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“Mine’s not working right now. But when it does, it’s kind of like a whip of energy. I can move things, stop things. My sister, Willa, can do it a bit as well. I guess it’s a consolation prize for having a target on our backs our whole lives.”
“I could see how that could get old real quick.”
“I was here with Jake, you know? When I was younger his parents took me in. I used their last name for several years.” Julian laughed. “I’ve used many last names. Do you know our parents told us we couldn’t mate?”
“What?”
Julian looked to Cassia once again. She brushed a strand of her curly raven hair from her eyes. A warm emotion stirred in his chest.
“But then with Willa and Hunter I knew it wasn’t true. I think it was the first time it registered that it had all been a lie. It was the first time I thought it was possible I’d ever have a mate. But funny thing … that night in the woods when I found Cassia. Taking her to the hospital. I didn’t even recognize her. I didn’t even know she was a shifter. But the instinct to save her drove me that night. It was like it was meant to be.” Julian blew out a breath. “Fucking wild.”
“Looks like the Goddess has another path for you to follow. Rafe. Cassia. You’re starting a pack.” Logan nodded and sipped his coffee.
“You know I’ve always been partial to Miami Beach but Idaho could become home.”
“You can always keep your place in the city.”
Julian laughed. “Maybe it’s time to grow some roots.”
“Findin’ your mate is pretty crazy. It shakes things up. But in a good way. Have a pup or two. Lead your pack.” Logan laughed. “I can’t believe I’m telling an ancient wolf like you these things. I didn’t know I was gonna lead this pack. Like you, it was fate. It chose me.”
Julian and Logan sipped their coffee in silence and quiet contemplation. He’d always known this world was filled with the unknown. No matter how many paranormals he’d met along the way, the good and evil, there was always something new to be discovered. He was convinced the Goddess did it on purpose to keep the world spinning with mystery.
The peaceful moment in time disappeared as an ungodly screech shook the house. An impending sense of doom stabbed through him and he shot to his feet.
“What was that?” he asked Logan.
“Something’s hit the wards. I don’t feel it inside my territory but?—”
“Don’t go—” Cassia leapt to her feet as Dominique tore across the room and opened the doors. The vampire took off in a flash.
“Ah, what the hell? Dom, no.” Logan ran through the doors. The crisp air gusted into the cabin. “She’s gone. Shit, shit, shit.”
“I’ll go,” Julian offered.
“No. I have guards set up around the perimeter.” Logan glanced at his phone and tapped at the screen.
“I’m goin’ after her. Stay here,” Julian told Cassia as he dematerialized.
“Where did he go?” Cassia shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. He’s not going without me.”
“Please, Cass. Just stay here,” Logan urged her.
“Sorry, Alpha. We brought the fire. I’m not letting Julian or Dom fight my battles.” Cassia tore off her robe. Within seconds, her magick had transformed her. The peregrine falcon flew out the door before Logan had a chance to shut it.
* * *
As Julian materialized in the bayou, the scent of death filled his lungs. The Alpha immediately spotted Dominque, who hovered above the unmoving corpse. “Dominique.”
The vampire turned her head toward the Alpha, her fangs dripping with blood. “No one hurts those I love.”
Julian held up his hands, sensing her feral rage. Her eyes glowed red with the anger of Hell. He’d recognize it anywhere. “Easy, Dom. It’s me. Julian.”
“Never again,” she spat at him.
“Is that a hellhound?” Julian took a deliberate step toward the body.
“It’s a dead hellhound.”
