Page 94 of Spellbound & Speechless
Ozan’s desperate search of the crowd continues until his gaze falls on Mac. “You,” he roars. “This is your fault.”
Mac falters. He’s at his mother’s side, and she’s back on her paws, fully recovered.
“What?” Mac’s voice breaks.
“None of this happened before you came to Starbrook,” Ozan says. “We had never seen a corrupt witch here until you came. And now?—”
“Ozan.” There’s a warning behind Juniper’s faint tone.
Ozan exhales slowly and turns away, scooping Juniper’s plump form into his arms with ease.
When I turn to look for Mac, he’s already gone. I see only a wolf running in the distance and shredded clothes on the ground.
I suppose we won’t be able to return the rental suit now, but there are bigger concerns. For once, clothes and fashion are only fleeting thoughts rather than taking over my life. Emotions are running high for everyone, and I can feel Mac’s shame and guilt. I can feel him wanting me to chase after him, too—but I don’t. Not yet.
I lift the trail of my dress. I chase after Ozan instead and poke a finger in the middle of his back, meeting strong,tense muscles. “How dare you?”
He turns to me with a weary expression. “I’m sorry?—”
“Save your apology for Mac. I understand that you’re worried about my sister, and I thank you for that, but you do not speak to my mate like that. Do you understand?”
Ozan is a kind and rational man, usually. I know he didn’t mean to hurt Mac, but he did. He inhales slowly, and I can tell he wants to argue with me, but the fight behind his eyes dissolves.
“You’re upset,” he says. “I understand, but right now I want to get Juniper a healing potion. We can talk later.”
“Fine.” It’s for my sister’s sake that I agree. I step back. “Keep her safe.” I raise my voice, addressing the rest of the crowd. “Keep each other safe! Escort one another home. The party is over.”
I have somewhere else to be. No one can stop me as I fly through the crowd, running after Mac.
Chapter 33
Mac
It’s not my fault.It’s not my fault.
I’m not a child anymore, and I don’t blame myself for my father’s death, just like I don’t blame my mother. It’s not my fault Juniper was hurt, either. If the roles were reversed, there’s a chance I would have said the same shitty things. Ozan has been nothing but nice to me. There’s no reason to think he meant what he said, but…
It still fucking hurts, and I’m licking my emotional wounds as I run away. Before long, I know Aspen is following, but I don’t know if I want her to. I’m fucked up. I need her, but she shouldn’t see me like this—a pathetic, whining puppy.
That’s how I feel when she finds me. This time, Aspen doesn’t show any fear of my wolf. Her fingers dig into my fur as she leans down, pressing her face to my neck.
“You’re all right,” she murmurs. “I’m here now.”
I let out a low, rumbling whine.
“I know, darling. I know. Don’t listen to that stubborn man—this wasnotyour fault. He was upset. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Shestands and walks ahead, her dress dragging in the grass. “Come. I have something I’ve been meaning to show you.”
I tilt my head to the side.
Aspen has already shown me so much, including a spot she claimed was her favorite. What else could she have to show me in these woods? I let her lead me; my paws pad against the ground.
I should have brought a change of clothes. I want to shift back into my human form, totalkto her, but I can’t without being ass naked—and there’s still a chance someone else will see me like that. No thanks.
It’s way too embarrassing. It would be even more uncomfortable than another man yelling at me on my wedding day.
Aspen leads me to a fort in the middle of the woods. It’s well-built and sturdy, but it’s not an actual home.
She enters the tiny space. “Come on in.”
