Page 29 of Seared Fates

“My children,” Astra bites out every word, “do not deserve to carry the sins of their ancestors, rightly or wrongly. It’s time for peace.”

“Keep your squabbles to yourself. I don’t care about them. But I already owe Emma a debt,” I growl. “I’ll find her.”

Astra breathes a sigh of relief.

“And why are you involved in this, pup?”

Grey crosses his ankles, picking up his teacup. “The other mage Sovereigns refuse to help, which was no surprise. So Astra came to me.”

“You expect me to believe you’ll do anything out of the goodness of your heart?”

Grey smiles behind his drink, steam swirling up. “I can be very accommodating when the right motivation presents itself.”

My hard stare goes to Astra.

“I see no point in hiding our deal, Grey,” she replies coolly. “I’ve forfeited our claim to the Northern part of the forest and surrounding towns to him. Grey has promised an introduction between the other wolf packs. I was not lying when I said I wanted peace.”

My lip curls in disgust. “And you’ll stay away from my family.”

Astra bows her head. “Of course.”

“And you, pup.”

Grey holds up his hand, as if he’s an innocent bystander, all while smirking wickedly.

“Do not involve me in any more of your little dick politics.”

Grey places a mocking palm over his chest. “I would never, Vidar.”

“I know you don’t trust me, Vidar Haraldsson,” Astra begins, “but thank you.”

Ignoring the Blood Mage Sovereign, and with our business wrapped up for now, I race out of the forest house with such speed I’m a blur, even to the werewolves. Leaving behind the scent of ozone and rot.

I might not have protected Kai’s feelings, but I will keep him safe from this fate.

***

When I arrive home, I find a blue Mini Cooper parked near the tall wrought-iron gates.

Why is Kai here?

Rushing inside, I soon find him with Ramy and Golden in the kitchen.

“Kai,” I breathe.

He looks up. “Hey.”

“What are you doing here?” I regret the words the moment they leave my mouth. “Of course you're welcome, always. What I mean is—”

He stops me with a hand.

“Listen, I’ve decided to forgive you for being a dick. After you apologise to me, that is.” He raises an expectant eyebrow.

Half an hour ago, I called the most powerful werewolf in Britain a pup and was ready to kill a mage Sovereign. Yet Kai, who barely reaches my shoulders, has me lost for words.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt, moving closer but still giving him space, though my every cell yearns to touch him. “You’d think with as many years behind me, I’d learned to think before speaking and yet here I am, a complete fool.”

“And rude,” Ramy adds.