Page 41 of Shifted Fate
“My parents loved me.” My dad coughed as he glared at his Beta.
“In their weird, cold way.” Ronnie tossed out.
“They were just stoic.” Dad defended.
“They were mean, cold, and the only love and enjoyment you got out of life was from your grandmother.” Ronnie sat back in his chair and looked at me. “It was the world’s greatest favor when the king killed your parents.”
“The King killed your parents?” I felt like I was getting too much information. “How old is he?”
“Not the current King. The old one. He killed my parents right after the attack because we found out that they were working with rogues to kill certain Alphas and his predecessor.”
“Wait what?” My mouth hung open.
“A hundred years ago, we were attacked by the rogues.” Ronnie began. “Your father had already taken over the pack, but your grandpa didn’t like it. Your dad had won the King’s favor in a battle a few years earlier, and the King mentioned it was about time the new generation took over. Because the King had requested the change, there was no reason for your grandpa not to hand the pack over.” Ronnie launched into the epic story of the battle and how my dad nearly killed himself saving the old King.
“So why did it matter that dad was the Alpha instead of grandpa?” I turned and fully focused on Ronnie.
“Your grandpa wanted the power still, and he was pissed he was forced to give it up.” Ronnie leaned closer. “Your father was stronger than he was too, but your dad wouldn’t have ever triedto take over the pack, the King saw that, and made it a point to push the point home at every meeting until your grandpa complied.”
“But?”
“But he was pissed off and bitter. So he made an alliance with the rogues to kill every one of the newer Alphas that the king had appointed, as well as the king. They attacked us first, and killed your great grandmother, but when your dad caught a rogue and tortured him for information he learned their plans. ”
“Dad!” He tortured someone. That fact bounced around in my mind. How could he do something like that?
“You do what you have to do when you have so many depending on you, Amy.” My dad almost crumpled onto the desk beside me. I could see it was wearing on him. The choices he made still haunted him today. But his words struck a cord deep inside of me. My father tortured someone to save the kingdom, but I could still see the act weighed on his soul.
“Anyway. We were able to save everyone, except for the King.” Ronnie pointed out. “A fact his son took to heart.”
“He hates you?”
“I wouldn’t say hate; but he blames me, that is certain.” My dad huffed out a breath and then got up. “Enough story time for now. Try the spell.”
I pulled my legs up and sat crisscross on the table. I grabbed the book and settled it on my lap. I read the words over and over, trying to memorize them.
Iccas lumin torcanta.
“Use the words at first, but once you get the feel of the spell, you can just put the intention out and your power will follow.” My dad patted my shoulder and I put my palm up and recited the words.
“Iccas lumin torcanta.” A giant ball of light appeared over my hand and Ronnie flew back. He tumbled over the back of hischair with a thump and a moan. I stood with a jump and the light blinked out of existence. “Are you okay?”
Chapter Thirty-One
“U
gh.” A groan from behind the chair had me slapping my hand over my mouth. “Are you trying to kill me, pup?”
“I’m sorry.” I looked at my dad, but he was bent over, dying of laughter. “Dad?”
“Did you see how far he fell back?” Tears were trailing down his cheeks as he cackled.
“Rude.” Ronnie stood and dusted off his shirt. “The both of you are rude.”
“I really didn’t mean to do it.” I turned to my dad. “What did I do wrong?”
“Well, for one thing, you definitely weren’t thinking about the size of the wisp. All your power rushed to fulfill your wish, and it was as big as it could get.” My dad wiped his eyes and hislaughter finally trailed off. “But Ronnie, you know it doesn’t cause harm.”
“I know, but I have never seen one that big, and it scared the shit out of me. Sue me.” Ronnie settled back into the chair.
