First it was that black wolf and the orca. That was when my dormant consciousness roused from an ancient slumber, and I was thrust into a confusing new world. The only thing I knew to do was find traces of my old life, back before everything went wrong. That meant finding Nautilus.
Of course, in the cruellest twist of irony imaginable, that stupid alpha wolf, Zakariel, was Nautilus's grandson. He’d inherited spirit magic.
Magic that wasmine.
The anger that swelled up inside me didn't last. Even after waking up from my dormancy, crankier than a bear coming out of hibernation, I couldn't find it within myself to harm him. Not when I found out his omega mate was pregnant.
But that wasn't the end. It was only the beginning.
Next was that easygoing alpha fox shifter and his foulmouthed omega finch mate. When I found myself drawn to them, I assumed it was out of a thirst for revenge. An alpha fox in a cage full of omega finch shifters spelled trouble.
Yet the fox, Quinn, surprised me with his actions. He helped his mate, Farley, save the omegas who were trapped in that giant cage. My claws twitched remembering it. I'd barely had enough magic to destroy that building once and for all.
And speaking of a bear coming out of hibernation…
My glance flicked over to Bear and Ashe. That was when my draw to this family really took a turn for the worst. I didn't know what I was thinking when I incited Ashe’s heat. A ridiculous curiosity took over me—I simply wanted to see what would happen.
That was always my worst trait. A mortal-like sense of curiosity that did nothing but get me into trouble.
But my gamble with Ashe paid off. When Terranus attacked him and Bear, they willingly gave up their magic to me. I saved them from that ugly brute.
Why did I throw myself in danger for a pair of mortals? I still didn't know. It was a question that plagued me every day.
And it didn't end there. With the energy Bear and Ashe gifted me, I was able to save the beaver shifter and the mer from those filthy human poachers. Without that reserve of magic, I wouldn't have been able to erase those men's memories.
I looked towards the mouse shifter and his harpy mate. Those two took me for a wild ride, I had to admit. I was frustrated with both of them for refusing to cooperate with me, but by the time their son was born, I lacked the energy to uphold my anger. When I saw that baby's face, everything inside me melted. The feeling of wanting to protect that child was so strong that I let Meeko have the sword.Mysword.
My magic and my weapon… I was fond of having things taken away from me or giving them away, wasn't I?
I opened my palm, flexing my dark claws. With every pair of fated mates that popped up in this family, I seemed to gain strength. I wished I knew why. If I was able to replicate this elsewhere, shouldn't I have done so? Why wasn't I out there, seeking other pairs of fated mates in the world?
I put my hands back on the branch, squeezing tightly. The thought of leaving this family behind made my skin prickle with discomfort. I didn't want to be too far from them.
What an utterly ridiculous thing for a spirit to think.
Look at them. Look at how stupidly happy they are all the time.
Then my gaze drifted over to the last group—the newest generation. The children.
My heart softened immediately.
When it came to the adults, I could be as sarcastic and cold as I wanted. But the kids were too sweet, too innocent. They had committed no crime except being born into this family that currently drove me crazy.
I watched over them fondly, especially the ones I'd met. The fox with the shadowy wings—Celeste—bounced on top of an adult’s head. I couldn't help but smile. When Quinn and Farley allowed me to use their magic, I’d had just enough to bless that little girl with wings. Was it necessary? Absolutely not. I could've kept the magic all to myself. Perhaps that's what I should have done. But channelling it into a blessing for her came naturally, like an urge I couldn't stop. And I didn't regret it.
And then there was Jace, the little mouse shifter. He was barely visible from this distance. He, too, seemed to be fiddling with the adult's hair. In fact, all of the children swarmed over this one person who was lying belly-down in the grass.
This one was unfamiliar to me. I hadn't met him before. I knew nothing about him except that he possessed no spirit blood and that he was childless. By choice or by circumstance, I didn't know. But my draw towards this family had to be because of all the fated mates within it. And since this man didn't have one, I had no interest in him.
Yet, I couldn't look away.
A quick shape moved towards the family. A she-wolf. She was another one of them I hadn't met face-to-face, yet I suddenly felt a new surge of energy trailing off of her body like invisible mist.
I perked up. Had she found her fated mate, too?
My hunch was confirmed when her loud voice declared it to the world. The entire family rushed towards her with greetings and congratulations.
All except one.