Stern, yet compassionate, she reminds me of my mother. We come to a stop at a small shed-like building.
“I want to show you something.” She steps forward, unlatches the door and pulls it open. “Not all of us have forgotten the wolf king we believe we descended from.”
Votive candles in red candle holders are placed to the left and right of him. The light illuminates the building. Inside I inhale the lingering scent of Palo Santo. I’m dazzled by a three-foot silver statue of the great wolf on an altar.
Offerings of herbs and berries rest in an offering basket on the floor.
“We’ve prayed for change and assistance for years,” Maggie admits.
“This space feels like home.”
“It might feel like you’re alone, but you aren’t. Alpha seeks to control you, but what you represent is far greater than him.” Maggie places a hand on my shoulder. “That scares him. He’s forgotten his job is to be the figurehead, not a dictator who bends us all to his will by any means necessary. He stopped listening to what the people wanted when his mate died.”
I smell the truth in her words. Her heart beat remains steady and she meets my gaze head on.
“What do I do?”
“Answer the great wolf’s call. Step into who you are and stand firm.” A triangle etched into the tall wood of the altar. I trace a finger along the outline My body erupts into goosebumps.
“What’s this?”
“That’s a sign of Fenrir’s blessing. You’ve seen it before.”
A spiderweb light caress runs down my sternum. Nodding I pull off my flannel button-up and shove up the sleeve of my t-shirt to reveal my tattoo.
“It’s a sign that you’re one of his.”
“Do you have more about him?”
“Yes, I’ll send you home with one of our old books. Come, let’s grab them from my cabin.”
A gentle breeze tugs at my braid as we leave the sacred space. I’m on the right path. Navigating back through town, I freeze when I spot a familiar head of dark blonde hair and a heart-shaped face.
“Kar?” the young girl turns. She bears a strong resemblance to Fell. Fear fills her brown eyes and she bolts. I chase her for a few yards, and stop.
Who knows what Fell told her about me? My stomach churns. Once upon a time, Kar was like family. Am I seeing what I wanted to? Maybe it hadn’t been her after all.
“Come. Your doctor will be finished soon.”
“Right.”
There are far more important things to worry about. Reluctantly, I allow her to lead me away.
What are you and your family hiding, Fell?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“You’re a hot topic in town, Princess,” Bo’s lazy tone speaks to his amusement. He walks into the kitchen with a wicked smile.
“Why?” I frown.
“They’re all wondering how you managed to dupe the Alpha.” His cheerful delivery earns my scowl.
“As if I have that kind of power.” I scoff and sip my cocoa.
“True, but he still needs to address the rumors,” Bo adds.
“Are you telling me this for a reason?” I arch an eyebrow and try to figure out where he’s headed with this. He’s constantly hot and cold.
“You and I should have an outing together at the family estate.”
“No.”
“Cute, you think you get a choice. You represent my family now.” Bo straightens to his full height.
I face Cadoc. “Didn’t you say I was in danger and should lie low?”
“We’re all going, Brat. They want to show us off.” Cadoc takes a bite of a green apple.
Juice trickles along his chin. I want to walk over and lick it off. I look away, recalling the Alpha’s angry face before we left.
“What am I supposed to do?” I’m already outnumbered.
“Try to be pleasant for the first time in your life,” Bo suggests. I flip him off.
“Wine and dine. Show them how pleased you are to be with us.” Cadoc answers.
“But I’m not.” I hate pretending for those who saw me as nothing weeks prior.
