Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“She likes you.”
“I love her. Is it different for fae? Her mother gave her away so easily.”
“Her mother did what I was supposed to, but yes, for fae, it is different. The light will always connect them. And her mother knows you’re not a fairy. Someday, this little one will have to go to her people to learn.”
“Does that mean I don’t get to keep her?” I ask sadly.
“For the time being, you are fine. You will have plenty of your own children by the time she leaves. Think of it like an apprenticeship. They still have that, don’t they?”
“Yes, but college is more common these days.”
“College? What is this?”
“It’s like finishing school. Okay, wait. Think of it as sort of an apprenticeship for two to four years, but with tons of books and lectures.
“Sounds like the same thing to me.”
“Fine, you’re right. My bad.”
“Well, it will be like that. She will be free to return to you once her training is done. Fae have long lifespans. You will have plenty of time with her.”
“Why does she smell so sweet?” I say out loud.
“Because she carries the scent of a god,” Kendrick says as he walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Fairies have a sweet aroma, but hers is stronger because a god intervened in her creation.
“Is that why you called her a hybrid?”
“Yes. Also, Orin was a mind fairy. So she’s part light, part mind. Very rare. Fairies don’t often mix, especially not royals. She will be special.”
“She already is special. Princess Avionne, the hybrid princess. My gift from the gods. That sounds so unreal.”
“I wonder what the cost will be.”
“Kendrick,” I groan. “You don’t have to be so pessimistic all the time.”
“When you have lived as long as I and seen the things I’ve seen, you will proceed with more caution regarding the gifts you accept as well.”
He kisses the back of my head. “Besides, I’m starting to get jealous. I want to see you holding our child. I don’t know why everyone wants to do my job for me.”
“Oh, get over it already,” Venus huffs, making me snicker.
“What’s so funny?” he rambles into my neck.
“Venus said get over—”
I turn as I feel him vanish before I finish my words. I blink after him in confusion. What the heck just happened?
Kendrick
I could sense Ace the moment he passed through the gate. Before Aravos tried to summon me. He is injured and on the verge of shifting.
Ace is the alpha of the Crescent Sapphire Moon pack. The firstborn alpha. To this day, I have respect for his father’s decision to divide the lands and allow his sons to each rise to be alpha.
Knowing the brothers since they were pups, I couldn’t see them fighting for the rank. I also couldn’t imagine any of them being anything but an alpha. The packs thrive and move as one, so it all worked out for them.
“Ace, what happened?” I ask as Bradan helps him into my office.
“The holy land was attacked. I was there alone to pray to the moon goddess. I was hoping to find guidance to find my mate as you all have,” he says.
The holy land connects all three packs. The wolves use it for ceremonies. However, in truth, the Lycan king designated the land as a holy place because it allowed the rest of the lands to be divided equally.
Ace continues. “I didn’t catch the scent. Not until they were leaving and the wind shifted. I fought him, but it’s like something was keeping me from shifting.”
“You should have gone to the pack doctor to heal before you came. You don’t look well,” I say.
“Kendrick, the stone is gone. He knew where it was.”
My hands begin to spark with electricity. After our temple was disturbed all those centuries ago, we decided to never keep our source stones together in one place. We removed them from our swords and placed them with those we trust.
Bradan has been best friends with the Lycan king for years. He chose to leave his stone with the packs. It should have been safe. The brothers and their father are the only ones who knew it was with them.
“Bradan, go to the holy land. See what you can find out,” I say as this all sets in.
“Should we alert the others?”
“I’m still thinking. I don’t want to lead anyone to them if this was a stroke of luck.”
“I feel you, but if they were able to keep Ace from shifting, we don’t know what we’re up against. This could be those hunters.”
I grunt, knowing he’s right. Bradan has already interjected himself in Taylor’s life. She spends her nights here at the clubhouse, but when she’s not sleeping or training, she does attend her classes. Bradan makes sure she’s safe while she does.