Page 60 of Wolf Claimed
“If there were another way, we’d jump on it, Artemis. No one wants to put a shifter down. No one. It’s not something a shifter ever forgets.”
“Have you ever—”
“Yes, and I won’t talk about it.”
She nodded and turned, resuming the hike. Rafe wanted to touch her, hold her, and tell her everything would be okay, except it wouldn’t. Tiernan had gone feral. Nothing would save him.
Maddox threw a sympathetic look his way. He understood. What’s more, he agreed with Rafe’s decision.
Rafe never thought he’d see the day where he’d agree with a white wolf, but Maddox, despite how much of a loner he was, had proven himself as more than just a competent guard. Unlike the rest of his pack, the shifter had values and honor.
Rafe lowered his voice to speak with her as privately as the situation allowed. “I’m not mad, Artemis. About you mating Maddox.”
Maddox tilted his head slightly. He was listening to their conversation.
“I didn’t ask if you were.”
“You’re avoiding looking at me. I thought that was because of what happened between us, not just the situation with Tiernan.”
She sighed. “It’s not you, Rafe. I’m having trouble making sense of everything that’s happened to me these last few weeks. And I’m still worried about blood-bonding Tiernan.”
“Nothing to worry about. It’s not happening.”
“That isn’t your choice.”
“You would need my help to contain him. Maddox and me, and we won’t do it. We’re of like mind on this.”
“Then I’ll find a way on my own.”
“If you’re so sure you can do this without our help, then what are you worried about?”
“I’m worried the blood-bond will work. I’ll save Tiernan. . . and lose you and Maddox.”
* * *
ALYSSA
“What?”Rafe said. Alyssa had shocked him, which was a feat in and of itself. Rafe didn’t surprise easily.
“If the blood-bond works, I won’t be able to, well. . . be with you.” Why she felt so shy talking about the blood-bond after having slept with both of these shifters was beyond her. Maybe it was because she felt as if she were choosing Tiernan over Rafe and Maddox.
“That’s how Maddox explained it,” she continued. “He said the blood-bond wouldn’t allow it.” She still didn’t understand this bond business, but she trusted her shifters.Hershifters. They wouldn’t be hers much longer. Assuming she could find and blood-bond Tiernan.
“We were never meant to be, Artemis. Alpha heir here, remember? I never should have touched you the other night. That just proves I’m weaker than even my father realized.”
“Your father doesn’t think you’re weak. No one does.”
Rafe blew out a puff of air. “He sent me here to prove myself.”
“He sent you here to maintain the treaty.”
“Two birds, one stone, as you humans say.”
It felt like he was pushing her away. “Did you go to the same school of learn-how-to-be-moody that Maddox did?”
“Excuse me?” Rafe replied.
“Not nice,” Maddox said over his shoulder as he walked up ahead. “Especially since I’m not moody. I’mwitty.”
