Page 73 of The Alpha's Fallen Spell
“However,” Griffin continues, “I also recognize that you have made tremendous sacrifices over the years. For the kingdom. For me.” He sighs, running a hand through his silver hair. “I’m not willing to let you walk away from the kingdom entirely, Erik. But I will extend your leave of absence.”
Hope flares within me. “For how long?”
“As long as it takes for you and Fiona to figure out what you want to do,” he says. “I’ll step in as commander until then.” His tone becomes even more serious. “But what will you do if Fiona refuses and doesn’t change her mind?”
The question cuts deeper than I want to admit. I’ve been so focused on finding her, on keeping her safe, that I haven’t truly allowed myself to consider the possibility of permanent rejection.
“I’ll accept whatever decision she makes,” I say sadly, hating the very thought. “But for now, I’m not going to stop trying. And I need to protect her from this new organization, regardless of what happens between us.”
Griffin nods, seeming satisfied with my answer. “Fair enough. Just don’t lose yourself in the process, brother.”
Before I can respond, a noise behind Griffin catches my attention. Maya steps into view, her auburn hair tied back in a practical knot, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
“Erik,” she says, nodding in greeting. “I overheard. You’ve found her.”
“Yes.”
“And she’s not exactly welcoming you with open arms,” Maya surmises, a hint of amusement in her voice despite the seriousness of the conversation.
“That’s putting it mildly,” I admit.
Maya sits beside Griffin, her presence somehow making the conversation less formal, more family-like. “Leanna and Cedric are traveling to the Human Wolf Kingdom in a few weeks,” she says. “Leanna wants to speak with you.”
I tense at the mention of Leanna’s name. My feelings for her are long past, but there’s still a strange awkwardness in discussing her with my brother and his mate. “This might not be the right time,” I say carefully.
“I agree,” Maya says with a small nod. “But she says it’s urgent. Something about information she has gathered regarding the artificial shifters.”
“I’ll think about it,” I promise, although my focus remains firmly on Fiona and her safety.
“The stock of drugs I gave Fiona must be close to running out,” Maya adds, changing the subject smoothly. “I’ll send more, along with the scent disguiser.” Her expression turns thoughtful. “But Erik, if the suppressant is indeed beginning to fail, she needs to know. The transition back could be difficult if it happens suddenly.”
“I’ll tell her,” I say, though I’m not looking forward to that conversation. Fiona has built her identity around being human again, around suppressing the wolf that was forced upon her. The idea that it might be returning, that she might once again have to face that part of herself, won’t be welcome news.
After a few more details regarding the security situation and arrangements for the delivery of the suppressant, I end the call. The room feels suddenly emptier, the silence more pronounced. For all my talk of independence and choosing my own path, I miss the certainty of the palace, the clear sense of purpose that comes with command.
But as I look out the window toward the building that houses Fiona’s café, I know I’m exactly where I need to be. Where I wantto be. Whether she accepts me or not, whether the bond between us is ever fully realized, I will protect her. It’s the least I can do after failing her so completely before.
It’s still early the following morning, the sun barely breaking over the horizon, when I position myself across the street from The Morning Brew. Through the window, I can see Fiona moving around inside, preparing the café for what would typically be the start of a business day. But the “Closed” sign remains in the window, and I recall her telling Margo she’d be taking today off.
After about twenty minutes, she emerges, locking the door behind her, a small backpack slung over one shoulder. Alex is presumably still asleep in the office—she mentioned yesterday that the boy could sleep until noon if left undisturbed.
She spots me immediately as I cross the street to join her, irritation flashing across her face.
“Are you following me now?” she demands, hands on her hips.
“Where you go, I go,” I say simply. “At least until we’ve dealt with the threat.”
“It’s my day off,” she says, clearly exasperated. “I have activities planned.”
“I’ll join you.” I deliberately soften my expression, letting a hint of charm creep into my voice. “I promise not to be in the way. You won’t even notice I’m there.”
She snorts, clearly not buying it. “Somehow I doubt that.”
“Come on,” I cajole, falling into step beside her as she begins walking toward the bus stop. “How bad could it be? Amovie? Shopping? Lunch at some overpriced restaurant where the portions are too small?”
A small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. “You really have no idea, do you?”
“About what?”
