Page 114 of Bruised MC Bear

He chuckled. “I would love to see your Regent’s reaction to such a crisp and accurate account.”

“Why? It is the truth. You think he will not believe me?”

“Hmmm. Let’s see. You have not spent a single night away from the fortress since you were…eleven, correct?”

“Yes.”

“And you slept in my cabin?”

“Yes.”

“Nine days before you will cast the shifter transformation spell…and most likely meet your untimely demise.”

“Yes…no…well, not necessarily. I may not die.”

“There is only one way to survive that spell, Kiera.”

“What?” She was not sure she had just heard him correctly. “You know of a way to survive it?”

“Two…no, three.”

“What are they?”

“Either do not participate, be a strong male sorcerer, or fail to cast it.”

“None of those are feasible. I cannot refuse to do it. I’d have to run away or go into hiding or something. I am also not a man. And failing to cast it, do you mean I could act like my spell is not sufficient during the ceremony?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, I cannot do that either. Look, can we discuss the transformation ceremony another time and get back to the challenge at hand? I need to get back to the fortress. I will tell the Regent what happened, and he will believe me.”

“If you say so.”

“Nothing happened…between us. You and I both know that.”

“We do, but the question is, will he?”

Kiera thought about it. Nothing had happened. All Xander was guilty of was feeding her and providing a safe place to rest. The Regent just had to believe her and leave it at that. If he did not…

“You should go now,” she blurted out all of a sudden.

“Why?”

“Because you are right. The Regent will probably believe I—”

“He will think the worst of you…and me. Especially me. That is how the man’s mind works.”

“If the guards do their rounds, they will see us here, and they are sure to question us. It is best if I am alone. I will wait inside until Coco returns. No matter what her plan is, it’s better than giving the Regent fodder for him to doubt.”

“The truth is not fodder, Kiera.”

“I agree, but you just said it yourself. The Regent will think the worst of us. Please, can you just go now?”

“Fine. Send word of what happens with your familiar. She can find me inspecting the walls for most of today and tomorrow.”

“I will. Thank you again.”

He turned his horse and the riderless mare. “Have a good day.”