Page 18 of Wolf Cursed

“It’s not me I’m afraid for!” she snapped. “You know they’ll take us both. And Spencer, both of us, will be doomed. Also, if you know about the law, then you must know about the curse. You know there’s no way she will survive the transition.”

“You don’t know that for sure. And even then, I still don’t understand why you would hide who she is from her.”

“That’s because you’re not a mother. If I’d told her that werewolves existed and her father was one, she would try to learn as much about them as she could. She would eventually learn about the curse, that only the men born from a wolf and a witch can survive the transition. Women always die. I hid it from her because I wanted her to have a normal life. Enjoy the time she had instead of spending her days in fear and thinking about death. Isn’t it obvious?”

“No. She needs to know the truth so she can fight for her life, and who knows, maybe it will help her survive.”

“Don’t be delusional,” she shook her head. “That hasn’t happened for more than a hundred years. And even if she did, it would mean that she’s the heir of the Great Alpha. I’m sure you know the whole story. And I’m sure you know what will happen then. The wolves will know that an heir was born. She will become every alpha’s nightmare, and it wouldn’t take long before they find her. I prefer her to die with me next to her, holding her in my arms, than let them rip her away and kill her.”

“I promise you, I won’t let that happen. Clare, like I already said, I’m a lone wolf. I’m not a threat to you, and there’s no need for you to run. Let her finish her school, and then I’ll take you somewhere safe. I can protect her. Both of you.”

“And why would you do that? No wolf would ever do that. What’s in it for you?”

“You’re asking the wrong questions.” I pierced her with a gaze. “Ask me why I’m a lone wolf.”

She stared at me in silence for a moment.

“I see,” she finally said. “Which one was it? Was it your mother, or your father?”

“My father. He was a very powerful warlock. I was wondering why I felt such a strong connection to your daughter. Now I understand. We have a lot in common.”

“I doubt magic is the reason. It must be more your wolf side. I know what happens to men like you. When your kind turns into a wolf the very first time, the wolf takes over and the man loses his witch powers. There are no male wolves with magic, and that’s the reason they’re not hunted. They present no danger because none of them can be the heir of the Great Alpha.”

“No, we can’t. But even then, we’re not welcome. Not in the packs, and not in the covens. There are others like me out there. Outcasts. The rare kids of the rare lawbreakers whose parents were sentenced to death for their forbidden love, and their kids were left behind with a mark of a traitor burned into their skin.”

I lifted the short sleeve of my shirt to show her the mark on my forearm. A ring with an arrow shot through.

“I’m not your enemy, Clare,” I said quietly. “Spencer needs a wolf by her side. Let me help you.”

Her shoulders sank.

“Okay.” She absently nodded a few times. “I’m so tired,” she whispered, barely moving her trembling lips. “All those years I’ve been on the run, all alone with my fear. It’s been so hard to keep a secret from the only person I could trust. I love her so much, and the thought of losing her . . .” She shook her head and her eyes teared up. “I can’t lose her. She’s my everything.”

My blood stirred at the thought.

Spencer can’t die.I can’t let this happen. I need to find a loophole. Even a curse should have one.

“You need to tell her the truth. Then I can prepare her for what’s coming.”

“Okay,” she nodded with a deep sigh. “I’ll talk to her. I’ll tell her that her father was a werewolf and that she’s going to turn on the next full moon. But not about the curse. Do you understand me? Not a word about the curse.”

“I understand.” I sighed. “Then you’ll have to find another reason to explain why you were hiding the truth from her.”

“I’ll come up with something.”

“I know how hard it is, Clare, and I’m sorry.” I got up. “I need a word with Spencer, if that’s okay.”

With a heavy heart, I climbed up the stairs and knocked on the only closed door in the hallway.

The door opened at once.

“Finn?” She stepped back, letting me in.

“I came to say I’m sorry for losing it there for a moment. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m just glad Mom didn’t kill you. And that you’re not saying goodbye.” She nervously pushed her hair behind her ears. “This isn’t a goodbye, is it?”

“No. This is more likehello. Your mom and I are on the same page now. So, no secrets.” I smiled. “Hello. My name is Finn, and I’m a werewolf.”

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