Page 16 of Magic Claimed
“We believe that will be soon,” Alerick said.
“Never seen,” I gasped, my mind spinning with implications of what this news meant.
“Does that mean you don’t know or you won’t tell us, because I’m finding it hard to believe any slave of Esoti’s wouldn’t know his whereabouts at all times,” Jarom said.
“Might be possible.” In all honesty, I’d never looked for arrangements like this either. I’d been busy keeping away from Esoti the best I could. “Secret when goes.”
“If you knew to look out for him going anywhere, would you know?” Eike asked.
I nodded, not sure what I could do with the information if I had it. It would mean coming into contact with the shifters again, but information of this magnitude could change the tide of the world.
“Keep your ears out for his conversations. Keep your eyes open for messages. Look for visitors. Any information you can give us will help,” Alerick said.
It still sounded like a long shot. I knew Esoti well. I knew his likes and dislikes. What he wore. What he ate. His daily routine. When he scratched his nuts. Every so often, one of The Six would visit and their magic was always strong. If Esoti met with The Six every year to renew his magic, he’d hidden it well.
“I would never ask you to do this if we weren’t desperate,” Alerick said.
Theyweredesperate, but I knew they were asking because I was a slave. Despite being their mate, I was powerless and expendable. That was why Jarom was really using me. It had nothing to do with proving myself and everything to do with a convenient way to get rid of a mate bond he didn’t want. I would agree though. Anything to let me go easier, so I nodded.
My eyes bulged when the collar tightened, crushing my throat. I wheezed as my throat constricted, my fingers gripping the unrelenting metal.
“Little Mate!” Eike was at my side, helping me to the couch.
I grasped his arm, my fingers digging into his skin. “Take me. Back!”
“Can you shift into your wolf?” Alerick said.
I struggled to breathe, let alone Change into a wolf. I’d rather choke than try to do that again. If I had a choice, I’d never shift again. I shook my head.
Alerick took one look at my expression. “Anise, get her some clothing.”
Anise darted out of the door. Alerick came down onto his knee in front of me. “I’ll carry you back.”
I didn’t think he’d get me there fast enough. This was the quickest the collar had tightened. There was no way I’d get to Samuel for the wand Esoti wanted. He was going to demand I tell him why I hadn’t got it.
Anise dashed back, clutching a dress. I shook my head. “Too good.” I wore rags. If I went back in that dress, Esoti would think I’d stolen it from someone. “Needs to be…torn.”
Alerick’s expression darkened. A deep growl vibrated from his chest and Anise disappeared again. Eike sank next to me on the couch, and Jarom glowered. I closed my eyes, hiding behind the darkness.
“Here. It’s all I have.” Anise thrust something into my hands.
It was still too clean, but I had to wear something. I struggled to stand, letting the blanket fall to the floor. Nudity was the least of my worries. My hands tangled in the dress, my fingers clumsy and uncoordinated. I ignored Anise’s shocked gasp, keeping my eyes trained on the floor.
“Here. Let me help.” Eike smoothed the material over my head and guided my arms into the sleeves. The dress didn’t have a tear in sight. It was clean and had a floral scent. All things I’d have to rectify.
Alerick stood, opened the front of his pants, and shoved his leathers down his legs. He kicked them free and in a burst of magic and ozone his magnificent wolf towered before me, but not before I caught sight of his thick, heavy manhood. I swallowed my gasp, my skin flushing with heat. I tried to wrench my gaze away, but didn’t manage to even blink. He was thicker than Jarom, his balls plump and high. Alphas were built to carry on the family line, and Alerick was the perfect specimen of an Alpha stud.
I thought he’d meant to carry me in human form, but in his much faster wolf, I might have a chance.
“Get on his back, Little Mate.” Eike lifted me on top of Alerick’s broad back.
There was a flash of magic and Eike’s wolf form brushed against me. He nudged my arms with his wet nose. His fur looked so good I couldn’t resist ploughing my shaking fingers through his coat. The fur was warm and soft. Exotic against my skin. He huffed and I sensed how happy he was that I’d touched him. It would be the last touch he would have from me after tonight.
I slid my fingers through Alerick’s thick, warm coat and locked my arms around his neck. The scent of oak and cinnamon was more intense in his wolf form. I buried my nose into his fur, letting his scent comfort me. Knowing it was the last thing I should do.
Alerick charged through the house, leapt down the front steps onto the mud outside. Eike’s wolf followed, as did Jarom’s hulking form, and soon we bolted through the forest.
Trees, fallen logs and shadows were a blur. The rain drizzled enough to soak my dress. My front and my legs were toasty warm though. Alerick’s fur and body heat warmed me better than the horses. His paws thundered on the ground, his magnificent chest expanding and contracting with each easy breath.
