Page 52 of Wolf's Witch

“Whatever,” Kiefer spat. His eyes rose to my face, and his voice dropped to more of a growl than a whisper. “You’ll regret this.”

He walked out.

And I didn’t regret a damned thing.

I turned to the rest of the pack. “If you stay, then you’re committed to breathing life back into this pack. We’ll end the hunters, and we’ll get serious about the next chapter for the Salem Pack.”

Gradually, everyone started to nod.

Mathias placed a heavy hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “It hurts to lose Kiefer, but I stand by my decision.” He faced the others. “We make it final during the new moon.”

We went into the kitchen for beers, and Wes opened a bag of chips. It felt awkward and forced, but it would get easier. Kiefer would’ve done more damage if he had stuck around. This was for the best. And while I didn’t have regrets, there was still a hole left behind. I’d known Kiefer my entire life.

We all shot the shit in the kitchen, and eventually, the mood lifted. I kept my eye on the time, and when six thirty rolled around, I tossed my bottle in the recycling and smiled at my pack.Mine.

My wolf was getting more dominant by the second.

“I’ve got a date. I’ll catch you all later.”

Wyatt chuckled. “You mean in the morning?”

“Maybe.” I smirked. “Do I have a curfew?”

Mathias gave me a knowing smile. “Go find your mate.”

I ground my teeth to keep from admitting I’d already found her and that she was about to become the high priestess of the Coven of Light. I went back to my room and combed my hair. When I opened the drawer, a small white crystal wolf caught my eye. I’d bought it years ago after I’d graduated high school. It was carved from howlite, which I thought was cool. The woman in the crystal shop told me howlite was supposed to help stimulate a desire for knowledge and helped with communication. I’d just thought a wolf made from something withhowlin the name was too cool to pass up. I’d kept it all these years. I wasn’t sure why.

I think I knew now. It was for the witch fated to be my mate. I picked it up and put it in my pocket. It was probably silly—I think the thing cost me ten bucks back in the day—but I wanted her to have it.

It wasn’t a ring, but it was a little piece of me.

I smelled Rubythe second I opened the door to the Howling Wolf Taqueria. She munched on a chip and at a table in the corner, and a smile tugged at my lips in spite of my shitty afternoon. I’d missed her.

Weaving through the tables, I walked over and asked, “Is anyone sitting here?”

She grinned. “It’s reserved for a hot werewolf.”

I arched a brow as I pulled out the chair. “Hope that’s me.”

“’Course it’s you.” Her laughter lifted my battered spirit, but her smile faded when I winced. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head. “I think Kiefer cracked my rib.”

Her jaw dropped. “What happened?”

“Mathias made the announcement to the pack that I’m going to be the new Alpha. Kiefer wanted to fight about it.”

“Mind if I try to fix it?”

I chuckled. “The restaurant probably frowns on first aid at the tables.”

She rolled her eyes. “I can send you reiki. You don’t even have to take off your shirt.”

I’d seen Lillian use energy healing on Mathias, but I’d never had anyone point it at me. I shrugged. “Okay. Can’t hurt, right?”

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them, her gaze was distant and unfocused. Her fingers on her right hand spread wide on the table, and slowly, my side warmed. Maybe it was all in my head, but I moved my torso from side to side. It was still sore, but there were no twinges of sharp pain.

Ruby blinked and shook out her hand. She met my eyes. “Any better?”

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