Page 51 of Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven
A throat clears next to me, and I rip my eyes away. Locke smirks, reaching down to pick up his discarded jeans before he slips them on.
“If my services are no longer needed, I have prior engagements.” Declan shoots Locke a salute as he leaves the back patio.
“Walk with me?” Locke asks.
I nod, taking a few steps to follow him farther into the garden.
“I know you have questions.”
I have a lot of freaking questions.
“When did this happen?” I ask. “The first time.”
“Most shifters will have their first shift at sixteen. Some later than others. Depends. I was sixteen,” he answers as we round the corner to see a beautiful array of red roses.
“So, your family?” I question.
I’m assuming he has a whole family of them. The one’s he doesn’t speak to.
A haunted look passes over his face. “That’s complicated.”
I slow my steps, causing him to turn to face me. “Our entire relationship has been built on complicated. I’m sure I can handle it.”
He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I was exiled from my pack after my father, the alpha, was killed. His beta, and best friend, married my mother afterwards and took the alpha position.”
“But…if your dad was alpha, wouldn’t that mean you would be next in line?”
His lips quirks. “I see you’ve been reading your textbook.”
“It required.” I roll my eyes.
“You’re right. I should have been next to lead the pack.” He motions to a bench over to the side.
I follow him, sinking down and placing my hands between my knees. “So, what happened?”
He braces his elbows on his knees. “Malikiah happened. He killed my father and had me exiled when I accused him. I was young, and he held enough power to persuade that I was unfit and even raised question of me being responsible for his death. The pack thought I wasn’t ready to lead. I was too young and unstable.”
I felt an undeniable anger radiate through my chest. “And your mother allowed it?”
“The dynamic is different with wolves, Rae. He was the beta. Then the alpha. His word is law.”
“So, they just made you leave?” I press, anger quickly rising to the surface.
He dips his chin. “I was exiled from pack territory and…” he trails off, torment clearly written across his face. “I was cursed," he admits.
“Cursed? Like by a witch?” I blanche. “How?”
“It was Malikiah’s way of punishing me.” He stands, brushing his hand through his hair. “But it’s…. I don’t understand it.”
I push to my feet, and they bring me closer on their own accord. I’m not scared of him. Ifeelfor him.
“What was the curse?” I ask.
He stills, his eyes meeting mine with anguish.
“Locke.” I shake my head. “No secrets.”
“If you’ve done, your reading, then you know the termmate.”
