Page 27 of Wrong Mate

Killian looked away, and then turned back to Charlie.

“Do you work for the witch?” Killian asked.

“I work for no one.”

“I’m on a quest,” Killian said, attempting to keep his voice down.

“And?”

“Well, forget it.”

“I’m an old man, Killian. I’ve seen many things, lived through a great deal, and I know that not all quests are easy.Whatever it is you seek, it comes with the direction for your journey, as well as what you need to learn within your heart.”

Is that whathe needed? The wisdom of an elder bear? No, that couldn’t be right. He had been searching for days for the silver star, and the only place he’d come close was staring right at him.

“Tell me what bothers you,” Charlie said.

“Nothing bothers me.”

“Leah being young is not the only thing holding you back. She is a witch.”

“I know. She doesn’t scare me.”

“I know. Words and riddles are what bother you.”

“A prophecy.”

“Of what is supposedly foretold.”

“You don’t believe in prophecies?” Killian asked.

“I believethat nothing is certain in this world. We are not puppets waiting to be played with. Prophecies are deadly things. They can be written by anyone who interprets the future in different ways. Good, bad, ugly. It can mean the same thing and yet completely different.”

He made no sense.

“Leah is young. She is kind. She is good. She is everything you’ve been searching for in a mate, and yet you are willing to remove that bond for the sake of your pack. For riddles and words.”

Killian ran a hand down hisface. “I know how important Leah is to me and I don’t want to do this.”

“Then why do it? Why not have a taste of what freedom feels like?” Charlie asked.“Leah is your mate. You are bound to her, unless you’re willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.” Charlie stopped and lifted his head to the sky. They were not outside. “The moon feels strong tonight.”

The moon wasn’t full, but Killian knew what he meant. It wouldn’t belong until the moon was full. There was a risk of being around his mate when that time came. He’d struggle to control himself. With Leah so close, he’d want to mate with her, and his wolf would be the dominant party. There would be no way he could stop it.

“What would you do?” Killian asked. Never in all his years did he expect to aska bear for advice.

“I have a son. I’m happily mated, Killian. For me, that decision is easy. We’re stronger with our mates than we are apart. Your fear is blinding you.”

“I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Then tell me why you’re on this quest.”

“She’ll ruin my pack,” Killian said.

“Will she? Or will she be your pack’s salvation. I am growing tired in my old age. Words of wisdom do not come without a cost.”

Killian got to his feet first. He was tired of seeing Mystic constantly touching Leah. They needed to rest and be gone at first light.

“I’ll go. Thank you for your hospitality.” Killian held his hand out and Charlie took it.

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