Page 21 of Wrong Mate

“Do you miss them?”

“I do.” They didn’t agree with what he was doing. They believed he was making a rash decision based on one interpretation of a prophecy.

“What did you do?” Leah asked. “Your life. Your childhood?”

“Ilived within my pack. We had a school, so I went there. We don’t turn until we reach eighteen, so our lives are standard. I did usual kid things—climbing trees, going on adventures in the woods, that kind of thing. When my dad needed me to concentrate on my alpha training, I did that. I was always under some kind of test.”

“That sounds nice. I was always having to focus, to control. My emotions, when heightened, seem to affect the weather.”

“Yeah, I wanted to ask you about that. Why didn’tit affect the weather when I … brought you to orgasm?”

Leah chuckled. “It only ever happens during anger or sadness for me. My joy doesn’t bring the sunshine or anything. I mean, it might, but maybe I control it. I don’t know. My coven believe my powers are connected to the elements, which is why it’s easier for me to call upon Mother Nature.”

“Have you ever been tempted to call on bad magic?” he asked.

“No. I’m aware it is easier, but even as a kid, I don’t think I liked to do things easily. No, Iliked stuff that challenged me, that made me work.” She giggled.

“So, besides sirens and mermaids, what else have you met?” he asked.

“I’ve met many wolves, other witches, warlocks, necromancers, vampires,bears, most things.”

“Any that have scared you?”

“Some of them. Has anything scaredyou?” she asked.

“Not a lot scares me, but my biggest fear is fucking up my pack beyond recognition. My father did everything he could to keep everyone safe, to provide a safe place, and I don’t want to mess that up.”

“And that’s why you’ve come on this quest?”

“Yes,” he spoke softly. She didn’t know what he planned to do.

“My coven and parents told me it was important. I suggested Lucinda go with you, but they insisted I was the one that needed to come on this mission.I’m starting to see why.”

“You are?”

“Yes. All my life I’ve had the coven watching my back. They’ve been like a security blanket. I know my life isunder constant threat, but I feel they’re showing a great deal of trust.”

She smiled and he hated himself right now. The coven were not doing any such thing. He had no doubt they were still there, lurking in the shadows, ready to spring out and help her if needed. The coven adored her.

Leah yawned. Ever since the river with the sirens, he’d noticed she’d been tired. He didn’t have enough food to feed her. Tomorrow, that would change.

“I’m so tired.”

“Go to sleep,” he said. He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

She smiled. “That’s nice, Killian. I think you would have made an amazing mate.”

Leah fell asleep and he watched her, unableto take his gaze away from her.

“At any time, you can stop this,” Lucinda said, appearing behind Leah’s shoulder.

“For fuck’s sake, Lucinda. Are you, like, watching?”

“No, I have other things to do, but we allfeel Leah’s energy. She’s growing weaker … why?”

“Did you not see thesiren’s attack?” he asked.

Lucinda’s eyes went wide.

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