Page 100 of Bewitching the Wolf

“What, now?”

“Yes.”

“What about the meeting?”

“We can hold off on the details until you get back,” Otis says firmly. “This is a priority, Jax.”

“Right, okay.” I turn around and leave. It’s barely five minutes’ walk to the Vault from here, but it feels further. My mind is churning, hoping to the gods that Mom is genuinely okay.

Who knows what fifteen years lying in a deep coma could have done to her. And although Felicia has examined her and proclaimed her in perfect health, I can’t help but worry.

When I get there, the new Vault guard who’s taken over from Brody, a griffin, says, “Hi Jax. Your mother is in the Cape Room waiting for you.”

Thanking him, I stride in.

Mom is standing next to the cape, as if she is communing with it silently. Her head lifts and she comes over and hugs me. “How was your time with Tippy?”

“Good. Great. Silas said you wanted to talk to me alone. Are you feeling alright, Mom?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I just need to talk to you in private.”

She gazes up into my eyes and straightens my collar, and it suddenly strikes me how much taller I am than her. It’s funny, really. I guess I always thought she was tall because that’s how I remember her from when I was a kid, but she’s really quite slight.

She looks tired too, I realize. There are dark rings under her green eyes. Fine lines edge her eyes and mouth.

My heart trips. “Mom, are you sick?”

“No, I’m most definitely not sick.” She smiles wanly. “But I am weary.” She takes a deep breath and her hands slide to my arms. “Which is why I won’t be coming on the mission tomorrow.”

I’m momentarily lost for words. “You won’t. W-why not?”

“Because I’m passing my title to you, Jax. It’s time for you to take on the role of High Priest of the Dawnwrought Coven.”

My jaw nearly hits the ground. “W-what?” I shake my head as the magnitude of her words sinks in. “No, Mom, no—I’m not up to this… no…” I try to pull away, but her grip on my arms tightens.

“This was always how it was going to be. The runes dictated that when you found me, I would hand over my title to you.”

I screw up my eyes. “No, Mom. You can’t just spring this on me the night before—I can’t do this. I’m nowhere near ready.”

“Yes. You are.” She reaches up and strokes my cheek, her eyes gentling. “Look at me Jax.” Somehow, I meet her gaze. “Do you think that I felt ready? When my time came? A young priestess, with no parents, no real experience of life, sent to live among humans, to marry, and infiltrate dark magic in a strange place. To have my children and then leave them. To place myself on the margins of death for fifteen years. I wasn’t ready for any of that, but I did it, because… because the Earth needed me to.”

I stay silent, my chest heaving. How can I argue? Mom’s sacrifices were huge.

“And now the Earth needs you, Jax. My duties are fulfilled, my powers are waning.” I let out a pained sound, but she halts me with a finger to my lips. “It’s not a bad thing. I’m not dying. But I want to lead a normal life. I want to be a citizen, a mother… a grandmother… I do not have it in me to teach humans how to live on Earth.”

“Shit, Mom, and you think I do?”

“Yes, without a single shadow of a doubt. And with Tippy by your side, I trust that even more. Together, and with Traggar as your teacher, you will make Earth a home for all. I know you will.”

“You’re wrong, Mom. I haven’t got anything to offer.”

She places both hands on my shoulders, then stares into my face with those unwavering green eyes. “Jax. You will defeat Marsha Winters. And don’t you dare say otherwise. Because I know how you fought to find me, when even your own father gave up. How you defied her, until the very last moment. Even when she put that chip in your neck, she never owned you, Jax. Never. It is the courage in you, and the white magic working alongside you, that will vanquish her once and for all.”

I gulp, emotion blocking my throat. “I’m—not good enough—not worthy of this.”

“Yes, you are. You are my son, and the magic of the Dawnwrought is in your blood.” Mom’s voice is fierce, passionate. “Now, no more arguing. The runes have decreed it. The cape is ready to transfer its allegiance. And just remember, I am your mother, and I would never entrust a task to you that you are not able to fulfil.”

She turns to the cabinet and removes the cape.