Page 54 of Broken Rejected Mate

“They look imbued,” Claire says, nodding. Usually, procuring the Amanzite is the first step of the process. Afterthat, that casters imbue it with magic. These stones sparkle with trapped energy—showing that they’re already imbued.

Not only did we create the gems from thin air, but we managed to infuse magic directly into them during the process. I’ve never been a part of the Amanzite management system, but I imagine that would greatly cut down on time.

“Woah,” Emin says, eyes wide as he reaches forward, picking up one of the gems and holding it between his finger and thumb. “This looks so much like the real thing. It’s—wow.”

Claire braces herself against the table, her arm visibly shaking with the effort. Several of the other casters have sat down right on the floor, and are taking tiny, quick sips from their drinks.

“Care to give it a shot?” Claire asks, gesturing toward it with a trembling hand. “It looks right—the last test is to see if a shifter can use it.”

Emin looks skeptical, but grips the stone tightly in his hand, closing his eyes and stepping back from the table. I glance at Sarina, who is looking on in total awe.

I’ve only shifted in front of her a handful of times, and she’s so curious about everything. If the Amanzite works, Emin will be able to shift painlessly, then shift back still wearing his clothes, holding all his possessions. The magic within the stone will allow it.

The first time I saw a shifter change forms, it felt like an optical illusion. But now, having done it several times myself, I see each part of it, the concentration, the movements, the transition from one form to the other.

As simple as sitting down, once you know how to do it.

“Woah,” Sarina whispers.

She’s seen me shift before—but I’m an omega. My wolf is small, coming just above her shoulder. But Emin…Emin is a force to be reckoned with, his raised head higher than mine, his exhalation like that of a horse. The presence of a larger being.

Then, in a matter of seconds, he shifts back, blinking at the stone in his hand.

“Holy shit,” he murmurs. Then, raising his eyes to mine, he shines with pride as he says, “You actuallydidit.”

Chapter 30 - Emin

Veva, Sarina, and I stand on Kira’s front porch. Sarina has just knocked, and stands back, holding the bundle of flowers we’ve brought with us from my little garden.

Both Veva and Sarina were surprised to find out I had a flower garden outside the house. Veva kept glancing at me, her eyebrows raised, until I finally broke and laughed, “What?”

“Oh, nothing,” she’d joked, running her hand along my arm. “I just hadn’t pegged you as a flower garden kind of guy, that’s all.”

“I hope I can continue to surprise you,” I’d said, catching her off-guard. Pleasure coursed through me at the flush that spread over her cheeks. Like the way we used to flirt—me always catching her off-guard, turning things around on her when she least expected it.

Now, as we wait for someone inside to open the door, my body is still thrumming from the day—finding Oren earlier, taking him to a jail cell, Dorian staying behind to talk to him. Watching the casters—Veva—create the Amanzite from nothing. The power in that room was staggering.

The power of my mate is staggering.

“Come in!” Dorian appears at the door with one of the twins held loosely at his side. Lately, he’s gotten into the habit of holding his kids like Sarina holds books—tucked under arm, stacked haphazardly in her hands.

We file inside, and I catch Kira sayDorian, would you please put our son upright, with laughter in her voice. Then my sister appears—my father right behind her.

I knew he was going to be here tonight, and still it feels weird.

As though I don’t exist, my father steps into the room, clasping his hands together and addressing my mate.

“Veva,” he says, his face serious. “I’m trying not to be in the habit of dancing around things that are uncomfortable, and I’m sure you know that I’ve contributed to the…attitude toward you and your mother in this pack. I’ll no longer be participating in that kind of behavior, but I wanted to apologize to you in person for any harm I may have caused.”

Behind his back, Kira stands with her mouth dropped open, eyes wide. This is not something I ever thought I’d see my father do. And yet, here he is.

“Thank you,” Veva says, her eyes scanning over him. Something in her expression seems to change, almost like she’s realized he’s telling the truth. “I hope you can find some peace, Kellen.”

His eyes widen at that, and he swallows hard, nodding and looking away.

“Alright,” Kira claps, laughing awkwardly. “Well, the pork chops are done, so should we…?”

“Weshould,” Dorian says, sweeping out of the room, likely to deposit the boys elsewhere during the meal.

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