“I’m not sure,” he said. “Skylar complicates things, doesn’t she? Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad complication. She’s incredible. I don’t need to convince you of that. But I don’t know how it changes my plans.”
There was a part of me that wanted to try to convince him to go home, rule his kingdom, and leave Skylar alone to live in her own realm. She belonged here. She belonged with me. She’d be part of the pack, she could run with me on the full moons and learn what it was to be a wolf. She’d be loved and welcomed in the pack. She’d have the family she longed for. I could tell she needed that.
But if she felt for the demons the way I felt for her, losing them would be like losing part of herself. I couldn’t wish that on her.
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” I said. “She sure would love to learn more about her mom. It would mean a lot to her to connect with her heritage.”
“She’s lucky she has you,” he said. “She was so lonely. I can’t give her what a pack will.”
I glanced over at him. It was as if the two of us had reached some kind of silent understanding. I wasn’t sure we’d ever exactly be friends, but we were something closer to that. It was a strange thing. Sharing your mate with another male. Two males. But this was what fate had dealt me.
And I got Skylar out of it. Even if I had to share her, it was worth it.
I pulled in front of the cemetery and stopped the car. “You sure you can take this? Even Skylar was uncomfortable with the wards they have on the earth here.”
“I can handle it,” he said.
I wasn’t sure I believed him, but he’d find out soon enough. I killed the engine and stepped out of the car.
Our footsteps crunched over gravel as we approached the cemetery. The early morning light was golden and bright now. We’d driven right through dawn and past sunrise. It would be noon before we got back if the visit was fast.
My stomach twisted uncomfortably as I wondered how Skylar was doing. We’d left her with my least favorite of the two demons I shared her affections with but at least Shelly and Madison were there to keep an eye on him.
I felt the cold of the wards wash over me as I crossed into the boundaries of the cemetery and the remnants of the ancient spells. Footsteps next to me ceased.
“You doing okay?” I asked my companion.
Elias had a grimace on his face but he quickly shook it off. “I can feel those wards.”
“Need to wait here?” I offered.
“Hell no, let’s keep going,” he said.
I shrugged. “Alright. Up this way.” I was surprised none of the ladies greeted us at the entry. I’d sent a text to let them know we were on our way. I even let them know I was bringing a demon VIP with me. If that wasn’t enough to get them interested, I didn’t know what was. I suppose the book was more of a draw.
With each step, I grew more nervous. Sure, I didn’t need them to fawn over me, but this was their job. The mages here were the caretakers. Their job was to maintain this ground and keep it protected.
A chill rand down my spine. Something wasn’t right. I stopped walking and turned to Elias.
He looked over at me, he’d stopped moving as well. “I feel it.”
I nodded. “Something’s not right.”
“Be ready,” he said.
I balled my hands into fists, prepared for a fight. Something was coming for us.