Page 42 of Shift of Morals (Shifter Lords #2)

Chapter

Thirty

CAELAN

M y territory was officially Gianna free, though I still didn’t know what the price would be.

I sat in my office stroking the back of Seymour’s main trap, the plant brushing against me like a cat.

The ashes of my boutonniere lay on the desk before me, a last fuck you from Evie.

Cernunnos’ presence at my wedding had stunned me to speechlessness, but it was his familiarity with Evie that bothered me more than the spectacular failure of the bonding ceremony.

And what had he meant by Gianna pretending?

I pressed my hands against my eyes and groaned.

Gianna hadn’t waited for me to kick her out.

She hadn’t even bothered to gather her clothing.

The woman had called a car and hightailed it from the Keep within a half hour after Cernunnos’ rejection of our union.

Every other guest had slowly left after heatedly gossiping in the main chapel for hours afterward.

Even the Lords had retreated, Cernunnos’ warning no doubt still ringing in their ears.

My territory was safe once again, but my victory felt false.

A single oak leaf floated from the ceiling to land before me.

I stilled, searching for the scent of rising magic, but there was nothing except for the glittering leaf.

A few words were burned across the middle.

Payment is deferred. For now.

Dread pooled in my stomach, the unknown future looming ahead of me once again fraught with peril.

But the worst part of everything?

I still didn’t have Evie.

The knock on my door wasn’t unexpected, but I hid the leaf in my top desk drawer anyway to avoid questions.

“Enter.”

Ben walked in, eyes wary. Our relationship hadn’t been the same for a while, but I hoped to repair it over time.

“Please have a seat.”

The Healer sat down and said nothing.

I never had to tiptoe around subjects with Ben, so I laid out my plans.

“Halvar is dead. I’d like you to take his position.”

The only reaction was a slight rise of his eyebrows. “Leaving you free to pursue Evie.”

“Pursuing Evie and actually getting Evie are two wildly different things. As I’m sure you know.”

Ben sighed and crossed his arms. “I accept the position.”

I opened my mouth to argue with him until his words sank in. Having expected him to argue with me, I’d come up with a large list of counterarguments. My mouth closed, and I studied him warily.

“Evie is dangerous, Caelan.”

“One of the many reasons she appeals to me.”

He scoffed. “You would take that like some kind of positive challenge, wouldn’t you?” Ben scrubbed a hand through his hair. “No. I mean she’s keeping secrets that are going to get us all killed. She’s fae, man. And you know how fickle those creatures can be.”

I’d seen zero evidence of Evie ever being fickle. Reticent, deliciously violent, even unhinged at times. Never fickle. She’d protect those she loved even if it cost her life.

“I’d argue the woman I almost had to marry was worse.”

Ben cracked a laugh, the first thawing I’d see from him in weeks. “Where is the ice queen, anyway?”

“Fuck if I know. Not here. That’s enough for me.”

“When do I leave?”

“As soon as you want to. Halvard’s territory will hold for now.”

“I’ll be gone in three days.” Ben rose. “I’m serious, Caelan. Be careful with Evie.”

I would do nothing of the sort. “Thanks for the warning.”

Ben walked out without another word.

Beside me, Seymour let out a sad little whine.

“I know, buddy,” I said quietly.

Seymour thumped his pot closer and clamped onto my sleeve.