My wolf growls possessively as I step onto our land.
It feels weird to be standing on firm ground after two weeks at sea. Like my swishing brain is still overcompensating for the motion even though there’s a complete lack of it.
Calista doesn’t have that problem, of course. She’s too fucking perfect.
“What’s the plan?” she asks, stepping beside me.
We’re in front of the forest that leads to the castle. There’s a crowning ceremony as well as the Lunaris Vinculum, which means everyone will be in the courtyard, watching. This forest should be empty, so with luck, I’ll be able to burst into the crowning ceremony and surprise Lucan.
“Kieran?” she whispers.
I turn to her and take her hand. She’s so beautiful it hurts.
“I’m going in alone,” I tell her.
“Like hell you are.”
“Calista,” I say softly. “I can’t risk it. You’re everything to me.”
“Then let me come.”
I shake my head sadly. “Let me go get my crown and then I’ll come back for you. Once Lucan has been dealt with, we can be mated. I promise.”
“Kieran, I don’t?—”
I gasp when I look up and see the full moon in the sky. There’s no time to lose. Lucan will be fixing to take the crown as soon as he can. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on the dais now.
“I have to go.” I kiss her lips, step back, and let my raging wolf come.
He charges up from the darkness, angry and snarling and ready for vengeance.
My body swells, muscles tearing, ligaments popping, bones cracking like dry twigs. With a tearing pop, I explode into my wolf.
I sink down into the darkness, watching through his eyes, experiencing the world with all the new sounds and intense smells rushing in. I feel his anger, hisrageat being denied his right to be the alpha of the pack.
But when he turns and looks at his mate, I feel nothing but love.
He’s in awe as he steps up to her, head lowered, grumbling affectionately.
“Hello,” Calista whispers as she sinks her hands into his thick fur. “I’ve been waiting to meet you.”
We have to go now, I say, urging him on.We can meet her again later. Go get our crown.
My wolf takes one last long look at our mate and then turns and charges into the forest with nothing but revenge on his mind.
Chapter Eleven
Kieran
Whispers and gasps of shock grow through my pack like a wave as my wolf bounds through the crowd on the way to the dais.
It seems like half the kingdom is here, although my wolf’s eyes are solely focused on one man. Lucan is on the dais in a purple cloak, ready to be crowned. He’s on his knees in front of the high priest who’s saying the final blessing, his loud voice carrying across the courtyard in the old ceremonial tone.
It’s moments away now. Calista, bless her heart, got me here in time.
The high priest picks up the crown and presents it to the crowd.
My wolf’s eyes fixate on the crown as he sprints forward with all his might.
