Page 115 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

And my magic trusts him. That has to count for something.

“I’ll go,” I answer.

Kaden sneers at the shifter before looking to me. “I’ll come with you.”

“Alone. She must receive her vision alone.”

Both of us stare at Wulf even as he turns away. When he’s a few steps from us, he throws over his shoulder. “I hope you find what you seek, flower. You’re an extraordinary woman.”

I don’t miss the growl that vibrates from Kaden’s chest.

“One night and you’re acting as if I’m only yours,” I mutter, heading toward the hut. The heir follows, gripping my wrist in a firm hold.

Spinning me, he glares down into my face. “Remember, kitten, I told you last night. Youaremine.” He shifts, arms sliding around my waist so our chests are pressed together. “I don’t trust Wulf. I don’t trust what’s in that hut.”

“You can’t come with me,” I say softly. “Wait outside.I can’t go anywhere. The worst that can happen is an attack, but considering the size, it wouldn’t be a large force.”

He smiles at my deduction, pride shining in his eyes.

“I’m not worried about you falling for an attack. I worry about your attackers. You’re ferocious when pushed the right way.” Lips to my ear, he whispers, “Remember, I’ve seen your wickedness, kitten. You’re the monster everyone should fear. Not because of your magic, but because of that viciousness.”

Releasing me, his hands reluctantly leave my sides and I immediately feel lost without him.Gods, have I fallen in love?

“I’ll be right here, waiting.” Looking to the center, he crosses his arm, looking for a threat just in case.

My heart flutters and I nod once.

“I’ll scream if I need you.”

Looking to me, he smiles, dimples pulling in his cheek. “No, you won’t. You’ll slaughter everyone without my help.”

Because he’s confident in my ability—my strength.

Standing tall, I enter the hut and peer into the darkness inside.

Chapter 41

Max

The small, dank cabin smells like sage and dying roses. Dust collects into the air, irritating my nose as I sense magic from the center of the room.

There, sits a hunched figure in a stained chair. The rug under her is worn and the scurrying of rats in the corners gives me the chills.

Gods, I don’t want to be in here.

Yet, I know I have to do this. Gods’ Will is giving me a path and I need to see it through.

“Sit,” the old woman commands, pointing to the vacant spot on the floor.

Glancing at it, I fist my hands, nose wrinkling in disgust. “No thanks, I’ll stand.”

Her milky white eyes stare unflinchingly at me, stripping me to the bone.

It’s the look of someone who has seen many things and a disrespecting young woman like me is but a bump in her long life.

Panic laces across my chest as she smirks.

“It’s rude to ignore the host’s wishes.”