Page 16 of Magic Claimed

She was going to say that was ridiculous or wrong. Maybe that I was making it all up. That Callum couldn’t possibly bond with someone like me.

“…incredible.”

I looked at her hesitantly and found that her eyes had gone wide—with wonder and maybe even… warmth?

The reigning queen of the dragons took a few steps towards me. I stiffened in alarm, but Skye only reached out and took my hand. “I’m so happy for him,” she said simply. “And for you.”

Whoa. Was this for real?

“You’re… happy?”

She nodded. “Except among gryphons, a mate bond doesn’t happen for all shapeshifters. Maybe only twenty percent of dragons. But they are a beautiful gift and should always, always be cherished.”

I had no idea what to say to that.

“I didn’t plan for it to happen,” I blurted out. “I didn’t even like him at first.”

Skye just laughed. “Most people don’t. He can be…”

“Stubborn, paranoid, bullheaded, and entirely too fond of rules?” I supplied.

“Yes,” she agreed. “But he’s changing. And he’s genuinely one of the most caring people I know. He only hides that part of himself because it makes his job easier if no one knows how soft his heart really is.”

She surprised me, and it must have shown on my face, because she responded with a grin and a shrug. “Being mated to an empath has a tendency to rub off,” she said ruefully. “I’m quicker to see these things now than I ever was before.”

Huh. So Callum’s cousin didn’t actually seem to hate me. She might even be… nice. But that didn’t mean I could relax, because Callum’s mother had yet to say a single word.

Unless this was still part of the test and Tairen was waiting for Skye to soften me up so she could pounce.

A soft rustling sound from behind me jerked my head around so quickly I nearly put my neck out, but it was only a piece of paper—a black envelope someone had slid under the door.

It was face down, but it wasn’t like I needed to see the front to know that it was probably another offer from some mercenary guild or other. Good grief, was I not even safe here at work?

With an audible groan, I picked it up and turned it over, searching for a clue to the sender. Usually they had a name or a logo on them, but this one was blank. The paper seemed heavy and formal, with an actual wax seal on the envelope, so out of curiosity, I peeled back the flap.

Within was a plain white card. I pulled it out and saw my name printed on it in thick, black lettering, with the imprint of what looked like a medieval coat of arms at the bottom.

I heard a strangled noise from Skye and found her peeringover my left shoulder, amber eyes suddenly sharp and glowing. She didn’t ask, just snatched the card out of my fingers and shoved it towards Tairen, who glared as if she were personally offended by its existence.

“They’ve actually lost their minds,” the dragon queen said, and there was no mistaking her anger. “Wait until Callum finds out. I would love to fly to New Mexico and watch the fireworks, but sadly, I don’t have time.”

Callum’s mother hadn’t moved, but she seemed rigid with fury.

“What is it?” I was growing more freaked out by the second. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on?”

“You’ve just been given an official summons,” Skye informed me, her lips twisting sympathetically. “That’s the official seal of the Shapeshifter Court, which means it’s been approved by the chamberlain. Plus, it was delivered in front of witnesses, therefore it cannot be rescinded or denied. Even…” She paused for a moment. “Even by the king,” she finished softly. “Shapeshifter law commands your presence within twenty-eight days, or you will be assumed guilty of all charges.”

Guilty of all charges…

A deep sense of betrayal cut me to the heart. Why hadn’t Callum said anything?

“I don’t answer to the Shapeshifter Court,” I said numbly.

“But you will,” Tairen interrupted briskly. “If you are mated to my son, you have no choice but to become a part of the court and submit to its rulings.”

A sharp swell of panic rose in my throat, along with the desire to run. I felt like I was about to cry, but I refused to cry infront of either of these women. Callum’s mother was already watching me, waiting to see if I would fall apart under pressure. I couldn’t let them judge me as weak or unfit, but…Callum hadn’t told me.

I wanted to call him and ask what was happening. Find out whether he’d known this was coming. But I was at work. I’d already attacked a customer, and now…