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“Because the order came from their heir, but not only that, for this wolf, it’s personal. His mate was a hybrid.” Draven had little doubt Ansel would jump at the chance to help. The wolf needed purpose after the death of his mate, and this would be the perfect mission.
“I thought wolves didn’t have mates anymore.”
“They are exceedingly rare.”
Flora worried at her lip. “I’m not sure I can go there.”
“You don’t have a choice.” She did, but he wasn’t about to let her know that. He needed her to believe this was the only way. Hell, he was desperate enough that he’d go as far as to try Callum’s bullshit line about being the key if that’s what it took to get her to Canada. He’d worry later about why she didn’t want to go.
“Why is this stone so important?”
Draven sank to the couch beside her, making sure not to touch her. “What do you know of wolf history?”
“Aside from the fact you are the neutral enforcers of the supernatural world? Not much.”
He hated that so much of their history was hearsay, and much of it kept secret. But it protected them in many ways. They couldn’t have people knowing just how much the stone splitting had weakened them or have it falling into the wrong hands. Like fucking Callum’s.
“We weren’t always neutral. Nearly two millennia ago we were more than the Switzerland of the supernatural world. We were feared predators, highly revered by the indigenous people here. We were stronger, faster and blessed by the gods. The lands were ours to cultivate and protect. Our numbers were large, and we wielded that might with force. We were gods on Earth, and with time, we became the monsters humans now believe us to be.” His eyes never left Flora as he spoke, searching for any reaction to the story.
She shrugged nonchalantly, as if monsters such as him and his ancestors were nothing but child’s play. “I never really feared werewolves. Hollywood gives you guys too much credit.”
“You should fear us. My ancestors weren’t what the silver screen portrayed or what we have now become.”
“You’re still feared by many.”
Draven cocked a brow. “But not you?”
“I grew up with vampires. You’re tame in comparison,” she said with a chuckle.
“Tame doesn’t mean safe, Flora.”
“What happened next?” She brushed him off, not taking his warning seriously. Maybe she would after he told her the rest.
“We hunted the humans who opposed us and intimidated those who revered us. The humans of the time prayed to every god—ours, theirs, and those from a world long forgotten. Their pleas were heard, and in one night, nearly every wolf fell except those too young to fight or understand the ramifications of their elders’ actions. The gods stole the moonstone from the wolves and broke it in two, hiding both pieces until a time that the Moon Goddess believed our people were worthy of our gifts. The fracture cursed us to only be able to access our wolf and gifts during the full moon. It stripped us of the most essential part of our beings. We were left searching, told by the Goddess that even if we found it, we would not be able to attain what we wanted most. It was said if we touched the stone it would burn our skin and we would risk the wrath of our Goddess.”
Flora sat still, staring at him with wide eyes. Her voice barely more than a whisper, she said, “I’m so sorry, Draven.”
His mouth started to fall open in surprise, but he quickly reined in his shock. “You’re sorry? For what? My barbaric ancestors?”
“No, not for your ancestors. For the sins you’re still paying for. Despite the fact you are far from my favorite person at the moment, I know that you and your people do good in the supernatural community. You aren’t your ancestors.”
Who the hell was this woman to see past the transgressions of his ancestors and reason like a queen?
Like a Luna.The voice of his wolf was a hint of a whisper in his heart, and Draven pretended not to hear it. Lunas were the mates of the Alphas, either blessed by the Moon Goddess or chosen for what they could offer to the pack. Flora was not a Luna. She wasn’t even a wolf.
“How the hell did Callum end up with this half of the stone?” Flora’s question pulled him from the trajectory his thoughts were on.
“Because he’s fucking Callum.”
She chewed her bottom lip, weighing her options. Then she swept her legs to the side, making herself comfortable on the couch. “So let’s say I agree to help you. No, help the wolves. Let’s be clear I am not doing this to help you.”
His gaze fell to her thigh, unable to look away. “Noted.”
“Eyes up here, Draven.”
He trailed his eyes up her body, a wicked grin plastered on his lips because even though he was supposed to hate her, he didn’t hate her body. That part of her was practically perfect in every way.
Flora rolled her eyes, and his hand twitched with the need to pull her over his knee and spank her perfectly round ass. “If I help you, I have one request.”
“And what could you possibly want from me that you couldn’t get from your precious vampires?”
She looked up at him, sincerity shining in her eyes. “Turn me before we go.”
Fear shot through him. That was the absolute last thing he expected her to say, and the only thing he wouldn’t give her.
