The negation chant. This was it. It was pouring into me, making sense and connection as if it belonged, like a missing piece of my mind.
It intensified.
“Motherfucker,” Jessie said. “She’s doing it.”
I was. I was chanting, natural and effortless like breathing. I sucked in a breath and cut off the words. They were there, though, in the back of my mind. Mine to use if needed. There was power in those words. A dark, twisted kind of power, addictive but frightening too.
“You feel it,” Sloane said. “But you can control it. It doesn’t control you.”
“Chaos…”
“Yes. The negation spell uses chaos, and only a handful of Grimswood witches can tap into it.”
Fuck.
Silence reigned.
Sloane pulled back and smiled at me. “Welcome to The Elites.”
I perched on the fountain ledge and downed a bottle of water to quell the burning in my throat from all the screaming I’d done. Leif and Rune had left patrol when they’d sensed my distress, and now that I was technically safe, they left to get back to duty.
Tor stayed, naked and glorious, his body a powerful mass of muscles that Jessie and Poppy were blatantly ogling as he spoke with Anna and Sloane in hushed tones. A pang of jealousy shot through me, but I tamped down on it. We might be bound, but I didn’t own them, and there was no room to allow jealousy to creep in. What I should do was eavesdrop on Tor’s chat with Anna and Sloane, but it looked like I was going to need every ounce of energy left to deal with Jasper.
“What’s wrong with you?” Jasper sounded genuinely perplexed. “Are you addicted to danger?”
I sighed. “No, are you?”
“How can I keep you safe if you keep doing shit like this. First the Order with their fucked-up fae assassins and their revenants, then, when I think, it’s okay, she’s anchor now, she’ll be safe, we find out there are original vamps out for your blood, literally, and now you join The Elites.” His tone went up a notch. “This doesn’t work, Cora. Not at all.”
“Not much choice.” I peered up at him. “You know it.”
“There’s always a choice. You could walk away with me. Take that damn amulet off and let me keep you safe.”
His tone had dropped to intimate, almost yearning, and part of me wanted to lean into him. To let him do the hard work of keeping the shit at bay, but it was a teeny part, the part that was wiped out from the Calling.
“That’s not who I am.”
“I know.” He ground his teeth. “Believe me, I fucking know. You infuriate me.”
“Back at you.”
I knew he wouldn’t stay away for too long. My survival was his, but it was more than that. It was the softness in his eyes when he looked at me. It was the yearning. Did he have feelings for me too? No, he was evil. Malevolent. He was something else. Something no one understood. Not even him.
“You’re also a liar,” Jasper said.
“What?”
“You do want me, Cora. You can’t hide that from me, and I’m not going anywhere. I can be just as stubborn as you.”
Why did that make my blood fizz? “I figured. But the amulet stays on.”
I couldn’t risk giving into my intense desires around him. Not with the seal at stake.
“For now.” He smirked, leaned in, and kissed my temple. “I’ll see you later, Cora.”
He misted away and I stared at the spot where he’d been, throat going dry despite the recent drink, because this was the first time Jasper had said goodbye before leaving and I wasn’t sure what the heck to make of that.
“Okay, so we have a plan,” Sloane said to me. “Patrols occur at night, and nighttimes are dangerous for you because of the vamp issue. Being off grounds will pose a threat, but you’ll be with us. We’ll keep you safe.”
Tor’s jaw ticked. “One of us will come with you when not on night patrol.”
“You’ll also be assigned a gargoyle,” Anna said. “For when the wolves are busy on patrol.”
“It seems like overkill.” I shrugged. “I can take care of myself.”
“Yes, you can,” Tor said. “But if these vamps do come for you, you’ll need all the backup you can get.”
Sloane’s jaw tightened. “I won’t lose another witch.”
She was thinking about Brie.
My heart sank. I was taking Brie’s place. Her friend’s place. “I’m so sorry.”
She inclined her head. “Yeah, so am I.”
“It’s customary for gargoyles to accompany select witches off the grounds,” Anna continued. “The elders are all assigned one. Bador is mine. He’s the best. I’d be happy to share him with you.”
I’d never seen Bador in action, but I’d seen his son Lauris fight a revenant to save my ass.
But it was more than that. His story, the shunning he had to endure, pissed me the fuck off.
He deserved a chance to prove himself. “I want Lauris.”
Anna looked stunned. “Lauris is a novice. He hasn’t had any training.”
“Which makes it more impressive that he saved my life from the revenant that attacked me on my balcony.”
“I vote Lauris too,” Tor said. “He’s a bright, determined young man and he’s already proven himself.”
Anna pursed her lips. “The gargoyles won’t be happy with this.”
Urgh. Who gave a shit? “Because he’s half human? Or because the anchor is choosing him over all the purebreds?” I tipped my head to the side. “Maybe it’s time they pulled their pompous heads out of their asses and gave him a chance to reach his full potential.”
“You really believe in him?” Sloane was studying me with an unreadable expression.
“I believe that he’ll put his ass on the line for me without a second thought, and I believe he’ll fight dirty to win. I believe he deserves a shot.”
Anna sighed. “From what I hear he did test highly in the gargoyle trials. His progress has been suppressed because of his heritage. He’s been punished because of it. I agree with you. He deserves a shot, but the others won’t be happy about this.”
I grinned at her. “And that’s where your mojo comes in.”
She bit back a smile. “Very well. I’ll speak to Bador and contact you to let you know the outcome.”
“We patrol tonight,” Sloane said.
Tor looked worried. “So do the tri-packs. Varga activity has increased over the past few weeks. They’re splitting up and entering our territories at several points at the same time.” He frowned at Anna. “Just to be clear, no Lauris means no anchor on patrol.”
Sloane pressed her lips together. “Missing a patrol isn’t an option. The Order will know we’re down an Elite, which means chances of revenant activity are higher than usual right now.” She locked gazes with Tor. “Worst-case scenario, I’ll keep her safe. I give you my word.”
Tor’s jaw flexed, and for a moment I thought he’d tell her to piss off, but then he nodded. “Fine. I’ll hold you to that. Now if you’re done monopolizing my mate, we have some business of our own to discuss.”
And why did I get the impression I was in for a verbal dressing down?
He strode toward the exit, morphing into wolf form as he reached the door, then turned to look at me with his huge dark head and piercing gray eyes.
Come on, you can ride me.
His voice was a delicious rumble in my head and his words went straight to the apex of my thighs.
He chuffed. Dirty girl.
Yeah, I was. I so fucking was.
Chapter Seven
Tor was huge, his back coming up to my hip. I clambered onto him and slid my fingers into his silken fur.
He made a rumbling sound of pleasure and my chest heated.
Grip with your thighs, he said. You might want to lean forward and press your body to mine.
This should not be hot. He was in fucking wolf form, for fuck’s sake. So why the fuck was I wet and aching. Shit. I followed his instructions, fo
cusing on the landscape ahead, but his body between my thighs was too much of a distraction.
His soft chuckle filled my mind. I can smell your arousal, Cora. Let’s see what we can do about it.
What? But we were in motion, bounding down the path and into the treeline. His body rippled between my thighs, rumbling and vibrating like a fucking engine, pressing against my most intimate place, muscles rolling to tease me and rub just the right way.
Yes, Cora.
No. Oh, God, this was not happening. Watch the trees, the fucking trees. Do not think about it. He picked up the pace and, oh, fuck, I was practically grinding against him now, desperate for release. I closed my eyes, sinking my fingers deeper into his fur as I resisted my body’s demands. I wouldn’t do this. No way. I had more control than this.
He leapt over a log, the landing jarring against me, and the orgasm that was hovering painfully out of reach tugged closer. I cried out, fisting his fur and biting my lip.
Fuck, Cora. Fuck.
No, no, no. This could not be happening. “Stop. Now.”
He slowed his pace and came to a standstill. The cabin was visible up ahead. I scrambled off his back and began striding toward it.
Cora…
“No. That was mean.”
No, Cora, you’re my mate and it’s natural for you to feel this way. Natural for me to want to make you come.
Oh, God. “I’m an idiot.”
For wanting me?
I ground to a halt and turned to face him. “No, for trusting you. I told you I wanted to keep things platonic. I can’t do this, Tor. Not unless you help me. Do you understand? If you care about me as your mate, you’ll want to make sure I don’t get hurt. And this…Being attracted to you, wanting you like this, will eventually hurt me.”
He bowed his huge, wolfy head. Get inside. I’ll dress and join you shortly.
I turned and jogged the rest of the way to the cabin, needing to get away from him before I caved, climbed onto his rumbling back, and finished what the ride had started.
I set two mugs of tea on the table as Tor walked in. Dressed in a cream tee, faded blue jeans, and barefoot, he was a treat for my eyes. His hair was damp, and his forest scent was masked by cologne.
He’d showered.
Naked.
No, don’t think it. “Tea?”
“Thanks.” He pulled out a seat. “Sit, we need to talk.”
I took the seat opposite him. “Spill it, what’s bothering you?”
“You,” he said. “You made a huge decision today and you didn’t think to consult your mates.”
I stared at him. Was he serious? “Wait, you want me to consult you before making any decisions?”
He sighed. “Not just any decisions, but life-threatening ones.” He sat forward, forearms braced on the table, hands clasped as if we were in a business meeting. “I understand that you’ve been flying solo for a long time, making decisions and putting your life at risk to save others, but things are different now.”
Motherfucker, he sounded like Jasper.
“You’re the important one now, Cora. The indispensable link. The focus. Do you understand?”
Like, what the fuck did I say to that?
“You might not want to take our relationship to the next level of intimacy, but that won’t change the connection between us. It won’t stop us from wanting you or you from wanting us, and that want comes with the desire to protect.” His gaze tracked across my face. “We want you, Cora, but we’ll respect your wishes. In return, you need to keep us in the loop and respect our connection enough to discuss these kinds of decisions.”
“You do realize when push comes to shove, I do what I want.”
He sipped his tea. “Oh, I’m well aware, but if Jasper hadn’t stepped in between The Elites and us today and given Anna time to explain, they’d all be dead.”
My blood ran cold. “What?”
He set his cup down. “We’d have torn out their throats, because as far as we knew they were hurting you, and no one hurts what’s ours. No one hurts what’s mine.” There was a possessive growl to his tone. “Dead Elites would be a bad thing, Cora.”
My mouth went dry and the pulse in my throat fluttered with excitement and arousal. Man, I was twisted.
I took a gulp of tea. “Fine. I’ll let you know in the future.”
He sat back with a cool smile. “Please do.” He tipped his head to the side. “Leif told me you wanted to hunt with the females at the full moon.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t tell me, I should have discussed that with you too?”
He bit back a smile. “It would have been nice, but you’ll be safe with Heather and the other females. They’re vicious in a fight. If any vamps come calling, they’ll have a hard time getting past those wolves, and Leif, Rune, and I will find you before the suckers can get to you.”
I hadn’t considered the damn vamps. The fact I needed to be chaperoned at night pissed me off.
“You’re pouting, Cora.”
His intention was a burst of heat in my chest, and a flare of darkness in his steel-gray eyes.
He wanted to kiss me.
I pressed my lips together, eliminating my pout.
My pulse fluttered, then calmed.
“We’ll start your stamina training tomorrow,” he said.
“Bossy, aren’t you? Like being in control?”
“Oh, Cora,” he purred. “You have no fucking idea.”
No, I didn’t, and as long as I stuck to the friend zone, I’d never have to find out.
Fuck you, disappointment. Fuck you.
“We’ll be moving into the main house soon,” Tor said as he washed our teacups. “You’ll have the anchor’s room. Leif’s ordering a new bed and mattress for your room this week.”
Good. There was no way I was sleeping on Charlotte’s old one. She’d shared it with her mates, and I didn’t even want to think about what they’d gotten up to on it. Sweaty, dirty, inventive things.
Nope. Not thinking about it.
Tor glanced over his shoulder briefly with a small smile. He’d reined in the dom vibe and the tension thrumming between us had ebbed. Thank God, I could breathe again. Think again. It didn’t stop my eyes from roving over his broad back and the muscles moving beneath his cream T-shirt, though. Fuck, the damn thing might as well have been spray-painted on.
“Cora?”
Wait, had he asked me a question? “I kinda like it here in the cabin.”
“Me too,” he said. “Cozy.”
“Yeah.”
He turned to face me, drying his hands on a tea towel. “We can stay here for a little longer if you want.”
I sighed. “If we do that, I might not want to move.” I smiled up at him. “We’ll shift to the big house whenever the bed gets here.”
He glanced up at the clock. “Look, I have some pack business to attend to; do you want to come with?” He shrugged a huge shoulder. “Mana isn’t as formal as Vita. No lunches or charity events.” His eyes darkened. “My mother passed a few years ago, but my aunt would like to meet you. It would be good for the other pack members to familiarize themselves with your scent.”
“Sure, I’d like that.” I pushed back my seat and stood. “But first I need to check on Wren. I couldn’t find him earlier. I’m worried.”
“I’ll be leaving in an hour,” he said.
“I’ll be back by then.”
I didn’t get far from the cabin when I spotted the redheaded witch Justine and her friend Kel headed my way. And clinging to Justine’s shoulder was a cute furry figure.
“Cora!” Wren leapt off the witch and bounded toward me.
“Wren, buddy.”
He clambered up my leg and wrapped his arms around my neck in a fierce hug. “Wren missed Cora.”
“I missed you too.” I stroked his back. “I came looking for you earlier.”
“Wren was hungry. Dottie fed Wren.”
Justine and Kel approached.
“Thanks for bringing him to me.”
“No problem.” Justine’s gaze slipped over my shoulder down the path toward the cabin.
It struck me that they’d probably never seen the place before. “You guys want to come in for a quick cuppa before heading back?”
Kel looked wistful. “We’d love to, but we have to get back. Sloane’s ordered extra training for all the witches for the next week.”
“It’s for the best,” Justine said. “Brie’s death and the tests we’ve all undergone show we’ve become complacent. We need to train regularly to keep our senses sharp. Wielding miasma doesn’t come easily to every witch. Some of us have to work at it constantly.” She locked gazes with me. “Is it true what they’re saying?”
“I’m not sure…What are they saying?”
“That you’re the new Elite?”
Ah, crap. This was Brie’s cousin, the witch they’d expected would step into her shoes.
No point beating around the bush, though. “Yeah. I am.”
She nodded curtly. “I’m glad we found someone. But I need to know that you’ll do the role justice. It’s an important duty. Not a side gig. You have epic shoes to fill.”
“Justine!” Kel looked horrified. “I’m so sorry, Cora, she didn’t mean that.”
But my gaze was still locked with Justine’s. Yeah, she’d meant it, and I respected that. “No need to be sorry. I get it, Justine. Brie was an amazingly talented witch, and she fulfilled an essential role, because that’s what The Elites are … essential for the protection of humanity. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to protect humanity, and I promise I don’t take this responsibility lightly.”
She swallowed hard and nodded. “Thank you. And if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
They left me with Wren and headed back the way they’d come.
“Cora,” Wren said softly. “Wren hungry.”
I gasped and pressed a hand to my chest. “Really?”
He looked up at me with his big, brown, quizzical eyes. “Is Cora making fun of Wren?”
Witch Undecided: The Thirteenth Sign Book 2 Page 5