"What?" I asked.
"They stole my powers. My original magic. It's all gone because of them," Animus snarled. He inched forward. His nose nearly touched mine, and I felt his hot breath on my skin. "That's why I kidnapped you, Leveret. Don't you see? You're a tool to harvest your pack's innate magic."
I blinked curiously. Was that possible? I recalled the repetitive conversations my cousins had about meeting Animus, and their adventures, and something about magic, and finding their fated mates. They just went on and on. I stopped listening because I got bored.
And jealous.
Whatever happened, it wasn't nice of Animus's family to steal his magic. I wanted him to get it back. And if I was a tool for Animus, that meant I could be helpful.
"What can I do?" I asked.
That familiar confused look flitted across his face. "Excuse me?"
"What can I do to help you regain your magic?"
Animus stared at me, then closed his eyes and sighed, dragging his clawed hand down his face.
"I can't tell if you're trying to throw a wrench in my plan, or if you're just that honest," Animus muttered.
"I'm not throwing anything. I want to help, Animus." I tilted my head. "Have you asked your family for your magic back?"
"That's the mosthare-brainedthing I've ever heard," Animus mumbled.
I smiled. Even while he was upset, he still made jokes.
"I'll be your moral support," I suggested. "That way you don't have to do it alone."
Animus frowned, his hands dropping to his sides. His speech was less abrupt now, softened by pain. "It's useless. They won't return it."
"You don't know that until you try."
Animus raised a brow, tapping his clawed foot on the ground. "It's funny. I want to argue with you. But somehow, you're very convincing."
"Does that mean you'll do it?" I asked hopefully.
Animus let out a loud, dramatic sigh. "Yes, Leveret. Frankly, your ability to whittle down my willpower is unheard of. If I didn't know any better, I'd suspect you of being a powerful magic-user as well."
"I don't think I am," I admitted.
Animus smirked. "That's fine, Leveret. I prefer you just the way you are."
Eight
Animus
Icouldn't believe I'd stooped low enough to accept advice from a mortal alpha. And ahareshifter, of all things.
Leveret was insistent we head out right away. There was no doubt he was more excited about this adventure than I was. It was a pointless endeavor, but Leveret wouldn't understand until we were zero-for-three on the magic front. Maybe then he'd admit I was right.
"I'd tell you to hurry up and pack your things, but I suppose that's unnecessary," I remarked as Leveret picked some clovers—a snack for the journey.
"Yes."
I turned my head to avoid flashing him a smile. His tendency to take everything literally was endearing.
But I couldn't afford to grow attached.
"I'm ready to go," Leveret said, holding a bunch of stems in his hand. "Oh. I should shift so I'm easier to carry. Does your cape have pockets?"