Page 48 of King

He forgets all about it when he notices the elf who brought us here. He flashes over and scents his neck unapologetically. A huge grin spreads across his face, and he turns to his pack. “Come meet our brother, the elf!” he shouts.

Vaegon’s eyes widen. He takes a few steps back as shifters crowd around him, getting a good look and sniff of the mysterious creature. His expression quickly evens out, but his body is so tense that I know he’s miserable.

I chuckle loudly and turn back to Sashon. He turns and waves us over to a heap of small stones lying near a patch of glowing calantar flowers.

“The charms are ready,” he says proudly. “One of our mixed fae took the trumec weed from the kelpies and infused it into the stones.”

Anders picks one up and turns it around in his fingers. “What are they for?”

“They’re sleeping charms,” Sashon explains. “Made from a powerful sedative that grows in the kelpie lakes.”

“We’re concerned about the common fae living near the castle,” I add. “They’re under the queen’s influence and might decide to fight for her. They aren’t particularly powerful, but they could become a significant distraction.”

I scoop up a handful of the charms and admire the red lines of the trumec, running across the stones like veins of fire. “These charms will be placed outside their huts to keep them in an enchanted sleep. They’ll remain in that state until the stones are removed. We won’t have to worry about being attacked from behind.”

“Clever,” my son says, tossing one in the air and catching it. “Let me guess… we’ll be handing these out tonight.”

“Yes,” I reply. “Your wolf forms won’t trigger the glow of the calantar flowers. Use your stealth to drop a stone outside each hut in the small villages Vaegon brings you to.”

The Alphas nod their agreement. “Sashon,” I tell the Prime, “The elf will bring you all to the kelpie land when it’s time. We strike two hours after dawn.”

“I’ll send word to the other packs,” he says. “We’ll be ready.”

We spend the rest of the daylight distributing vials and fitting the fighting kelpies with sashes. As the sun begins to dim, we share a meal of smoked fish, seaweed salad, and all the moonshade tea we can stand.

It comes in handy for the hours we spend placing the stones. I watch in awe as the wolves slink through the darkness, often slipping past drunken fae without being noticed. I catch glimpses of shiny, golden eyes in the distance, but they seem to have no owner. They’re silent. And so fast… it’s incredible. I’ve never known a fae with speed like that, regardless of the magic they wield. How any fae could find one of these creatures beneath them is a mystery. They’re truly remarkable.

My hopes for the battle rise with each village we visit. And once all the villages are secured, Vaegon takes us back to the elven territory to rest. I won’t be sleeping, though. The best preparation for me is to hold onto my mate. I have enough drive and faith to attempt the impossible because of her. She’s my reason. The only thing worth risking it all for.

Chapter 17

Rue

“I have healing power!” Jade yells at the seer. “Let mehelp!”

I was shocked to learn that Jade, a full shifter, has healing magic. She told me she spent years using the calantar flowers for a tonic for the Betas in her realm. She and her mates think her connection to the plant, along with her mate bond with Vaegon, allows her to heal. It could be very helpful in the battle. I don’t understand why the seer is against it.

“No,” she says again flatly. “Your power draws from your mate’s source. He needs all of that power if he and Durin are to defeat the queen. More importantly, he can’t afford any distractions.”

Jade growls in frustration and stomps over to where her mates are sitting. “Do something!” she pleads with them.

“I know how she feels,” I murmur to Durin as they try to soothe their mate. “I have no magic to offer, but I’m not ready to let either of you go again.”

Durin lifts me off the grass and onto his lap. We’ve all been in the gathering area since he and the Alphas returned this morning. No one can sleep right now. Not with the battle so close.

“I wish I knew what to tell you,” he says. “I’d prefer you stay here where it’s safe, but I do understand how hard it would befor you to just sit and wait.”

He kisses my nose and cheeks, trying to ease my frustration. “The seer knows things we don’t. There must be a reason she wants you and Jade to remain here. She wouldn’t exclude you just to be cruel.”

Durin is probably right. She may have foreseen something dangerous for Jade and me if we leave. I’ll just have to respect his wish for my safety and hope that fate has something better planned for me than… nothing at all.

Bitterness gnaws at my heart, though I’m not sure who it’s aimed at. I just can’t stand feeling overlooked. Being deemed worthless is almost as bad as being fated to live a nightmare.

“It just feels incomplete,” I mutter. “Surely I’m meant for more than just birthing Vaegon and waiting around.”

“Yeah, fate wouldn’t dare waste your pushiness,” Durin says, nipping at my neck.

“Hey!” I yell, pushing him away.

---