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23
“We have to be outdoors for this spell to work,” Star said.
I glanced down at Alec. “Will you be okay?”
“I’m fine. Try not to get attacked or anything while I’m healing,” he said.
“As long as there’s no surprises waiting for me out there, I should be just fine,” I said.
“Ouch.” He looked hurt. “One of these days, you’ll forgive me.”
I hadn’t meant to hurt him, the comment came without thought, but I wasn’t fully over it yet. Alec’s brush with death showed me how important he was and how badly I wanted him in my life. But we weren’t done healing the mistrust between us.
Malcom walked over to where I was standing near Alec. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“You might not want that job,” I said. “Look what it did to Alec.”
“I’ll take my chances,” he said with a grin.
“I’m far more worried about you than I am about me,” I told Alec.
“You want me to stay with him?” Kyle offered.
I was surprised he was willing to stay behind. His offer showed me how much he trusted Alec, despite his past actions. “Thank you, Kyle.”
“Well, this little group is going to make me vomit from all the sweetness,” Star said. “Who knew I’d ever meet such sentimental wolf shifters?”
“She’s got a point.” Malcom punched Alec’s arm gently. “It’s not like he actually died.”
“Sorry to disappoint,” Alec said.
“We’re going to lose the sun,” Star said. “Time for the spell.”
I waved to Alec, then followed Star and Malcom back up the long, dark staircase into the upper level of the home. The over-the-top décor wasn’t as shocking this time, but it was in stark contrast to our host.
When we got outside, I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes for a moment. The fresh, sweet air was welcome after all the excitement and tension of the last hour. I looked around, appreciating the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. It reflected off the waterfall, making it look like liquid gold.
“It is so beautiful here,” I said.
“Thanks,” Star said. “I got to give feedback for the landscape, but the house was all Winter’s doing.”
“Winter?” I asked.
“She’s a high fae. Happened to get into a jam in our realm. I wanted a hidden bit of nature where I could pitch a tent. The house was a gift. While I don’t recommend making a deal with a fae, I do recommend accepting their thank you gifts. It would have been rude to decline.”
The home décor made more sense now. It wasn’t indicative of Star’s taste because she didn’t pick it out. “That’s a hell of a gift.”
“I’m a very good witch,” she said. “And on that note, are you ready for this spell?”
I nodded, my stomach twisting into knots. It didn’t feel like I had much of a choice with this. Either I break this claim, or I risk being put to death for the mere crime of being born. Shifter royalty was so fucked up.
“It’s safe, right?” Malcom asked.
“She’ll be fine. But I have to warn you, I don’t have enough blood for two. I was told there was one claim that needed broken.” Star narrowed her eyes at Malcom. “Seems they left out the fact that there were two of you.”
“I’m not here for the magic,” he said.
“You’re older, the first born,” Star said. “If your father ever took the crown, you’d be next in line. Assuming you kept the claim.”
