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“Show yourself!” I yell, my thoughts ringing through the world.
Adam and Evander growl, flanking my sides. Sloan releases a warning bark, the hackles on her back rising. She stands stiff in posture, her ears straight up and her tail low. I turn my gaze in the direction she looks, expecting to finally see the mage, but he’s not there.
Three wolves are, though, and they bare their teeth.
“Now, look what you’ve done, Eliana,” he says, his words causing my head to pound as I try to force him out.
The wolves charge forward, their attention directed at me. What the actual fuck?
“Just say the word, and I’ll intervene. These lykoswulves don’t like the fact that you are carrying less than pure children. They will hurt you,” he adds.
I spot the shadowy figure behind the wolves, the man’s eyes flickering red. He did this. He probably brought them here to test me. He’s manipulating me like everyone else on this island. I won’t stand for it. I won’t allow him to control me like this.
Adam and Evander charge forward, meeting the wolves straight on. Sloan dodges around them and attacks from behind, leaving an opening for me. I don’t take it. Launching forward, I race at the figure, growling and snapping my teeth.
I’ll force this mage to give me answers. He will tell me everything I need to know. He won’t have a choice. He thinks he’s all-powerful, but he’s never met me. I’ve been wronged too many times. I won’t let it happen again.
“That’s a good she-wolf, my pet.” The man’s face comes into view, his features sharp and narrow. Red light flashes in his almond eyes, nearly hidden under his thick brows. His boxy jaw clenches as he smiles, revealing perfectly straight teeth. He doesn’t look more than thirty something, but I know that can’t be possible. Not if he knew my grandmother.
“Eliana, stop! It’s a gateway!” Sloan shouts, her words exploding in my mind.
I skid across the dirt, trying to dodge out of the way, but it’s too late. The hazy light swallows me, stealing me away.
Silence greets me on the other side of the portal. The fucker got what he wanted. He used my instincts and my wolf against me.
It’s only the two of us now.
Chapter twenty-four
Eliana
Mage
Ablastofenergyknocks me off my paws. The world spins as I tumble, my mind, body, and soul at war with what to do. My wolf wants to fight. My human rationale wants to flee. My soul just wants someone to save my ass, so I don’t have to face this alone.
“Help!” My howls echo through the air with my telepathic scream. Fire zings across my muscles, and I buck and roll, thrashing with my forced transformation. Two black boots stomp the ground by my head, quaking the earth. I couldn’t get up even if I tried. The bastard mage uses his magic to control me.
“Settle down. I won’t hurt you, Eliana, but don’t think I won’t restrain you if you allow your wolf free. I’d prefer to speak to you as a human. Breaking into your mind requires too much energy, and I have none to waste if I’m to remain here undetected. My magic can only extend so far.” The mage nudges me with the toe of his boot, flipping me from my side and onto my back. Rubbing his palms together, he weaves a cloak out of nowhere, the fabric growing between his hands. “Put this on and have some decency. It’s what you prefer, I’m sure.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. The moonborne lykoswulves don’t have a problem with nudity, but I do, especially in front of a fully dressed asshole who can bend my being at his will.
“Why did you do that? Where are my packmates? Where’s Sloan? They could be hurt. You have to do something,” I manage to say, my voice hoarse. I just need to remain calm, so he lets me up. Worry tightens my chest as I think about all the possible things that could happen with me gone. They might be freaking out. Not might. I know that Adam and Evander will flip their shit. And the attack won’t help any. I just hope they don’t get hurt.
“They will be fine. I already heard your alpha coming.” The mage stands over me, crossing his arms over his scrawny chest. He might have a nice jawline, but there’s nothing incredible or attractive about him. I don’t know if it’s because I’m used to all the muscular, cute men or what, but something about him creeps me out.
I need to get out of here. I can’t believe anything he says. There is no proof that he actually knew my grandmother. I’m sure her story and how she escaped spread. Now that I know that some of the alphas occasionally leave Shadow Moon, I bet they told the council what happened or something. What if this is a setup? What if one of the packs made some sort of bargain with this mage? I don’t even know his name.
I press my palms flat to the ground, silently counting to myself in preparation.
If I can get up, I can run. I can try to call for help again. I don’t know exactly where I am, but I know by the smell of things, we are still on Shadow Moon Island.
“Let me help you to your feet. I’m sure you’re a bit frazzled and confused. That’s what happens when I have to open a new gateway.” The mage offers his hand, forcing me to take it. His fingers tighten around mine, and he yanks me to my feet as if I weigh nothing at all. And he doesn’t let go of my hand. So much for being able to just make a run for it.
I try to tug my fingers away, but he doesn’t let me go. Maybe he’s in my head and can hear my plan. He asked me to transform into a human to easily communicate, but it doesn’t mean anything. It could’ve been another way to keep me weak. He probably finds my wolf threatening, as he should. I could tear him apart. All I would need is the chance. A distraction. Anything to get his focus off me.
“Don’t be afraid. Let me start by formally introducing myself, Eliana. I’m Theodore, a mage from the west hills of Starrise peak. My family has been there for thousands of years. We were the first gatekeepers of the lykoswulves before the union of the leaders now in charge of the council. They stole it from my family, wanting more of a democracy. But all they’ve done is stanch everyone’s ability to thrive.” The mage crinkles his nose, his eyes flickering with the red light again. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was a bit demonic.
“So that’s why you were here. Do you want revenge or something? I can’t help you. I don’t know how you know my grandmother, but I never met her. If she had allies or friends or whatever here, they obviously weren’t important enough for her to stay. She never told my family any of this either.” I yank my arm, finally breaking free of his hold. Crossing my arms over my chest, I take a step back, putting more space between us. Now I just have to wait for him to lose focus. That’s all it will take.
