Page 71 of Final Shift
Dad turned his attention to me. He stepped closer and bent to whisper in my ear. “They’re speaking of the tree.”
I nodded. “I’ve been remiss.”
“So have we all, it seems.” Dad paused. “Do you have a solution?”
I turned my head and covered the side of my mouth. “If I reveal myself to be the bridge, all hell could break loose.”
“Then we send them home together. They won’t question our magic.”
I nodded.
From behind, the howls grew closer. “I’ll field off the wolves. Give me a moment.”
Dad disappeared.
“I’m sorry your pleas went unanswered. Do you wish to return home?”
Nyria blinked in surprise. “What?”
The other fae shifted on their feet and looked around. “Do you want to go home?”
“Yes!” one of the fae shouted. The others murmured their assent.
Nyria’s brow furrowed. “You can do this?”
“With my father, yes, we can. In the future, if you have any grievances, I suggest you reach out directly to me, Cernunnos, or Cliona. Or, if you are on these lands and can’t reach me, please request an audience with my husband, Rowan.”
My father came over the rise with three silver wolves flanking him, one of them with glowing golden eyes. Hmm. I wonder why Soren wouldn’t ask whoever this was to take over his territory if I could get the transfer approved.
A flash of light and golden eyes stood before me. No matter how long I lived among shifters, I didn’t think I’d get used to one second seeing a wolf and the next seeing a giant buff nude guy.
Soren was gorgeous. This man was dangerous. Like his Lord, this male was tall, maybe an inch or two shorter, and built like a swimmer. His eyes were dark and his hair was a strange mix of ash blonde and light brown. A scar bisected one of his eyes, cutting through the top of his brow to the bottom of his eyelid. Whatever caused the injury must have been severe for his innate magic not to heal him. He was lucky he still had use of his eye.
“You must be Evie,” the wolf drawled in a slow southern accent reminiscent of thick honey. He walked over to me, completely uncaring of his nudity.
I inclined my head. “And you are?”
“Seth.” His dark gaze flicked to the fae. “I’m Soren’s Second.”
“Pleasure. I’ll be out of your hair in just a minute.”
“Does Soren know you’re here?”
I winced. “Not quite. I was just with him a few minutes ago, but decided a detour was in order. These are my people after all.”
Seth grunted. “They’re unable to cross, thanks to you. Does it matter?”
“I think I can get them to vacate.” My gaze went to Nyria, who was watching us with interest. “But it’s not safe to drop my magic until everything is resolved. Not just this matter.”
“Are you planning on taking our land?”
I sighed. “Why does everyone keep asking me that? Have you ever seen me snooping around here?”
A slow smile curved Seth’s lips, turning him from dangerous to holy shit handsome. I blinked and looked away. Goodness. Maybe Moira should come here and do some hunting and pecking.
“I’d remember you,” Seth said, still holding onto that smile. “Maybe you should come around more often.”
“Wolf,” Dad snapped. “Tone down the wattage.”
