Then, like a rubber band snapping, the power recedes, and Travan’s eyes lose that luminescent, ethereal glow. The sky returns to its usual cheery blue, the trees straighten, and the fire dissipates.
“I’m not a shifter, Izzy,” Travan reiterates. “I’m…magic. Pure magic. The same as you.”
The same as me.
I think of what happened back at the covenstead, then again with the Hunters.
I felt powerful. Deadly. A force of nature.
“That’s why everyone wants you,” I whisper, the pieces clicking together in my mind.
I think of one of my first lessons at the covenstead. We learned the differences between witches and warlocks and how they’re able to draw magic. But to know that someoneismagic? If I’ve learned anything from my time in the covenstead, it’s that people would kill to possess that type of power.
“That’s why everyone wantsus,” Travan corrects with a pointed look. “I suspected for a while you inherited some of my…gifts. And now that the witches know that as well? They’ll stop at nothing to possess you. To own you. To rip you apart and steal that magic for themselves. I made a deal with Delaney to keep you safe for the time being, but I’m not sure how long it’ll last, not with your most recent display of magic.”
I can’t wrap my head around all of this. I’m trying to. I honestly am, but it’s too surreal to comprehend. I barely accepted the fact that I’m part shifter and witch, and now this?
“Wh-what deal?” I whisper, finding my voice.
“Excuse me?” Travan turns to me.
“What deal did you make with Delaney?”
Travan’s smile sharpens, morphing into a serrated blade. “Don’t worry about it.”
“But—”
“It’s a father’s job to protect his daughter. And Iwillprotect you, the way I couldn’t Helena.” He jerks his chin towards a break in the trees, where I can dimly make out the silhouettes of the others. “Come on. Let’s get back to your wolfy mate.”
Forty-Five
ASHTON
My father once told me that a great leader would be willing to give up anything—or anyone—for the good of others.
I told him I understood, but the truth is, I didn’t. Not really. I couldn’t imagine caring about anyone or anything that much. To me, it was a no-brainer. Sacrifice one person for the survival of everyone else? Easy.
Then I found my pack. Three idiotic shifters whom I would die for. Kill for. Live for.
And Izzy. Goddamn Izzy.
Why couldn’t she have stayed where she was? Why did she have to come here and overturn my life? I want to hate her—God only knows I’ve been trying to—but I can’t. She consumes me, burrowing her way beneath my defenses with every coy glance and acerbic retort.
She’s right. Ihavebeen pushing her away.
But it’s the only way to keep her safe.
I think back to my meeting with the vampire Elders.
Fear coils around my throat like a noose as I follow Kain through the winding halls of the hotel and then stop when we reach the ballroom.
“Just follow my lead,” Kain tells me, then he pushes open the door and steps inside.
The first thing I notice are the vampires themselves—their beautiful faces belying an agelessness and wisdom that surpasses my comprehension.
A woman with chestnut-colored hair bares her fangs when she sees me. “Kain, who is that?”
“It’s cool. He’s with me.” Kain grabs my arm and drags me farther into the room.
