Page 83 of Wolf Touched

Or maybe the Eastern supernaturals didn’t care, making them worse than the priestess since they were turning on their own kind. “I’m surprised that the Eastern wolves hate the Western wolves so much that they would be okay with their plan.” I shrugged, my body aching even from the slight movement.

“We don’t hate King Jovian. He’s just out of touch with the needs of the Eastern supernaturals.” The witch’s expression twisted. “Even the supreme priestess doesn’t hate the wolves, just that they stripped our rights from us. But honestly, from the stories I’ve heard, I don’t blame the wolf shifters for everything. The covens were awful to them when they needed our aid, and the Eastern wolf shifters have been nothing but supportive of us since then.”

Her blood continued to drip all over the ground, but until I understood her plans, we were staying here.

I laughed, causing the back of my dry throat to ache, and I swore a chunk of dirt blew out. Gross. “Trying to kill me and kidnap King Jovian’s son says otherwise.”

“It wasn’t personal.” She flinched and tilted her head. “The supreme priestess claimed that you’re a threat to everyone because your power is so unstable.”

“Killing someone for personal gain isn’t a gray area.” I shook my head. Even if killing Slade would destroy Supreme Priestess Olwyn, doing so would never cross my mind. There were other ways to hurt someone, like taking their power, imprisoning them, or killing them. There was no need to hurt someone they loved to get to them. To me, that action was villainous. “Raffe and I weren’t doing a damn thing to you when you attacked us. We were in bed, resting. We weren’t a danger to you. There was no reason for you to want me dead or to take him hostage.”

“Look, it might appear that way to you, but if you couldn’t celebrate holidays because the people in charge didn’t approve of them, or if you couldn’t create a council so that all supernaturals had an equal say in things that pertain to them, you’d feel oppressed, too, and desperate to break free.” She swayed on her feet, her words slurring together. “But when we saw that coven members were helping you, we realized we would have to fight. We’d hoped to sneak up on you unaware, but seeing these animals protect you … the goddess showed us we were wrong in our decision, and I’m sorry.”

I knew better than anyone that Supreme Priestess Olwyn was a great manipulator, and this girl was losing too much blood. I blew out a breath and walked toward her.

Raffe edged between Keith and me, his gaze meeting mine. He linked,What the hell do you think you’re doing?

She’s losing too much blood. I need to wrap her wound and get her back to Dru so he can tend to it.Even though she’d messed up, every single one of us had done something horrible. If she was Keith’s fated mate, I couldn’t let her die.

Are you serious?Raffe’s wolf head tilted back.She tried to kill you, or did you already forget?

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying hard not to say something I’d regret.She said she was sorry, and I believe she meant it.

You and your second chances.Raffe shook his head.One day, it’ll get you hurt.

I think that ship has already sailed.I reached out and rubbed his head to calm him.And you’ll be right beside me, prepared for anything she might try. Do you remember when Keith treated me like a threat and it upset you?

His eyes narrowed, but I could feel his outrage easing.She tried to kill you.

And I bet she won’t make that mistake again. If she does, we’ll end her without a moment’s hesitation.He had to know that, even though I might seem softhearted, I wasn’t. After being bullied my whole life, I tried to believe that people did things because they didn’t fully understand. With everything Raffe and I had been through together, he should know this as well as I did.I might want to give second chances, but I don’t do it stupidly.

Fine, but one wrong move and I rip her throat out. Keith can hate me for the rest of his life as long as you’re safe.

The way my chest expanded and warmed reminded me how much I’d changed in such a short time. Who would’ve thought promises of death and hatred would have butterfliesfluttering in my stomach?You do know how to sweet-talk me.

Yeah, well, let’s get this over with so we can continue this conversation with either clothes or fur all over your body. I’m not picky as long as you’re covered.

I didn’t like standing here naked either, but I had to talk with the witch.

The bobcat hissed as I stepped closer, and my power barely jolted within me. I needed to communicate with him while I could.I’m going to help her. Raffe will attack her if she does something. You’re free to go. My power is almost gone, so I’m not sure how much longer I can communicate with you.

He bowed his head.I’ll let your mate take the lead, but we won’t leave until you’re safe. We’ll keep watch over you tonight.

My heart grew heavy.Thank you. Before I could tell them they didn’t need to do that, my power was extinguished, leaving me cold.

My limbs felt weighed down as fatigue settled back into me. I needed to hurry before I couldn’t move.

Avert your eyes, or the witch won’t be the only person at risk of dying,Raffe linked and bared his teeth.

Keith lowered his head until it nearly touched the ground. Any other time, I would’ve laughed, but not right now.

What are you doing?Keith whimpered.She’s been talking to you.

When I stepped toward her, the witch stumbled back.

“Here, let me help you.” I lifted both hands, and they might as well have weighed fifty pounds each. “You’re bleeding too much. We need to slow that down, or you’ll pass out.”

She tilted her head but nodded.

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