Page 59 of Wolf Touched

A scream echoed through the air and into my ears. Whoever it was had to be in the same hell I was in. Was it a member of Priestess Caroline’s coven?

Raffe whimpered, and my power flashed. Then, as quickly as the pain had come, it vanished.

The scream ended, and I swallowed. My saliva felt like razor blades, and realization chilled me to the bone. I’d been the one screaming.

Raffe loosened his hold, leaning back to stare into my face. A tear trailed down his cheek and into his scruff. “Are you still in pain?”

That one tear ripped my heart bare for him. I shook my head, needing to comfort him. “I … I don’t know why, but the pain went away.” I sagged and laid my head against his chest, my magical exertion taking its toll.

Two cars rounded the curve on the gravel road to the house, tires crunching. Raffe’s BMW SUV shot toward us in front, followed by an old Chevy.

“Divinity!” Octavia exclaimed, and she hurried to us, followed by Dru, Adam, and Keith. “Where are you hurting?”

She and Dru examined me, and my annoyance flared, taking control. “My name isSkylar,” I snapped. “Stop calling meDivinity.”

Dru’s head snapped back, and Octavia winced.

My stomach soured in an entirely different way than it had moments ago. I hadn’t meant to hurt them—they were helping us—but them not using my adoptive name bothered me.

I couldn’t bring myself to say sorry.

The doors to both cars opened, and Priestess Caroline, Avalon, Fane, and Lucy rushed toward us.

Even though the last thing I wanted to do was leave Raffe’s arms, I placed a hand on his chest and linked,Can you put me down? I don’t want to worry people more than I already have.

He stiffened, and I felt him struggle with my request.

Don’t push yourself.His eyes softened.I felt some of what you did through our connection, and it was horrible. I can’t imagine fully experiencing it. You’re not weak—you’re strong as hell. Not many could’ve survived that.

The corners of my mouth tipped upward in a smile.I’ll be okay, and I need Priestess Caroline to want to train me. I must stand on my own two feet. But don’t worry, I plan on leaning on you.

He relaxed and quirked a brow.You know exactly what to say to bend me to your will.He placed me back on the ground.

I winked, trying like hell to come off like my normal self.That’s part of being a fated mate, right?

That doesn’t work for me, though.

Priestess Caroline pushed between Dru and Octavia and stopped in front of me. Her face was strained, showing more lines than yesterday, and she exhaled. “Thank the goddess, you’re okay.”

“Do you know what happened to her?” Octavia took a step backward like she was giving me space.

“Unfortunately, I do.” Priestess Caroline scowled. “That was courtesy ofSupreme PriestessOlwyn.”

“Ha.” Keith snorted. “She sounds like one of us talking about the coven.”

When Priestess Caroline cut her eyes to him, Keith’s face fell into a mask of indifference.

Laughter bubbled in my chest, but I forced it to remain there. Now wasn’t the time for jokes, but learning that Keith might be afraid of Priestess Caroline made this entire situation funny.

“It’s fitting in this instance.” She pursed her lips and regarded him.

Raffe huffed, clearly not finding the situation as humorous. “What did Olwyn do to her? The last time they tried using their magic on her, it didn’t work. What made this different?”

“I’m assuming they used a ritual with an item she left behind at the university in an attempt to locate her.” Priestess Caroline paced in front of us, allowing Avalon, Lucy, and Fane to come closer. Adam came to my side, and we all watched her like a riveted audience.

“Why?” Lucy stepped closer to Fane, though she didn’t seem to realize she had.

“Locator spell.” Avalon looked up into the drizzle. “They aren’t going to sit idly by knowing she’s mated with Raffe and not on their side.”

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