Chapter 23%
It was two mornings later and stared at the ceiling for a while. My wounds had healed, like they were never there to begin with, I didn’t care. What bothered me more was the hatred aimed squarely at myself, I’d been stupid. Again. Letting myself feel anything had been a mistake. I didn’t want to go through that anymore. I didn’t want feelings. I didn’t want mates. I didn’t want anything that made me hope. I got out of bed and went downstairs. Callan was in the kitchen, doing something quiet and practical, as always. When he looked up. I bowed slightly, just out of politeness. Nothing more
His expression softened just for a second. Then it shut back down, like it always did “Eat. You need your strength,” he said. “I don’t want Tony thinking we’re abandoning you here:“”}
It stung. I thought maybe he noticed I hadn’t been eating. Maybe he cared. But no, it was about Tony. What Tony would think. That’s what mattered.
I kept my voice even. “Can you bring me to the healer’s cottage a
again?”
He looked confused. “Why?“}
“Since i already severed ties with Zane, I want the healer to help me ask the moon goddess not to pair me with anyone else. I’ve decided not to be mated. To anyone.”
That got to him. Even through that wall he wore like armor, I saw shock that flickered across his face, fast, but I caught it.
He didn’t say anything, so I lowered my eyes. “Please. After this, I’ll follow all your instructions. I won’t be stubborn. I’ll cooperate with training. I promise.”
He let out a breath. “Okay”
The healer’s cottage smelled like herbs and something magic. Callan came inside with me but left without a word, like he always did when things got too emotional. Or too real
The Seer looked at me with that tilted head of hers, all calm judgment and ancient knowing. “Are you sure? You may change your mind. It happens
“I won’t” My voice didn’t shake. “There’s nothing that will change my mind.“%
I meant it. Callan didn’t care. Not really. I was just another soldier to him. One more responsibility. One more mess to manage. If I stayed untethered. I wouldn’t have to hope. I wouldn’t have to want. And deep down, yes. I wanted him. But wanting him was pointless. He was heartless. That’s why he had no male 2
No wonder he was alone
The ntual started with the Seer lighting candles and drawing symbols in ash and salt. The air turned heavy. She chanted softly in a language i didn’t recognize, but my wolf stirred at the sound of it. I stood inside the sacred circle and let it happen 2 Then I gasped
i saw myself, asleep in this same bed I’d just left. But Callan was there, sitting beside me. His hand
was on
on my arm, gentle, careful.
The look in his eyes made my chest ache. There was concern. No, more than that. Love. Then I saw him place his hand over my wounds. A golden light shone, and they disappeared
I heard his woll Mate I
Callan was my second chance mate? The one the moon goddess sent?)
The ntual kept going, but I couldn’t “Stop” I shouted, stepping out of the circle.l
The Seer didn’t even flinch. She just looked at me like she’d known all along. “I knew you would change your mind.”
I didn’t answer I ran to the door eyes searching. He was my mate. Mine And then, finally my wolf spoke again.
Mate Let’s find him I
She was back We were whole again I felt real joy, for the first time in what felt like forever.
Then I saw fresh blood on the ground outside the cottage
I crouched down and touched it. I gasped when the vision of Callan flashed through my mind. He was bleeding, and Zane was
was standing
3:55 PM ď ď ·
Callan’s POV
