Page 114 of Challenged Mate
I understood Asher’s fear, but I found it somewhat farfetched.
Covens and packs had coexisted for centuries. The two never crossed paths. Not unless it was to hire the magical race to reinforce wards protecting shifter land.
Or the sorcerers and sorceresses who defected from their covens and sought out the Wilds Pack.
But the covens, themselves? They kept their distance.
If the Moonstone was returned to them, they would have no reason to impose themselves on any of the packs. All this trouble would be behind us.
But there was no point in saying any of that to Asher. He was driven by emotion—currently unable to listen to reason.
So, instead, I said, “Then make that part of the blood vow. Stipulate that Hugh cannot use the Moonstone against the Wilds Pack, or any shifter.”
“Blair,” Asher dragged my name out. “I don’t like this. My wolf doesn’t like this. Hugh is up to something. I know it.”
“Maybe he is,” I allowed. “But I’m not going to let Hunter, or anyone else, suffer any longer. Not when I can stop it. So, are you going to help me with the wording of the blood vow? Or do I need to do it myself?”
Asher released a quiet, disbelieving chuckle. “What was the Mother thinking by giving me such a headstrong mate?”
I lightly punched him in the arm. “You’re lucky to have me.”
He caught my wrist. “I know I am.” He kissed my palm. He was making it a habit of that.
I loved it.
I smiled and closed the distance between us, curling my hands around the back of his neck as my chest pressed against his pecs. “So, you’ll help me?”
So many emotions flittered behind his gaze.
He wanted to say no, but he was stronger than his protective emotions.
I loved that about him.
“Yes, I will help you.” His forefinger trailed my jaw line. “I don’t like it, but I trust you to be careful until you can come back to me.”
“You’ll wait for me?” I meant the question to be teasing, but a note of worry underlined the words.
“We’re fated, Blair. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”
My smile widened. Lifting on my toes, I pressed my lips against his once, then murmured, “Talk like that will get you lucky.”
His arm tightened around my waist. “We’ve already established I’m lucky.”
Our kiss deepened.
Too soon, Asher drew back and pressed delicate kisses on my nose, cheeks, and forehead. I felt the depth of his affection in every brush of his lips.
And I knew, no matter what would come, everything would be all right.
It had to be.
The Mother brought us together.
And nothing would tear us apart.
Thirty-Seven
As much asI wanted to stay in our cylinder of privacy, the black magic loomed ominously overhead.
