Page 66 of Wicked Fate

“Of course. Let me continue my story.” The man crossed his arms. “Needing to investigate what called to me from Earth, I returned and learned that I had a son. He was half wolf and half fae, and his pack name was Sinclair.”

My breath punched out of me. “Are you saying you’re my great, great, great, great, great, grandfather?” I had no clue how many greats to add, because he’d mentioned “many” centuries.

“You’re lying,” Ryker barked. “Fae aren’t real. They’re in story books.”

“Fae are real, but we don’t visit Earth often. Though we do enjoy seeing how different you all are.” The man shrugged. “But our magic works differently here, which is why only one of my descendants at a time can have their magic activated. When your father passed, Ember, you were the oldest, and thus, your magic activated within you.”

I couldn’t breathe. Not because I didn’t believe him.

Because Idid.

The way his magic felt familiar. The way his voice settled something buried deep in my bones.

The way my father would look at me sometimes—like he was on the edge of revealing something that never quite made it to the surface.

“I don’t understand,” I whispered. “Why talk to me now?”

“Because you’ve proven that your instincts lean toward justice, not vengeance. That matters, Ember, to fae like me, because we are of the Aureline line. A very special line where we do Fate’s bidding and ensure that everything is balanced between good and evil.”

My brain buzzed. “What about Briar?”

“Your sister.” He rubbed his hands together. “She is of the same line as you, but her fae magic won’t ever activate if you have children. If you die before having children, then the magic will activate in her upon your death.”

Ryker tensed.I don’t trust him.

Before I could respond, Briar’s voice came through the link.Breakfast is done, and Cassi says the witch’s pulse is steady. You guys coming in or what?

I exhaled, heart thudding. Ryker looked to me for direction, and I hesitated only a second.

We’re coming,I linked back. The last thing I wanted to do was worry her or try to explain this right now. I kept feeling like I was hitting my head against a wall, but if this man—our many-greats grandfather!— came inside, he could tell her. “You should come in with us. You could speak with Briar and tell us more.”

Do you really think that’s a good idea?Ryker’s arm tensed.

Strange Man’s smile faded. “No.”

“Why not?” I asked, frowning.

“There are witches inside.” He gestured to the house.

Ryker stepped forward again, shielding me slightly. “How the hell do you know that?”

The man’s lips twitched. “Because I watched two ladies with darkness attached to them walk inside. Their magic works similarly to ours but is of this Earth and can’t be used in our realm. I can see it. Mine is stronger and I can use it here, though not for very long.”

“So that’s why you didn’t contact me ’til now?” I asked, trying to make sense of all this.

“No. I stayed away because I needed to see if you were neutral and on the side of justice for everyone. Seeing you influence these men to change, and how you released every witch, proved that you’re worthy of learning about your fae magic.”

I bit my lip. I didn’t want him to go, but at the same time, I needed a moment to catch my breath. “Will you come back?”

“I will return when the sun sets, but only if you’re alone. I’m interested in discussing your role on Earth.”

“Absolutely not.” Ryker bared his teeth. “I have to be with her. She may want to trust you, but I don’t. I won’t allow anything to happen to her.”

A lump formed in my throat. The last thing I wanted was for Ryker to scare him off, but I also understood how Ryker felt. If our roles were reversed, I’d be saying the same thing.

“So much anger resides in your soul.” Strange Man’s shoulders sagged. “I’ll be glad when it’s eliminated. But yes, I will tolerate you because you care for her and protect her. But no one else.”

“Thank y—” I started.

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