AllFreeNovel
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Two days later we’re back on Italian soil, and this time I’m traveling with more than one guard. I’m atop Pearl, the Salernitano horse, who’s neighing softly. She’s a little tense, while wolves surround us on all sides. At the front is Xadiel in his other form, ears flicked back and gaze taking in our surroundings, but he’s attuned to me.
If I sigh or shift or so much as breathe in a way that shows signs of discomfort, he makes us stop.
He’s proven it to me a few times now, going as far as to try and forbid me from opening the portal that allowed us to cross from his forest to mine without endless days of travel. Right now, I’m not afraid of being caught. Not with his protection and that of the guards.
His order didn’t work, but I gave him points for the effort and show of care.
I need to tell him about the fae woman. Maybe he can help me without asking too many questions. Not because he shouldn’t, but because my trust in him isn’t strong enough to confide something so crucial about me and my sister.
What if he turns me away? Or worse, doesn’t believe me?
Our relationship right now is tentative at best and I need more than one night to open up.
Cain makes a noise and I snap back to the present, forcing myself to lay it to rest for the time being. He’s to my right while another soldier takes the left, and five more make up the rear. I was introduced to them as their Queen Luna while they all kneeled, of their own volition, and tapped their chests with a closed fist. The act reminded me of the Wiccan military and the vows they took before being allowed to serve.
To protect. To respect. To defend those weak and defenseless.
“I know, Pearl. We’re almost there.” I’m beginning to feel the edge of our protection spell. It reaches out and recognizes—welcomes me like an old friend—while still being cautious of the others with me. My calmness, though, helps lower the wards, and we pass through the border without any problems. “Onyx should be back by now, too. Eating and running free…waiting on you.”
Pearl gives a little trot at that, happy. She also shows me her teeth in a smile.
“You ready for your bucket of carrots?” I ask her and look up, shrugging when I catch every shifter looking at me. These horses are important to my family. “Get used to it. They’re spoiled.”
Xadiel chuffs up ahead, the equivalent to a snort, but then he stops. Immediately, his fur bristles and a low growl reverberates through the silent woods. It’s too silent, and I smile.
“Come out, Augusto. It’s safe.”
Our loyal guard steps out from my right and his eyes settle on mine. He ignores the wolves’ threatening stance, his posture lax, and gives me a nod. “By blood and pact...”
“We are one.”
One by one, the other’s with him step forward, lowering their weapons before dropping to one knee. They bow in greeting while my mate shifts, walking toward my horse that carries his extra clothing. The others will be provided for with what we have, but he didn’t think we’d have anything here that would fit his large stature and build.
Xadiel grabs the change of clothes and slips the trousers on before the undershirt, sans underwear. Next are his shoes, a pair of black boots with the laces undone. He’s silent the entire time, watching the guards, but he’s satisfied after a while and I’m proud to watch him reach out a hand toward Augusto first.
“King Xadiel Evergreen, Isabella’s mate.”
Augusto’s eyes widen as do several others while accepting the offered. He knew my mate was there, just not whom he was, and much less someone who’s hated our kind for so long. “A pleasure, your highness. I’m—”
“Isa!” a voice yells out, his footsteps rushing my way, and I’m off my horse before Xadiel can help me. I land on the balls of my feet seconds before a body crashes into me, the scent of rain and citrus wrapping around me in a tight hug. This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other, my caring for him, and I’ve missed the kid something fierce. “You’re back.”
“I’m here, my king.”
“Already?” he whines in the way only a teenager can, and those around us laugh. He’s still a little shy around strangers, more so after the attack, but I’m humbled again when Xadiel approaches where we stand slowly. His smile is small, holding in his hand something I can’t quite make out. “Who’s that?”
“My kind-of mate.” My whisper matches his.
“For real?” Leo looks at him again, from head to toe. And I’m doing the same to him, looking for any bruises or signs of distress—I wasn’t lying to Roberto. One mark on my brother, and I’d kill him. “He’s huge.”
“You’ll grow into the role, too, young king,” Xadiel interjects while holding out his gift. It’s wrapped in a fine silk, and Leo quickly takes it and unwraps it like the kid he is. The object is a beautiful dagger with an opal-stoned hilt, shiny and blessed, the silver blade glints in the midday sun.
“This is so cool. Thank you, almost-mate-of-Isabella.” My brother can’t stop looking at the knife with wonder. “It feels different, too. Like something’s calling to me.”
“What do you mean?” I share a look with Xadiel. “A voice or…?”
“Like family.” Leo nods to himself. “Yeah, like someone very important wants to say hello.”
“Why don’t you go ahead and put that away in the house. I’ll be right behind…you.”
