Page 60 of Marked For A Bite
"I'm so happy you found him," her mother said in the dream, her voice carrying the same musical quality Zoe remembered from childhood lullabies. "And that you found your other half too. Love them both fiercely, my darling. Fight for the future you all deserve."
I will, Mom. I promise.
The autumn morning air carried the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves as Zoe settled into the passenger seat of Logan's Jeep, her newly completed mate mark still tender beneath her cream sweater's collar. The bite had healed overnight, but thepermanent scar served as a constant reminder of their bond—and the miraculous healing power that had saved Logan's life.
I can still feel the energy that flowed through me last night. Like touching lightning and somehow not getting burned.
Logan navigated the winding forest roads with practiced ease, though Zoe caught the occasional protective glance he threw her way.
"Do you really think we should be revealing all your special abilities? I feel like that might be putting a bigger target on your back." Logan said, his voice tinged with concern.
In the backseat, her father shifted uncomfortably. Even after a night of solid rest, he looked fragile compared to the strong man in her photograph. Twenty-five years of experimentation had taken their toll.
"She needs guidance," her father said quietly. "Rhea has knowledge about bloodlines that could help Zoe understand what she's capable of."
And what the Council wants from me.
They reached Rhea's secluded hut as morning sunlight filtered down through the canopy above. Lena was already waiting, the ancient scroll secured in her leather pouch, and her violet eyes bright with anticipation.
"Jared Raymond." Rhea's voice carried wonder as she emerged from her hut, her ancient violet eyes immediately locking onto Zoe's father. "I can sense the power radiating from you even from here."
Jared struggled to his feet, still weak from his ordeal. "Rhea Moonwhisper. Your reputation reaches even into the deepest dungeons."
The way she looks at him—like she's seeing something the rest of us can't.
"Your healing abilities are extraordinary," Rhea continued, circling Zoe's father with obvious fascination. "Stronger than anything I've encountered in three centuries of life."
"Speaking of healing abilities," Zoe interjected, stepping closer to Logan's protective presence, "I manifested some of my own last night."
Rhea's attention snapped to her instantly. "I sensed it the moment you stepped out into the clearing. The magic practically hums around you." Her gaze shifted between Zoe and Zoe's father. "Ancient bloodlines. This explains so much about the prophecy."
"The ancient bloodlines mentioned in the scroll," Zoe's father confirmed, his voice growing stronger. "They refer to the unique human-shifter bonds that existed before the Severance three centuries ago. Some bloodlines can harbor unique abilities—specifically magical powers in hybrids born from those ancient matings."
Logan's hand found Zoe's lower back, a possessive touch that sent warmth racing through their bond. "And that's why the Council wants her dead."
"I believe certain members of the Council have been trying to harness or limit these bloodlines for centuries," Zoe's father continued. "That's why I was experimented on. That's why they may want Zoe dead so desperately."
The protective fury that rolled off Logan was almost tangible. "That's not going to happen. Ever."
God, I love how fierce he gets when it comes to protecting me.
"There's something else," Rhea said suddenly, her violet eyes focusing on Logan with unsettling intensity. "Something about you, Logan Cross. May I?"
She extended her weathered hand toward him, and Zoe felt Logan's immediate resistance through their bond.
"I don't like people poking around in my head," Logan said bluntly.
"It's not about your thoughts," Rhea assured him. "It's about the shadows surrounding your past. The truth you've been seeking."
Zoe placed her hand on Logan's arm, feeling the tension coiled in his muscles. "Maybe she can help. Maybe she can give you the answers you've been looking for."
Logan's jaw worked for a long moment before he finally extended his hand. "Fine."
The moment Rhea's fingers touched his skin, her entire body went still. Her eyes rolled back, and when she spoke, her voice carried the otherworldly quality of prophecy.
"Betrayal within the Council itself," she whispered. "Your father—Beta of Silvercrest—discovered evidence of corruption. He was going to present it to Alpha Alaric the morning after... but someone learned of his intentions."
Logan went deadly still. "What evidence?"
