“No,” Caedmon interrupted before Ryder could speak, the elf’s expression almost bland if you didn’t notice the way thecorner of his eyes tightened infinitesimally. “Unfortunately, I fear it’s the opposite—beingloup garouonly makes them more interested.”
His wolf rumbled in his chest at the prospect of anyone else showing interest in his mate.
It only made Ryder more determined than ever to do whatever was necessary to keep her safe…even trust Caedmon.
“I don’t like us separating, more so now with the gods after her.” Draven glared at them stubbornly. “What if she just doesn’t go?”
“As much as I wish it were possible, the alphas would never allow it.” Ryder pushed away from the door and prowled around the edges of the room, his beast riding him hard. “They’ve been breeding wolves for generations, trying to recreate theloup garoustrain. They’re hoping it will help prevent them from going feral. Now that there is suddenly a whole pack of them, they will never let it go.”
He came to a stop in front of Morgan, unable to keep away, and he ran the back of his fingers against her soft cheek, his heart giving an extra thump when she leaned into his touch. “I’m a wolf. Even mated, I’ll never be completely free. If the alphas recall me, I’ll have no choice but obey.”
His heart sank, because he knew no matter what happened, she would fight to save him.
Which would only put her in more danger.
“They’re going to use me against you.” He dropped his hand from her, ashamed he put her in this position. “Even if you don’t go, I must.”
CHAPTER THREE
“Not going to happen.” Morgan pressed her hand against Ryder’s shoulder, right over the mating mark that connected the two of them. Without even needing to concentrate, she felt his remorse slam into her like a sledgehammer, and it made her want to smack him.
“Stop feeling guilty.” She ducked her head to catch his gaze and glared at him for his idiocy.
He stiffened, his wolf peering out at her, and a rumbling growl vibrated under her palm. He leaned closer and bared his fangs. “Being my mate is putting you in danger.”
Morgan snorted and rolled her eyes. “How is that any different from being my mate?”
“That’s different.” He jerked back, scowling down at her. “We’re supposed to protect you.”
“Oh?” Her brows lifted at his audacity, and she placed her hands on her hips.
“Dude…wrong way to win an argument,” Draven muttered in a singsong voice, eavesdropping without a hint of remorse.
“I thought that’s what mates were supposed to do—protect each other.” Morgan drummed her fingers in annoyance. “Please don’t spout the bullshit that I’m female and needto be protected by you big, strapping male types. If anything, I’m stronger and faster. I’ve been training my whole life to be your partner. Don’t demean me by treating me as less.”
His wolf outright growled, grabbing her around the waist and yanking her hard against him, as if he could make her obey by force of will alone. “You drive me fucking crazy.”
Though she should be afraid, her body heated at the rough, possessive tone, and she knew she’d won. She leaned into him and pressed her face against his shoulder. “I know…the feeling is completely mutual.”
His wolf chuffed in reluctant humor, the tension slowly easing out of his body as he conceded defeat, and she felt the comforting brush of his fur against her mind. “If we don’t confront them together, they will see it as a weakness. They will try to divide us. I won’t allow them to take you from me.”
As if talking to her, Ryder’s wolf gave a grumpy sigh before resting his cheek on top of her head. “I know you’re right. That doesn’t make letting you walk into danger any easier.”
“Then it’s decided.” Kincade ran his hand over his head, not looking any happier about the decision.
He went on discussing plans, but Morgan was distracted when the old mirror attached to the wall rippled like liquid mercury. Spots vanished from the ancient surface, but instead of reflecting back an image of the library, it remained a blank canvas.
Mirror magic.
The wards didn’t even shiver in warning.
Morgan moved to stand between it and the guys, her blades melting down into her hands. The guys went into action at her movement, cursing as they pulled their own weapons. Ryder shifted partly, still on edge due to the invasion of wolves in their territory. She’d swear she actually saw blue hellfire dance like flames in Ascher’s raised hands. The dark elf in Atlas took over completely, while Draven’s siren rose to the surface until she could hear the crashing waves from the ocean like it was just outside the window.
Kincade came to stand at her side, small fangs and claws forming, his skin taking on a polished sheen of smooth granite. His tail slinked around her ankle to curl up her leg possessively, ready to pull her to safety if needed.
To her surprise, even Caedmon went into warrior mode. His brilliant yellow eyes glowed, his fangs and claws even more pronounced than Ryder’s, and she realized that she’d never seen him shift to his wolf form. Magic crackled around him like a storm, static building like a bomb ready to detonate.
A thirty-pound ball of orange fluff burst through the mirror with a snarl and ferocious yowl. The mangy cat gave himself a full body shake, even down to his slightly stubby tail, his stripped fur standing on edge and ruffled. He flicked his wings in agitation, his not so dainty claws snicking out of his paws as he glared at the room with yellow, almost feral eyes from his slightly flattened face. “Mirrors are the devil’s inventions. No self-respecting fellow should be forced to travel in such a way.”
