Page 13 of Cursed Magic

His face pinched. His chest rose and fell with shallow, labored breaths. I leaned closer, my own pulse thudding as Isearched for any signs that might hint he wasn’t as well off as I had hoped.

“Ember,” he croaked.

Somehow, him saying my name a second time sent an even stronger shiver along my back. His eyes, usually so sharp and alert, were clouded with pain and exhaustion. Yet, as they focused on my face, the golden flecks warmed, and my breath caught.

“I’m here.” I forced a smile, desperate to reassure him. “How are you feeling?”

Ryker snorted and then groaned. “Like I’ve been stabbed,” he managed with a hint of his usual humor.

Knowing he needed me to act normal, I tried to play it cool. But my wolf stirred inside, wanting to comfort him, to touch him, and to make sure he really was okay.

Despite the pain etched on his face, his eyes never left mine. The air between us seemed to crackle with the familiar cadence of the buzz that sprang up between us when we touched.

“Well, you’re looking better than you did just five minutes ago.” I forced my tone to be light and to hide the terror that had been brewing inside. “Your healing kicked in pretty impressively once we got that knife out.”

His lips twitched. “Perks of being a strong wolf of the royal guard, I suppose.”

Briar sniffed, bringing me back to the present. For a moment, it had felt like Ryker and I were the only two beings in the world. Now my sister fidgeted, turning her whole body toward him. “Thank you so much for saving me.” Emotion deepened her voice. “I can’t believe you risked your life like that for someone you barely know.”

He looked at her, his expression softening. “There’s no need to thank me,” he said. He shifted slightly and winced. “I’m the alpha of the Grimstone pack. Protecting our species is my job.” He looked at me, his expression softening. The faint glow in his eyes indicated his wolf had inched forward. “And some people are worth protecting at any cost.”

The meaning of his words was clear—he’d done it for me. He didn’t have to say it outright because I understood him better than I wanted to admit. Still, my heart raced, and every time I tried to move my gaze, I couldn’t. My wolf snarled, and I couldn’t even force myself to turn my head.

Is there something you need to share with me?Briar linked, and our connection thrummed with curiosity.

My mind raced, trying to find the right words to explain something I barely understood myself…something that I needed to forget about and put behind me.There’s nothing to share. I flinched as the sulfur scent of a lie filled the vehicle. My wolf growled inside, letting me know she was pissed that I wouldn’t acknowledge how I felt about Ryker.

I wanted to chastise her, but I had something more important to focus on.

Everyone in here can smell that big fat lie you just told.Briar arched a brow and crossed her arms.

Fate being the bitch she was, Ryker coughed then flinched and groaned. “Either someone just lied, or their stomach is upset.” His eyelids sagged as he turned his head toward both Briar and me.

“Definitely a lie,” Raven replied. “I have a feeling I know exactly what it’s about, too.”

Spill it.Briar pursed her lips, which was her tell that she was determined about something. She didn’t get like this often, but clearly, Ryker had made a huge impression on her by nearly dying to save her.

I exhaled, knowing that I couldn’t get out of this. Butthat didn’t mean I had to tell her everything. I didn’t even understand my feelings for him, so how could I explain them? The pull I felt toward him shouldn’t be possible, and the fear that gripped my heart at the thought of trusting anyone again after Reid’s betrayal was strong. Not only that, but the best way to protect Briar was to get her as far away from here as possible.

It’s…complicated. I shrugged, and my mouth dried.

I tilted my head back, looking at the gray ceiling. I didn’t want to see her expression as I linked my next words.I can’t explain our connection.Even though I didn’t say it out loud, my tongue felt dry and fat.I don’t fully understand it myself. But I do know that Reid’s rejection destroyed my world and future, and I refuse to let myself be that vulnerable again.I pushed away the warmth that bloomed in my chest.Besides, the Blackwoods clearly want us dead, so wecan’tstay around here. It’s not safe.

I rolled my shoulders and focused on Ryker again. My heart clenched at the sight of his pale face. His eyes were closed once more, and his breathing evened out as he slipped back into unconsciousness.

Ember, it’s not safe anywhere for us right now.Briar shook her head and wrinkled her nose.You want to leave our friends from our neighboring packs as if they’re nothing.

Her words stung, but I couldn’t let them sway me. I had to stay focused on our survival.Ourfriends?I let the heat of my anger float through our connection.What friends, Briar? The ones who slaughtered our pack after their alpha heir rejected me in front of everyone? The ones who tried to kill us again tonight? None of the other packs came to our defense either, not even during the alpha meeting I attended to determine who might be holding you captive!

She winced, but I pressed on, unable to stop now thatthe floodgates had opened.And now you want to stay here after you got upset with me for allying with the Grimstones to find you and because we’re heading back to the royal vampire nest? Do you not remember all the stories we heard from Dad about the Grimstones growing up, how they don’t hesitate to torture people? Because I can tell you, it’s true. I watched Ryker beat up someone innocent, trying to get answers.In fairness, with my growing rage, I understood Ryker more—another reason I needed to get away. I didn’t want hate to consume me like it had him.

Her nostrils flared.I understand what happened, but none of the other packs had time to get there to help us. How could they expect something like that to happen when we didn’t? Ryker nearly died protecting me. And now you want to run away before we even make sure he’s recovered?

My back stiffened.I’m trying to keep us alive, Briar. We can’t trustanyoneright now.They could turn on us at any second.

So what’s your plan then?Are we wandering off into the wilderness alone, with no allies and no resources, hoping the Blackwoods don’t find us?

I plan on relocating us to the West Coast. Yeah, we’ll be starting over, and it’ll be hard, but it’s better than staying here waiting to be massacred. I gritted my teeth, trying to remain calm.

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