Page 23 of Wolf Touched

Even with me threatening his dominance, Raffe smirked and replied,I’m fine with that. And if you want or need to lead, I’m okay with that as well.

Even though my wolf wanted towin, there was no way I could do that to him, especially in front of these sexist men. His reputation would be ruined.

I took a deep breath, concentrating on the magic swirling in my chest. I visualized a lilac thread surrounding it—something I’d never noticed before or couldn’t concentrate on. Imagining my favorite color comforted me … made my wolf feel less foreign. I yanked on the thread to force her to retreat.

A drop of sweat dripped down my forehead, and perspiration beaded on Raffe’s upper lip.

This was going on too long.

Desperate, I jerked harder on the thread, trying like hell to shock my wolf. I felt her retreat, and before she could surge forward again, I broke eye contact with him.

The thousands of warm spots in my chest vanished, and the spot that had been Keith’s popped back up inside my chest.

It’s about damn time.Keith tapped his foot exactly where I’d wound up staring.

I cut my eyes at him and retook my spot at Raffe’s side.

For a minute, I thought you might win.Raffe took my hand, raised it, and kissed the back.

Maybe I would have. I’d never know. Which I would forever be good with because being arcane-born was challenging enough. I didn’t want to be a pack leader, especiallyof people who understood this world and what being a wolf shifter was about far better than I ever would.Better you than me. You’re an amazing leader.

“Okay, you’ve made your point.” Aldric flicked his wrist, his face flushed. “Now leave and take your human and vampire with you.”

Raffe’s neck corded, and I could feel his anger take hold.

“That’s more than fine with me,” Adam muttered and dragged Octavia behind him toward Raffe.

His dad lifted his chin. “Yes, give that woman to him, and let’s go home.”

Unlike Keith, Adam didn’t make a production out of it. Instead of proclaiming his intention, he met Raffe’s stare. Their wolves emerged, but like Keith, he submitted to Raffe seamlessly, and his warm spot returned inside my chest.

Adam’s dad stumbled back as he paled.

Lucy followed suit, leaving Josie standing alone next to Dave a few feet away. As each of them transitioned to Raffe’s pack, they moved next to him or behind him, effectively drawing a line in the sand.

Adam’s and Keith’s dad’s nose wrinkled, and Aldric grabbed Josie’s arm.

“Come on, Josie,” he said loudly. “At least you haven’t lost your mind, other than standing so close to a bloodsucker.”

When she didn’t move, Aldric tugged on her again, but she glanced at Dave and then at us.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered.

I forced a smile, wanting her to know I didn’t blame her. She had a dad who wanted her in his life—something Raffe no longer had.

“You don’t owe them an apology foranything.” With hisfree hand, Aldric rubbed his forehead. “Their recklessness will end up killing them.”

Dave turned to us and swayed. He still wasn’t doing well.

“I’m not apologizing to them.” Josie leaned back and frowned. “I’m apologizing to you. Even though I know you love me and want to protect me, I believe Skylar and Raffe should be together, and I can’t remain with a pack that’s biased.”

My breath caught. Once again, Josie had surprised me. Her character was rather meek and mild, but she had a backbone I hadn’t seen before.

“Stop this.” Aldric scoffed. “Right now. You don’t know what you’re going up against.”

“Neither do you, Dad.” Unlike the others, Josie remained in her spot, but she completed the stare-off and, seconds later, joined us.

“No.” Aldric dropped his hand like he’d been touching something hot. “Josie—”

---