Page 5 of Wolf Touched

Octavia’s mouth opened, but she didn’t say anything. Keith shook out his fur, and spatters of Octavia’s blood hit the forest floor. He linked,Got it.

With things settled, I hurried over to help Josie and our group. Raffe stayed close to Octavia, never taking his gaze off her.

I remembered how I’d felt the first time I saw him.

He was intense, sexy, and had a dangerous edge. Even then, he’d saved me multiple times, showing me there was more to him than his careless demeanor, and boy, had I been right. Once someone earned his trust and loyalty, he was the most amazing person anyone could know.

Do you think that’s your mom?Lucy linked with me as we tried to walk in sync so we didn’t jostle Josie too much. Her head bounced with each step we took, and there was no doubt that she and Dave would have sore necks when this was over and done.

I tried cradling Josie’s head against my shoulder andsighed.I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, she left me to struggle on my own.There was no telling how many arcane-born existed, even if their magic wasn’t activated, and I wondered if they all lived near each other.

My eyes burned as the void inside my chest reemerged—the void I hadn’t felt since Raffe and I had completed our bond, but clearly, the completed bond didn’t take away my baggage.

Babe, what’s wrong?Raffe asked, his concern causing his spot in my chest to tighten.

Even though it wasn’t the best sensation, it reminded me that he was there and loved me unconditionally.I’m just ready to get home and crawl into bed with you.There was no lie there, and Raffe’s body had a way of taking my mind off everything.

Same.He sighed loud enough that I could hear him.This day feels like a fucking year. I woke up thinking it would be amazing, and it crashed from there.

At least you guys won the game.

I’d rather lose every fucking game than have you feel like this.The warmth of his love cut through the cold.

Despite Josie’s body getting heavier and my back aching, my cheeks lifted, proving that even in the worst situations, Raffe could make me smile.

Josie moaned and shivered.Dave?

Adam’s carrying him,Lucy replied.We’re taking you both back to campus so you can rest.

He’s alive?Josie lifted her head, but her lids were heavy.He’s still here?

I don’t know how, but your blood helped him.I chose my words carefully, not wanting to give her false hope.We need to get you both settled, and you need to eat and drink orangejuice or something.We needed to get sugar in her fast—before she crashed.

The trees thinned, and the apartment buildings came into view. As expected, no one was on the lawn. Now that darkness surrounded us, most everyone would be at the bonfire. In fact, I could smell the hint of smoke in the air.

We were bound to run into a few people because not everyone hung out there.What are we going to do when someone sees us?

Just pretend they’re drunk.Keith laughed, and in animal form, it sounded like he was choking.Everyone will believe that.

As long as they don’t see the blood on Dave’s chest,Adam added.

With my focus on carrying Josie smoothly, I couldn’t check.

I’m going to shift,Keith added, and he trotted off as we stepped out of the woods.

The end was in sight. Lucy and I kept a steady pace, heading toward the double-door entrance to the women’s apartments.

Do you have it from here, Adam?Raffe asked.Or do you need Lucy to help?

I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t offer to go with Adam. Raffe wouldn’t leave me alone with Octavia.

I’m fine, man. Go be with your girl and keep an eye on that woman. Something doesn’t feel right. If I need anything, I’ll let you know, but Keith shouldn’t be far behind.

My arms began to scream, but I swallowed my complaint. Raffe wanted to watch Octavia. Not only that, but the thought of him carrying Josie didn’t sit right with me. Damn the possessive wolf inside me.

When we reached the doors, Raffe nodded for Octavia togo first. She scowled but didn’t say anything as she obliged. Raffe then held the door open so Lucy, Josie, and I could get through.

Within a few minutes, the five of us were entering our hallway. A couple was making out a few doors down. We’d have to pass them to get into the apartment. And here I’d been hoping luck was on our side.

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