Page 78 of Unbroken Magic

Kyla took a single step back. And then she was a wolf, the stone falling as she transformed. I crouched, sweeping the stone toward me, but she was already there, the stone in her mouth.

“Don’t make me come find you,” I warned.

She scampered away, almost like a puppy. Her eyes shone as she took off toward the forest.

At the edge of the clearing, she turned to watch me. I refused to chase her like a human chasing a wayward pet. Using my powers in Nathaniel’s territory—particularly on one of his wolves—was a declaration of war.

The wolf turned, and her white fur seemed to glow beneath the light of the moon. She canted her head to the side as I took one step toward her.

The wolf opened her mouth, revealing the stone. Her tail wagged in a blatant challenge. The look she gave me was all stubborn female arrogance, even in her wolf form.

And then shewinked.

Right before she turned and disappeared into the forest.

Sixteen

Evie

Butterfly wings on my cheek. And my nose. And my chin.

I sighed, opening my eyes.

I was lying on Nathaniel’s bed, the sun streaming in. I glanced at my phone. Six a.m. We’d missed dinner and fallen asleep. Nathaniel had refused to allow a healer into our home last night. I’d argued for it, but the wolf was just as stubborn as the man. His territory had been invaded by the book, and he’d allow no one else near me.

Thankfully, his claws had missed most of the important stuff when he’d buried them in his stomach. He’d bled like a stuck pig onto the towels I’d placed beneath him, but he’d been content to curl up next to me.

I’d monitored him for most of the night, ensuring the bleeding stopped. If it hadn’t, I would’ve gotten a healer myself and dealt with Nathaniel’s ire.

He’d almost gutted himself to protect me.

He was back in his human form, completely naked against me. And I saw no sign of either his wolf or the book in his eyes.

His lips brushed my forehead gently, so gently. “My brave mate.”

I let out a tiny, broken sound, and then I was burrowing into his chest, burying my head against the curve of his neck as I sobbed.

He stroked my back as I let it all out.

“I’m sorry,” I sniffled. “I was so scared.”

“Never apologize for that. I’m so angry with you, but so proud too.”

“Seems about right.”

His chest shook beneath my head as he laughed. “Next time I tell you to run, you run.”

“Never. I’ll never leave you.”

He stiffened, and I lifted my head. “Partnership, remember? You have to let me be there for you too.”

“That was dangerous.”

“Your wolf would never hurt me. I knew that. The book knew that, too.”

He stroked my hair, and I squeezed him tighter.

“Thank you for the sweats,” I murmured. “I love them.”

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