His pause is brief. “My pack will not touch the girl.”
Cory growls a protest, but only until his alpha walks over and slams a fist against his temple, knocking the wolf unconscious.
“Dad!” Janeen wails.
“I’ll not see us dead for his obsession,” Mick snarls. He flicks a finger at Larson. “Load him in the truck.”
“Wait,” I say, a tight sensation of dread in my chest.
This isn’t over. It won’t ever be. I could see that in Cory’s eyes. He’ll come for me again.
But not if he doesn’t remember me.
I face Hester. “You were the witch who took Monica’s memories, weren’t you? The one who made her forget Roderick?”
His hands flex on my waist, as if he wants to pull me away. But he doesn’t.
Hester nods, eyes curious.
“I don’t know how much that would cost, but whatever it is, I’ll pay it.”
“Juliet.” My name is a wretched groan from Roderick, the first true crack in his alpha shield.
Belatedly, I realize how my words sounded, and I hurry to clarify.
“ForCory.” I turn and place a quick kiss on his broad shoulder, then face Hester again. “Can you make him forget me?”
The witch’s smile is wicked. “Of course. Such a neat solution. I knew there was a reason I wanted you as my daughter.” She leans close and presses a cool kiss to my cheek. “And of course you get the family discount.”
I shiver, glad this powerful woman is on my side. That she’s family.
“Thank you.”
Hester whirls around, her knife switched out for more twine, which must be a tool for her spells. As she approaches Cory’s prone body, I half expect Janeen to try warding her off. Instead, the wolf stays close but gives the witch space to work. I spy a fevered hope in the woman’s eyes and realize she must want this too. Probably sees it as her chance to finally have the man she’s always longed for.
Good fucking luck with that.
I don’t see everything that Hester does, but honestly, the cold and adrenaline hangover start to hit me hard until I’m shaking and slumping against Roderick’s warm chest. He scoops me up, and I let him, relieved my bare feet are off the cold, rough ground. I snuggle in close and inhale in his reassuring spicy scent.
“That should do it.” Hester straightens, brushing off her hands as if some dirt might cling to them. “He’ll be confused with all the gaps. But that’s up to you all to fill.” She flicks her fingers, dismissing the entire contingent of Bear Valley wolves with the gesture.
“We’re done here.” Roderick’s stern tone shuts down any further discussion.
I love that tone.
The one used by my future mate.
He will be mine.My mate.
The words don’t bring on panic like they have in the past. Of course, I can’t guarantee I’ll never flinch from the words again. Cory did a number on my mental state.
But if I do suffer a panic attack, I trust Roderick to be there to soothe me. To show me that the terrifying conclusions my brain jumps to are no longer the truth.
I am safe. I am loved.
I am home.
And maybe … I’m a witch?
