Page 90 of Wolf Bitten

My mouth went dry, and my blood pumped, edging into a fizz. He truly thought the worst of me, and I had no clue what I’d done to warrant it. Raffe’s hands fisted, but I didn’t want him interjecting on my behalf, so I snapped, “I’m notruininganything.” I didn’t bother to pack-link. I wanted him to hear my tone.

He chuckled darkly. “All the evidence says otherwise. You’re human, and it was bad enough that Raffe claimed you—now you’re trying to fool us into thinking you’re a wolf. That’s impossible. No one will believe it.”

“You better back off,” Raffe growled and pointed at him. “She’s my mate, and no one talks to her like that, especially someone who tried to have her murdered.”

“I never gave any such order.” The king’s eyes glowed, his wolf edging forward. “And what you two are doing is risky, not only to shifters but to all supernaturals.”

Raffe crossed his arms and sneered. “You don’tgivethe orders. I know how it works. Plausible deniability.”

I understood Raffe wanted to push the topic, but unless we addressed his father’s accusation, he’d keep pivoting back to me. Only one thing could end this argument once and for all.

I marched toward a gigantic fir surrounded by thick bushes.

Dammit, Sky. What are you doing? I told you to stay beside me!Raffe’s anger swirled through my chest, but I could also feel his hesitation.

Addressing your father’s accusation.I reached the tree and stepped behind it.

“What’s wrong, son?” King Jovian asked smugly.Your mate suddenly doesn’t want to face the consequences of using magic like that?

She’s not running anywhere,Raffe replied equally smugly.

I removed my clothes, the chill in the air returning now that the sun was about to set. It’d been warmer than normal, thanks to the partially sunny day, but with the wolf-shifter magic running through me, I didn’t get as cold as I used to.

Once I was naked, I stood, ready to shift.

Nothinghappened.

A knot formed in my stomach. Why wasn’t I shifting?

“Raffe, what are you two up to?” King Jovian asked, sounding tired.

What’s wrong?Raffe asked.

Clearly, I’d jumped the gun.Uh, it’s not happening.My heart clenched. What if something was wrong with me? Maybe King Jovian was right.

The breeze kicked up, reminding me that I was naked near campus. Keith and Adam would be close by at any second, and Raffe would kill them if they stumbled upon me.

“She’s shifting to show you she can.” Raffe’s voice sounded clipped.Tug on where you feel your wolf’s magic and let her know you want her to shift. She’ll understand you.

King Jovian snorted. “I can’t wait to see how she pulls this off.”

I felt the same way. The whole point was to prove him wrong, but I feared I’d been misguided.I didn’t have to ask or tug her the first time I shifted.I knew I should’ve practiced shifting before now, but between the attack, Raffe’s football schedule, and the makeup work from the classes I’d missed, we hadn’t been able to get away.

Because you were under attack. She took over. This time, she doesn’t feel imminent danger.

I wasn’t so sure about that, but I kept my smart mouth shut. I closed my eyes, feeling foolish but needing to focus. I searched for the spot in my chest where the magic flared whenever my wolf became excited about something. That was when I noticed a ball of warmth next to the spot where Raffe’s emotions stayed.

Unsure what he’d meant bytug it, I imagined yanking at the warmth in my chest. Thankfully, my wolf responded, and the magic became thicker as if she’d been asleep. Unsure what to say, I stated the obvious.I’d like to shift … please.

Just like that, she responded. Magic soared through my body and brushed my mind. My skin tingled, and I glanced at my arms to see black fur sprouting.Okay, it’s happening.

Keith popped into our link.The cavalry has arrived. We’re coming up on you now.

Stay fucking back for a second,Raffe replied.Sky’s shifting, and you better not see her naked.

My back broke just like last time, and King Jovian asked, “How long is this going to take?”

“Give her a second,” Raffe bit. “She’s only shifted once before, and it was during the attack.”

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