Page 47 of WitchBorn

Autumn so far chose a mix of structure and chaos. Touches reminiscent of Underhill with spreads of mortal forests, and simple structure laced within. Was that because the wolf built the realm? Or had they begun before the tear in their soul?

“Wishing isn’t working,” Finn said. “Wishing for blankets, or clothes or even the trees to let in some sun. If wishes were pennies…”

How much magic did the human half have? “I don’t know,” I said, answering him and myself. “Good news, though.”

“Yeah?”

“You won’t starve.”

“There are no berries here.”

“Ha, no. I mean I’m your mate. I feed you energy. Even without mortal food.” Winter’s curse had completely vanished after our heat, and Finn glowed. He’d been devouring the magic energy I generated. The entire point of my existence was to work as a battery for a sovereign. I thought to choose Sebastian. Winter took my power by force. And Fate mated me to Autumn. I was fucked coming or going, but at least I’d enjoyed my time with Finn. Was there any use in hoping some of his boyish charm would remain once he reunited with the wolf?

Hot tears warmed my shoulder. I turned to try to catch Finn’s expression, but he wouldn’t look at me.

“Why are you upset?”

“This is all my fault.”

“How do you figure?”

“I am this Autumn king, right? The wolf brought you here.”

“Yeah, the wolf. Not you.”

“But I am the wolf.”

“Yes and no.” I captured his face between my hands and kissed the tip of his nose. The sorrow in his gaze unnerving.

“It wants you dead. Doesn’t that mean, I…” he flinched.

“No.”

He shook his head, breaking free from my grasp, but gathering me up to cradle me in his arms. “Is this okay?” he asked after a minute.

“Sure,” I said, not certain what he was asking about.

“To hold you, I mean.”

“Oh,” I said. “Yes.”

“And to cry. My moms always said it was okay to cry. Let it out. Don’t bottle emotion as it would swell until it broke me.” He took a deep breath. “And this is a lot.”

“Your moms sound brilliant. I’d love to meet them someday.”

“Yeah?” He let out a startled laugh. “Sometimes mom jokes are as bad as dad jokes.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“I’m sorry.” Finn held me. For a thousand things and for nothing, I assumed rather than asking. But that was okay. The chill began to ease with his embrace, as did his tears. We both had dragons in our past, his more literal than mine. Maybe fate wasn’t wrong about mating us. I couldn’t help but enjoy the small kisses he peppered all over my face as he held me close and wondered if he really was meant to be mine.

Thirty-Two

WESLEY

Idozed in and out, the tightness in my chest making it hard to rest. Finn held me, his body warm. Absorbing my energy I realized, and was too sore and tired to care.

“Your tiny horns are back,” Finn whispered, but nuzzled my cheek rather than teasing the hyper sensitive horns. “I’m draining you, aren’t I?”