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I nodded. “What’s with the crown?”
A flicker of amusement crossed his face. “Occasionally, my advisers must be reminded of who their ruler is.” The amusement disappeared, and Finvarra’s eyes were suddenly so cold, I shivered.
He nodded at us and sauntered out.
Hunter was quiet as we made our way back toward the portal.
“We need a plan,” I said. It felt almost like a betrayal to be talking about Nathaniel this way. But he wasn’t himself. And when he realized just how the book had struck while he was at his weakest, his rage…
“Evie?”
“Sorry. I just… This feels like my fault. Mine and Kyla’s. If we hadn’t gone after the sword without a real plan, Nathaniel wouldn’t have—”
“Don’t do that. He wouldn’t want you to do that. Let’s just focus on fixing the problem.”
The portal came into view, and he gestured for me to go first. Millions of tiny needles stung my skin, and then I was through.
“I think it’s best if you make sure Nathaniel and I are alone,” I said. “Keep everyone away from his house until I message you.”
“I don’t like it. I think I should stay. The book could turn on you, Evie. Could convince him to hurt you. And if that happens, Nathaniel is lost.”
I shook my head. “He’d never hurt me.”
“Usually, I’d agree. A wolf would never hurt their mate. But we don’t know how much of him is himself and how much is the book. If he comes back to himself and realizes he hurt you, he’ll make the Decade of Despair look like a cocktail party.”
“I hear what you’re saying, but I need you to trust me.”
Hunter was quiet. “He can’t lose you, Evie. You don’t understand what it’s been like for him.”
“I do. He’s been alone. In charge of the pack. With no one to fight for him. But I’m here now. AndI’mfighting for him. That fucking book won’t win.”
I wouldn’t let it.
* * *
Nathaniel
Evie returned,and my wolf howled a welcome. She grinned at me as she got out of the car, and I smiled back.
Until I scented it.
“You’ve been with Hunter.”
“We had something to take care of.”
I didn’t like it. I leaned down, scenting her skin, ensuring he hadn’t been too close. But it was just her clothes. And her hand. I let out a low growl.
“Nathaniel?”
“He touched you.”
“Hunter is a pack member. The pack is all about touch. You taught me that.”
Her voice was too patient. I stepped back and narrowed my eyes.
She’s lying to you,a little voice hissed.Ask her where she’s been with your second. And if they’ve been planning for him to take your place.
A snarl ripped from my throat. Evie’s eyes widened, but her hand—her traitorous hand that had touched another man—came up to pat my chest.
