Page 68 of The Wolf and the Chimera
“There really did used to be more than just werewolves?” I asked. “Were chimeras once more than mere vessels for powerful beings? For the sorceress?”
Despite Circe’s assurances that Medea couldn’t harm us here, I couldn’t bring myself to speak the sorceress’s name.
“What?” Kieran asked.
“There are other shapeshifting creatures?” Melanie asked.
“Elle,” Mom said, “how did you learn that?”
“She snuck into the Sovereign’s library,” Circe said and smiled. “A brave thing to do for a girl with no control over her magic.”
Dad’s gaze flashed to Ryder. “You let her dowhat?”
I bristled. “He doesn’tletme do anything. I’m an adult.”
Even though having to say so makes me feel like a child.
My guilt and frustration battled. I didn't want to be short with Dad after just getting him back, but every time he treated me like I was made of glass, my skin crawled.
“Lee,” Mom chided.
“Why didn’t you tell us what you learned?” Kieran asked.
I winced, but Ryder didn’t shy from his brother’s gaze.
“I wasn’t sure I could trust you,” he admitted. “I’m sorry.”
“As fascinating as this mortal family drama is,” Circe said, “the answer is yes, there used to be far more shifter species long ago. Before the—”
“How did you know they snuck into the library?” Kieran interrupted. “If you’ve been trapped here, how could you have known that?”
Magic pulsed, and red light flickered in Circe’s eyes.
“Interrupt me again, false heir,” she warned in a voice booming with power, “and I’ll have fresh pork tonight for supper.”
Kieran paled, but Melanie cringed and lifted her hand.
Circe sighed. “Speak.”
“What do you mean by false heir?” the she-wolf asked.
My gaze shot to Ryder, who stared pointedly ahead with a clenched jaw. Kieran quirked a brow at his older brother.
“You really think I don’t know?” he asked him. The younger werewolf faced his friends. “I’m not the next Sovereign. Ryder is.”
Even stoic Bo gasped, and Melanie cursed.
“Does Lyall know?” Dad demanded. Fear widened his eyes. “If he does, you’ve placed Elle in great danger—”
“Ryder didn’t place me in anything!” I argued. “My wholelifeis danger.”
Dad shook his head. “He never should’ve taken you to that power-hungry sadist’s home.”
“Lee,”Mom cautioned.
I expected Ryder to argue or defend himself, but he was frozen in place. Anger burned in my veins, and I had the strangest urge to bare my teeth.
“He’s been doing everything he can to help me,” I growled, “since youleft!”
