“You stabbed her in the heart several times.” She rubbed my hand as tears streaked down my face. “This whole mess is my fault. I should’ve told you about the shapeshifters. If I had, maybe you’d—”
“No. It’s my fault. I’m the one who didn’t follow the rules. Lexi killed Jenny because of me. She thought Kaleb and I . . .”
“No one blames you.” Mom kissed my forehead. “Everyone knows you didn’t have a choice. Lexi came after you.”
Mom was right. I hadn’t had a choice, but that didn’t make it any easier. “I need to explain things to the Elders. Make sure they understand what happened and—”
“You don’t need to,” she said. “Kaleb told them you two had spoken at the café a few times. You wanted him to sign the agreement, and Lexi didn’t like you talking to him. That’s why she came after you.”
I swallowed hard. “Did he say anything else?”
“He said nothing else to the Elders. But . . .” Mom’s eyes searched mine. “Kaleb told me a different story. He was the one Nadya saw you with in the gazebo, and you’ve been seeing each other for a while. Is that true?”
“Yes.” I lowered my gaze. “I didn’t mean to fall in love with him. I know he’s not a Romani, but the Elders can’t expect me to marry Ethan. He’s not—”
“No one’s forcing you to marry anyone.” Mom patted my hand. “I should’ve known something was wrong when Henry said you’d been spending a lot of time with Ethan. He’s not even your type.”
“What about Henry’s agreement with the Elders? Will we get banished if I’m not engaged by my eighteenth birthday?”
“No. Everything’s changed. The Elders have given us this new home, and our status in the community is one of the highest now. If you hadn’t . . .” Mom chewed her bottom lip and looked at Kaleb. “Do you remember a black wolf biting you?”
“Yes.” I touched the bandage on the side of my stomach. “Kaleb bit me, but I don’t understand why.”
Mom took a deep breath. “He claimed you as his mate, Sienna. That’s why he’s here. Some of the Romanies are upset, but the Elders are happy. Your bond with a Norwood wolf seals the alliance with the pack.”
My heart raced, but something didn’t feel quite right. Why hadn’t Kaleb claimed me before, to end my arranged marriage to Ethan? He’d never mentioned that was a possibility. Instead, he’d broken up with me and lied about choosing Lexi as his mate.
“Are Victor and Drina okay?” I asked.
“Yes. Everyone’s fine.” She gave me a gentle smile. “I’m curious though. What made you run to Marie’s house?”
“I remembered something Drina said. No one would go to Marie’s house. Not even the wolves.”
“Have you been there before? I know the kids like to play around and scare each other.”
“I’ve walked by the house a few times, but that’s it.” I looked at her, remembering how my hunting knife had magically appeared next to me. “I heard you yell Marie’s name that night. You asked her to help me.”
“Yes. Marie was a powerful witch, and she hated the wolves. I think she killed a few of them by using black magic. I guess I hoped the rumors about her ghost were true.” She touched my arm. “Her house is off limits. You need to stay away.”
Staying away from Marie’s house seemed like a terrible idea, especially when I wanted answers. Would Mom think I was crazy if I told her Marie had helped me that night? It was the only explanation that made sense. “Did you know her when she was alive?”
“We talked a few times, but she kept to herself.”
We both looked at Kaleb as he shifted in the chair, but his eyes remained closed.
“You should rest,” Mom said. “With your birthday party on Saturday—”
“No.” I shook my head. “I don’t want a birthday party. It’ll cost too much, and we don’t have—”
“Everything’s already done.” Her face lit up. “Wait until you see your dress. Drina helped me with it.”
“I’m sure it’s beautiful.” I tried to smile. Obviously, Mom and Drina had put a lot of effort into my dress. I should be grateful.
Mom stood. “Why don’t I fix you a bowl of stew? Drina’s coming over to finalize a few party details. We could watch a movie after she leaves.”
“Okay,” I said. The doorbell rang, and Mom left the bedroom. I grabbed the glass and took another sip of water. Everything felt perfect. Too perfect.
I set the glass down and looked in Kaleb’s direction, surprised to see him staring at me.
“This is my fault.” He cleared his throat. “I broke my promise to keep you safe. I’m sorry.”
Not sure how to respond to his apology; I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. He’d obviously listened to my entire conversation with Mom. “You lied to me. You didn’t pick Lexi as your mate. You made a deal with your father. Why?”
“It was the only way to protect you. If I signed the agreement and broke up with you, my father would hold up his end of the deal. He’d order the Norwood wolves to protect you and tell my uncle to order the Kingsley wolves to leave you alone.” He stood and set Dad’s book on the nightstand. “I didn’t expect Lexi to defy his order and come after you. It never crossed my mind she’d killed Paige and Jenny, but I should’ve known. The Rocklin alpha sent her here last year and wanted me to claim her as my mate. I refused, but he wouldn’t take her back. So my father allowed Lexi to join the Norwood pack.”
He paused and rubbed his jaw. “She was part of the search team, so her scent was everywhere. When we caught up with that lone wolf, he begged for his life and told us what Lexi was doing.”
“Where are the wolves that were with her?” I asked.
“They’re dead.” He sat on the bed next to me and lowered his gaze to the side of my stomach. “I never should’ve left you that night.”
“You didn’t know what would happen.” I touched his knee. “But if you knew claiming me would get me out of my arranged marriage, why didn’t you tell me?”
“It’s not that easy. I had to explore other options first,” he replied. “That night when your mom demanded the Elders stop your arranged marriage, I knew you’d be okay.”
I sighed, trying to make sense of what he’d told me. “But if I didn’t have to marry Ethan, then why did you claim me?”
“It’s an eye for an eye between the Romanies and wolves. My father’s order didn’t matter anymore. You killed Lexi, which meant the wolves could kill you. I couldn’t let that happen.” He pushed a strand of hair out of my face. “The Norwood pack is sworn to protect any mate I choose.”
“You did this to protect me, not because you . . .” I looked away, not wanting to finish. Kaleb hadn’t claimed me because he loved me or wanted me to be his mate. He’d done it because he hadn’t had a choice. I’d forced his hand when I killed Lexi.
“I did this because I care about you.” He ran a finger along my cheekbone until my eyes met his. “I love you, Sienna.”
My stomach fluttered as I let his words sink in. Kaleb loved me.
“I know it’s a big step, and we never talked about it. If you need time to think or . . .” He cleared his throat. “You don’t have to accept my claim. You can say no, and the Norwood wolves will still protect you.”
“There’s nothing to think about.” I smiled. “I love you too.”
He held my hand and grinned.
“Does this mean we’re getting married?” I asked.
“Wolves don’t have formal wedding ceremonies, but the Elders are expecting us to marry.” He kissed my inner wrist, sending tingles along my arm. “We could go to the courthouse or have a proper wedding. It’s up to you.”
I closed my eyes and tried to talk to him using transference. Of course, I wanted a wedding: with a beautiful long white dress, a huge cake, and lots of dancing.
“What are you doing?” Kaleb asked.
“I’m trying to talk to you, but it’s not working.” I opened my eyes and found his face inches from mine. “If you
claimed me, shouldn’t we be able to use transference now?”
He chuckled. “Our bond isn’t complete until we make love. It’s a bond for life, so you need to be sure you want it.”
A big smile crossed my face. A lifetime bond with Kaleb sounded like a dream come true.
“I’d be crazy to say no,” I replied.
“You have to formally accept me, and then we’ll complete our bond.” He gently pressed his lips against mine and uttered a low growl when I slipped my hand under his shirt.
I ran my hand along his muscular chest, loving the idea that he belonged to me. Beneath my fingertips, his heartbeat slowed, and his body felt warm.
He pulled away. “You should be resting, not making out with me.”
“I feel fine.” I cleared my throat and pulled my hand out from under his shirt. He was right about not making out with me, especially when my entire body felt sore. I wanted him, but we weren’t alone and my body needed to heal. “I’m surprised my mom didn’t throw you out of my bedroom.”
“She’s pretty cool.” He laughed. “After I told her the truth about us, she went to the Elders and demanded I protect both of you. I’m supposed to be outside, but I think she likes me.”
“Have you been sleeping in here?”
“No. But that sounds like an invitation.” He winked at me.
“You wish.” I playfully licked my lips and then kissed his neck. Maybe one more make-out session wouldn’t hurt.
He groaned when I kissed his neck again then moved up to his ear. “I thought we agreed . . . Sienna, this isn’t—”
Kaleb’s body stiffened. He pulled away from me, but he squeezed my hand as he looked irritated and on high alert.
Drina entered the bedroom, carrying a bowl of soup on a tray, with Victor behind her. He held a gun in his hand and didn’t look surprised to see Kaleb.
“You should be outside,” Victor said in a stern voice.
“Your mom wants you to eat.” Drina kept her head down, not daring to look at Kaleb.
“I’ll be nearby.” Kaleb kissed my forehead and left the bedroom, without acknowledging Victor or Drina.
Drina handed me the tray, then pushed the sofa chair closer to the bed. She sat down and clasped her hands together.
“I don’t like him being alone with you.” Victor’s lips twisted as he glared toward the bedroom doorway. “I won’t allow it.”
“Are you okay?” Drina asked.
“Yes.” I ate the soup, not sure what to say. Did they know the truth about Kaleb and me? “Victor, you need to put that gun away. Kaleb would never hurt us.”
“So it’s true? You and he . . . No, he’s a Norwood wolf. They’re supposed to be our enemies.” Victor shook his head and stormed out of the bedroom.
Drina patted my hand. “Don’t worry about Victor. He needs more time to process this. Everyone knows Kaleb saved your life by claiming you. He can’t be that bad.”
“You’re okay with me being with Kaleb?” I asked. Aside from Mom, Drina was the only person I needed to like Kaleb. She had to see he wasn’t a monster.
“I know you want me to say yes, but I can’t. I’m sorry.” Drina shook her head. “You have to understand, we grew up fearing the wolves. It’s going to take time for us to accept him.”
Familiar voices drifted into the bedroom. Somewhere in the house, Victor talked to Mom—much too low to hear their words.
I leaned back against the pillows, realizing I no longer felt hungry. A gnawing pain ate away at my heart. What if the Romanies wouldn’t accept Kaleb? And even if the Norwood wolves had to protect me, would they ever accept me as Kaleb’s mate?
Chapter 39
“Do you like it? Of course, it’s not my style.” Drina zipped up the back of my dress then clasped my hand in hers. “You look beautiful.”
We stood in my bedroom, getting ready for my birthday party. For the past two nights, Drina had slept over, so Kaleb had stayed in the woods even though Mom had insisted he could sleep on the couch. He knew Drina was scared of him and wanted to give her space.
This morning Uncle Henry had stopped by to check on me, offering words of encouragement—telling me how marrying Kaleb was for the greater good. He reassured me that everything would be fine and thanked me for helping Victor rescue Drina.
“It’s perfect.” I smoothed the front of my black babydoll dress. I especially loved the rhinestone and stud detail along the straps and neckline. It was nothing too showy or gaudy, but enough detail for me to fit in as a Romani.
My hand touched the scar on my left shoulder, a constant reminder of that night with Lexi. Luckily, the doctors had patched up the bite marks well and there had been minimal scarring.
Drina slipped into a pair of high heels that matched her light pink strapless dress. She handed me a lipstick tube from her makeup bag and glanced at her watch. “Victor should be here soon.”
“You guys don’t have to drive me.” I applied the red lipstick, feeling both excited and nauseous at the thought of being with Kaleb in public.
“Victor insisted, and I wanted some girl time. Who knows when we’ll get to hang out again? You’re getting engaged.”
My eyebrows shot up as I handed her the lipstick tube. “We saw each other when you were engaged to Victor.”
“This is different. You’re getting engaged to a Norwood wolf.” She tilted her head, studying me in the mirror. “Are you sure about Kaleb? I know you care about him, but we’re talking about marriage. I don’t think you can change your mind later.”
“I’m not even sure if he’s proposing tonight.” I sighed, thinking about last night.
Drina and I had stayed up late, and I’d told her all about Kaleb. How we met. How we’d kissed. How we’d fallen in love. I wanted her to see his gentle side. But then, she’d asked about his proposal. How had he asked me to marry him? I had to admit he hadn’t proposed.
“What are you talking about?” She touched my arm. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Trust me. He’s proposing.”
I bit my bottom lip, hoping she was right. Kaleb had never asked me if I accepted his claim, but Drina seemed to think a proposal would be his way of asking. He’d left for Norwood Isle this morning, telling Mom he’d see us at my party. “It’s hard to believe he’ll show up at my birthday party with a ring.”
“I have a great idea.” Her face lit up as she grabbed a wrapped box out of her bag. “Why don’t you open your gift?”
“You didn’t have to buy me anything.” I shook the rectangular box, wondering what it could be. It was too small for clothes or makeup. Perhaps it was a new accessory, like a belt or a scarf.
“It’s your eighteenth birthday. I had to get my favorite cousin a gift. Plus, you need what’s inside the box.”
I tore the wrapping paper off the box and pulled the lid off. “You got me a hunting knife?”
“When you were in the hospital, you kept asking for your hunting knife. Auntie Nells said your father gave it to you, but I couldn’t find it.”
“I can’t believe you went back to Marie’s yard.” I held up the silver knife, running my fingers along my name etched on the black hilt. “You need to be careful.”
“Don’t worry, Victor was with me,” she replied. “I know it’s not the same knife, but it’ll go perfectly with your new boots. Do you like it?”
“I love it.” I put the knife down and gave her a big hug. “But I don’t have any new boots.”
“Yes, you do.” She grinned, pulling a large box from under my bed. “I hid them when you took a shower. They’re from Victor.”
I lifted the top off the box and squealed when I saw the red boots. “They’re so cute!”
“He wanted you to wear them tonight. He added a hidden pouch, like your other boots, so you can carry your hunting knife.” She tossed the wrapping paper into the trashcan. “Go ahead, try them on.”
I put them on, stood, and slipped my new hunting knife into the hidden pouch. The boots sat just belo
w the knee. “They’re perfect.”
Drina grabbed her purse when we heard the doorbell chime. “That must be Victor.”
I took a deep breath as she walked out of the room. This was it. Time to face my future. After taking one last look in the mirror, I grabbed my purse and hurried to the front door.
Mom had left earlier with Aunt Norma, and they planned to meet us at the party. They had a few last-minute preparations for my birthday party since it had turned into a huge birthday bash. The Elders had invited the Town Council and several local families, including the sheriff.
As I walked down the porch steps and onto the sidewalk, Victor opened the car’s back door. He wore black slacks and a light pink shirt that matched Drina’s dress. “Do you like your boots?”
“I love them, thank you.” I kissed his cheek then got into the car.
On the way to the hall, Drina talked nonstop about the arrangements, including the food the café had catered. I nodded, mumbling a few words as I leaned back against the seat cushion and watched the sunset.
When we arrived at the banquet hall, I pressed my back deeper into the seat cushion as they got out of the car. I couldn’t move. A sinking feeling invaded my stomach as I saw men in camouflage walking around holding large guns.
“Are you okay?”
I glanced up to find the car door wide open and Victor leaning toward me. I grabbed his hand and got out of the car, clutching my purse. “Guess I’m a little nervous.”
“Don’t worry. Everything will be okay.” His eyes softened. “I promise.”
I took a deep breath, realizing I stood not too far from where Kaleb had first learned I was a Romani. Hard to believe that was almost three months ago.
We walked to the banquet hall where red balloons and black streamers hung by the double glass doors. More red balloons and tiki torches decorated the patio to the right.
I peered through the glass doors at the people dancing and standing in line at the buffet tables. As they looked my way, I stumbled back several feet.
“Why don’t you go inside?” Victor kissed Drina’s cheek. “Sienna and I need to talk.”
Romani Blood (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 1) Page 25