaling loudly, Aldric turned to his daughter. “Josie, let’s head to your apartment. We need to talk, and I need to rest before driving back to Seattle in the morning.”

“Sure.” Josie pecked his cheek and hurried over to me. She hugged me and said, “I’m glad you’re back. You had us all worried.”

My initial reaction was to tense and step back, but that was mean. I didn’t like her because of her connection with Raffe. I felt threatened by their closeness, but she’d never been anything but kind to me, and I refused to ignore that the issue was withme,not her. I squeezed her back gently. “Thank you for searching for me.”

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