Page 6 of Cursed Magic (Rejected Fate Trilogy #2)
CHAPTER SIX
I nhaling deeply, I gathered myself and prepared to force Briar to obey me. The warm, animalistic surge of alpha power coursed through my veins, prickling beneath my skin. I set my jaw and locked my focus on my sister, making sure to unleash the full force of my will.
But as I opened my mouth to speak, I froze. The look on her face stopped me cold, and my words died in my throat.
She lifted her chin higher in stubborn determination. Her eyes, usually so warm and full of life, now blazed with a fierce defiance I’d never seen before. There was something more to them—they held a darkness, a mixture of hurt, betrayal, and disgust, that pierced my heart.
At that moment, I saw not only my little sister, but a reflection of myself from over a week ago, standing before Reid Blackwood.
Her look mirrored how I’d felt standing before him the day my world had shattered.
I recalled the mix of emotions that had coursed through me—the hurt, the betrayal, the crushing weight of humiliation. But most of all, I remembered the helplessness and the way he hadn’t seemed to care how I felt. The experience of having my choices stripped away, of being at the mercy of someone else’s decision about my life and future.
Realization crashed over me, taking my breath away. I was about to do to my own sister exactly what Reid had done to me. The very reason I wanted to protect her and get away from everything.
I would have used my power to force her down a path she didn’t want and, more importantly, a path she didn’t agree with in the slightest.
The alpha power drained from me, leaving me hollow and shaken. My legs felt weak, and I collapsed against the back of the driver’s seat, my butt hitting the floorboard.
My chest tightened as I stared at Briar, seeing her not just as my little sister but as a woman who had endured unimaginable trauma and loss. The fierce cut of her features spoke volumes about the strength she’d found within herself.
“Briar, I…” My voice cracked, thick with emotion. I swallowed hard while my eyes burned and grew blurry with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry. I won’t do it. I won’t force you to leave.”
The hard lines of worry eased from her face, and she dropped her chin an inch. But the skin around her eyes remained tight, a reminder of the trust between us that I’d nearly broken but still harmed.
I took a shaky breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. “When Reid rejected me, I didn’t just lose my fated mate. I lost everything I thought my future would be and what our parents wanted for me. My place in the pack, my role as an alpha heir’s mate and future beta, the family I’d dreamed of having… In an instant, it all crumbled, and all of our supposed friends stood by and watched it happen. It wasn’t just Reid who abandoned me; it was everyone we considered a friend who didn’t speak up that day. But the absolute worst part was feeling like I had no control, no say in what happened to me.
“I felt so helpless, so powerless. Like the life I’d expected to have just…vanished before me, with no consideration for my wants and needs. And I almost did the exact same thing to you.”
Her expression softened, and she pursed her lips. “So you understand why I can’t just run away? Why I need to make my own choice about this?”
I nodded, shame and guilt churning in my stomach. “I do understand. I was so focused on protecting you that I almost became the very thing I was trying to shield you from. I’m so sorry, Briar.”
Silence filled the vehicle until Raven snorted. “Well, isn’t that touching? Ember learned she couldn’t trust her friends, so she decided to do the exact same thing to Ryker and the rest of us. Because clearly, the best way to deal with betrayal is to become the betrayer yourself.”
My head jerked back. Her words stung, but I couldn’t deny the truth in them. I had been ready to abandon the very people who risked everything to help us. But the other packs, including Reid’s, had helped our pack before that fateful day. “I can’t handle being treated like that again and losing more people I care about.” And worse, if Ryker lost interest in me or found his fated mate… I didn’t want to hang around and witness that .
Ryker’s face had relaxed. He was still unconscious, but his heartbeat had strengthened, which meant he was healthier.
Even in sleep, there was a strength to his features—the sharp line of his jaw and the scar that marked his left eyebrow somehow made him look even more ruggedly handsome. His dark lashes rested against his cheeks, and a lock of his dark hair had fallen across his forehead.
My fingers itched to brush it back. His lips, usually set in a hard line, were softened now. I remembered the way they’d felt on mine when he’d kissed me at the alpha meeting.
My chest warmed.
I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. Even if we stayed, I couldn’t get more attached to him. That would be my ultimate downfall.
Raven’s dry laughter startled me.
“You foolish, naive girl. Do you really think running away will protect you from pain? From loss?” Her voice gentled, taking on an almost wistful tone. “I’ve lived for centuries. I’ve seen alliances form and deteriorate, watched countless lovers come together and then break each other’s hearts. And let me tell you, there is no escaping the ache of loss, no matter what you do. Severing all relationships will only leave you lonely, which is a whole different kind of hurt. Pain is as much a part of life as blood running through your veins.”
But that was the thing—I wouldn’t be alone. “All I need is Briar.”
“You think you’re protecting yourself by leaving? By cutting ties yourself before they can be severed by another? All you’re doing is denying yourself the chance to truly live.” Raven released a long sigh. “Not only that, but it’s clear that Briar wants relationships with others.”
I huffed and closed my eyes for a moment. I hadn’t considered that which was ridiculous in retrospect. When I opened them once again, Briar nodded.
“I love you, but I want to have a mate and family.” Briar lifted both hands and warmth flooded back into her eyes. “Reid’s rejection, the loss of our pack, and us being separated are all still so fresh. You’ll change your mind when you have time to heal.”
Suddenly, I felt as if I were submerged under water, and my lungs burned like I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t fathom changing my mind, and yet, I’d have to. Briar desired a family. That was something that I couldn’t keep from her unless I constantly alpha-willed her, and what kind of relationship would we have if I did that?
“Ember, you have to understand that closing yourself off isn’t living; it’s merely existing. I’ve watched countless humans over the centuries, seen how fleeting and fragile their connections can be. If you go somewhere and surround yourselves with humans, you’re even more likely to be betrayed. Supernaturals have the capacity for so much more connection. Our bonds run deeper; our loyalties, fiercer.”
I rolled my shoulders and got my feet under me. I didn’t want to be examined like a lab specimen. As I stood a little, my legs buckled, indicating that I’d been squatting too long. I sat in the space between the mid-row seats and stretched out my legs, feeling Briar’s gaze on me the entire time.
Raven continued, “I’ve seen packs torn apart by betrayal, but I’ve also witnessed unwavering loyalty when they had a shared hardship. I’ve watched vampires who were once bitter enemies become the closest of allies over centuries. There’s a depth to supernatural relationships that humans can rarely fathom.”
From my spot, I could see Raven’s face in the rearview mirror. Her expression was strained, and black strands of hair framed her face, making her features appear sharper.
I wanted to plug my ears, but that would be childish and stupid. Pointless too—I’d still be able to hear her with my supernatural hearing.
“Think about it, Ember.” She glanced in the mirror, our gazes connecting. “In a human lifetime, how many true, deep connections can one form, given how quickly they age and the hardships they face without magic? The subconscious feeling of being prey, without understanding that it causes so much turmoil in their lives, to the point where they lash out at one another. We supernaturals have the potential for so much more. We are the top of the food chain and can forge bonds that last centuries, weathering storms that would break lesser relationships.”
I closed my eyes, trying to block out her words, but memories of the past flashed through my mind.
The warmth of my mother’s embrace as she comforted me as a child after a nightmare, her familiar scent of lavender and pine wrapping around me like her strong arms. The pride in my father’s eyes as he watched me shift without any issues for the first time. The uncontrollable laughter shared with Briar as we splashed in the crystal-clear river that had almost caused our deaths, our giggles echoing through the woods.
Then came more recent memories: Ryker’s strong arms carrying me after I was attacked by a vampire, his touch sending sparks through my body. The fierce protectiveness in his eyes as he jumped in front of the knife to protect my sister.
As Raven’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, my face warmed with embarrassment and guilt. Briar turned in her seat to look at me, so I averted my gaze to the floorboard between the middle seats. I needed a moment to process my emotions and couldn’t do that while locking eyes with her.
“I didn’t realize you were struggling so much,” Briar said quietly. “About what happened with Reid. The betrayal and hurt you experienced. You always take things in stride and rarely show weakness, so I had no clue how much it impacted you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you more.”
My head snapped up. “Don’t you dare apologize.” I placed a hand over my heart. “I wanted to handle it alone. You weren’t responsible for helping me overcome that.”
“Why do you always do that?” Briar frowned. “You never want my help, yet you’re the first person I come to when I need someone.”
Was that even a serious question? “Because I’m your big sister, and it’s my responsibility to protect you from everything…even myself.”
Hurt shadowed her eyes, and disappointment etched into her features. “I’m not a kid anymore, Ember. I want you to rely on me too, instead of telling me what to do and forcing your will on me.”
My heart dropped into my stomach. I’d somehow made the situation even worse. “I… I’m so sorry,” I choked. “To both of you. Briar, of course I rely on you, but I wasn’t in the right head space to talk about it. I’m just now getting to that point. I didn’t mean to make it seem like I don’t value your opinion or want you to be there for me. Your warmth is one of the qualities I admire most about you, and it’s why you’re putting your foot down with me now for wanting to leave the very people who risked their lives to save you.”
She opened her mouth to respond, but I lifted a finger because I needed to get it all out before I let something that needed to be said slip from my mind. “I never want you to resent me. I was so focused on keeping you safe that I lost sight of what really matters—your happiness and freedom to choose your own path.”
The last bit of disappointment and anger vanished from her face as she reached for me, placing her hand on my still-numb leg.
Her eyes glistened. “I know. That’s why I argued with you—because there’s no doubt in my mind how much you love and care for me. You’re an amazingly strong person, and I do trust you with both my emotional and physical safety.”
Between her validation and Ryker improving each minute, my lungs began working normally once more, and I took a deep breath. “And I do the same with you.” Her wolf might not be as strong as mine, but she loved more fiercely than I ever could.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t done yet. “Raven, I didn’t mean to be ungrateful. If you all hadn’t shown up tonight, there’s no way the six of us would’ve gotten away. You and Queen Ambrosia gave us the resources to remain safe while I focused on locating Briar, and then you gave us the vehicles that helped us get Briar back. To be clear, I didn’t want to abandon you.” I let out a shaky breath, hating that I’d almost done to them what I resented other packs for doing to us. “I didn’t think of it that way—I was focused on protecting the only family and pack member I have left.”
Raven pressed her lips into a line, her expression shifting from hurt to understanding. “I know, Ember. Believe me, I understand the desperate need to protect those you love. When you’ve lived as long as I have, you learn that the pain of loss never truly fades. It’s a constant companion, whispering in your ear at random times or during quiet moments. The pain can suffocate me unexpectedly.”
She leaned her head back against the headrest and turned into the paved driveway. “But that same pain is what makes the connections we forge so precious. It’s the price we pay for allowing ourselves to care and love. And that’s the only thing that has gotten me through at times, especially right now when there’s so much at stake.”
I grimaced, remembering that she’d just lost someone she cared deeply for in the recent nest eradication. Kendric had been distraught over telling her about it.
Silence filled the vehicle. I flexed my ankles, the needle pricks subsiding now that blood flow had returned.
Fatigue, coupled with pain in my back and wrist, engulfed me, making my eyelids heavy. The rhythmic purr of the engine and the gentle sway of the vehicle had me struggling to keep my eyes open, but then I glanced out the window, and it finally sank in where we were.
We had made it back to the mansion.
An iridescent sheen rolled over the lawn, faintly lighting up the dark night. It enhanced the Victorian sensibility of the stone edifice that towered in front of us. Dark green slanted dormers jutted above each window of the top floor, dim golden light peeking through thin white curtains.
A matching stone driveway circled in front of a square porch, and stairs led up to an arched entryway. A dark stone statue of Queen Ambrosia towered in the center of the circle, its long, flowing hair wisping out behind it.
The other two vehicles pulled up behind us. Some of my sleepiness ebbed, and I braced myself for the other guys’ stress and anxiety.
When Raven turned off the vehicle, the three of them were already opening the back door near Ryker’s head.
Kendric’s dark eyes scanned his alpha. Deep lines of worry were etched into his forehead. Xander and Gage flanked him, their bodies coiled with tension despite the exhaustion evident in the slump of their shoulders .
“How is he?” Kendric clenched his jaw and looked at me, not Raven.
I jerked my head back and cleared my throat. “He’s stable. His healing kicked in once we removed the knife. The wound has clotted and begun closing, but he’s still weak from blood loss.”
Gage’s shaggy, dirty-blond hair fell over his sparkling blue eyes. “We felt him getting stronger via our pack bond, which is why we didn’t try to get hold of Raven while we drove.”
“We need to get him inside and in bed so he can rest properly.” Briar bit her bottom lip. “That will help him heal.”
Nodding, Xander rasped, “Yes.” His normally tan skin had blanched, and his eyes somehow seemed more pronounced. “Two of us will need to carry him. Kendric, why don’t you get the top half, and I’ll carry the bottom?”
Gage stiffened, but then he sagged. He’d been close to death too. “What about me?”
“You need to rest nearly as much as Ryker does.” Raven climbed out of the vehicle and shut the door then faced the men. “I don’t know everything that happened, but that can be discussed later, since it’s clear you’re injured as well. You don’t want to drop him and hurt him worse, do you?”
Frowning, Gage crossed his arms. “No, but I’m staying right beside them in case something happens and they need help.”
Kendric and Xander carefully maneuvered Ryker out of the SUV, supporting his weight between them. Gage hovered nearby, ready to assist as promised. Despite their obvious exhaustion, they moved with practiced efficiency, bodies in sync as they lifted their alpha.
Ryker’s head lolled against Kendric’s shoulder, his face ashen in the moonlight. His shirt, torn and stained with blood, clung to his muscular frame. The sight of him looking so vulnerable sent a pang through my chest. He was usually strong and resilient. Everything about this felt wrong, and acid burned my throat.
“And you two need to get clean and rest too,” Raven said, nodding toward me. She had to mean the spot between my upper shoulder blades where the enemy had clawed me.
“A shower would be amazing.” Briar glanced down at her outfit. “I haven’t had a way to clean myself for way too long.”
My mouth dried, and my chest burned with anger over her being treated that way, but I’d caused enough problems tonight, so I kept my lips pressed firmly together.
The two of us followed Raven up the mansion’s grand stone steps. The ornate wooden doors swung open silently, as if by an unseen force. The foyer’s crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the marble floors and richly paneled walls.
Our footsteps echoed in the cavernous space as we headed toward the living room and kitchen. Normally, the mansion wasn’t this quiet due to all the vampires that lived here, but right now we could have heard a mouse fart.
When we entered the living room, the usually immaculate space looked as if a whirlwind had torn through it. Plush velvet throw pillows were strewn across the floor, and an antique mahogany table lay on its side, one leg splintered. Shards of crystal from a smashed vase glittered on the Persian rug like fallen stars.
Half-empty glasses of what looked like blood dotted various surfaces, evidence of the vampires’ hasty departure to assist us. The TV hanging on the wall flickered, though it was muted .
As we walked past the kitchen, a little bit of normalcy kicked in. The spotless stainless steel appliances glistened, and the island had been left bare, most likely because the kitchen was rarely used by the blood-drinking vampires.
The guys didn’t hesitate, taking Ryker into the bedroom at the end of the house.
Raven turned to Briar and me, her violet eyes sympathetic. “You two need to get cleaned up and rest. Ember, why don’t you use the bathroom you’ve been using? I’ll show Briar to one of the other guest rooms with an en suite.” She placed a gentle hand on Briar’s shoulder and continued. “Come with me, dear. Let’s get you settled.”
Biting her bottom lip, Briar wore an expression of trepidation.
It’s fine, I linked. You even claimed to trust her in the SUV. You know that if I didn’t think you were safe, I wouldn’t allow you to leave my sight.
Relief flooded our connection as Briar replied, You’re right. Thank you.
Raven took a few steps and turned back to look at Briar.
“Sorry, I’m a little out of it. A shower is just what I need.” Briar followed her back through the living room.
Wanting to get out of my shredded clothes and wash the blood off me, I headed toward the familiar bathroom, my feet dragging. The gold filigree mirror reflected my haggard appearance—tangled copper hair, dark circles under my eyes, and smears of dried blood across my skin. I peeled off my ruined clothes, wincing as the fabric pulled at the gouges on my back.
The shower’s marble tiles were cool under my feet as I stepped inside. I turned the ornate brass knobs, and hot water cascaded all over my body.
The water stung my wounds at first, and I hissed through clenched teeth. But as the initial shock faded, warmth began to seep into my aching muscles, easing some of the tension I’d been carrying.
I tilted my face up into the spray, letting the water run over my closed eyelids and down my cheeks. It washed away not just the dirt and blood but some of the fear and anxiety of the past few days.
The water was pink from all the blood that had coated me, and the urge to get clean took over.
I grabbed a bottle of shampoo, opened it, and inhaled deeply. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled my nostrils, replacing the stench of copper. I breathed it in and scrubbed my scalp, needing to erase the sticky feeling.
Then I worked in the conditioner and soaped up my entire body. After a lot of exertion, I managed to eradicate every trace of blood, and my wounds ached but in a way that didn’t seem disgusting anymore.
If I hadn’t been about to fall asleep on my feet, I would’ve stayed in the shower longer, but that would have to wait for another day.
But when I reached to turn off the water, a loud snarl from outside the bathroom shook the walls. My heart clenched, and my spine tingled in warning.