And she was startled to sense that he actually preferred being in his beast form to being human.
Ascher was no less intimidating. His rough, fur-like hide was pure black. Half hidden by shadows, she’d swear she saw hints of red, like rivulets of lava flowing in his chest, but the light disappeared before she could investigate further. A warm coal scent tinged the air, while small wisps of smoke rose from where his paws touched the forest floor as he posed for her inspection, mirth dancing in his glowing blue eyes.
Conceited beast.
He knew she had a fondness for his animal counterpart and had no shame about using it to get close to her. To her surprise, she wasn’t even upset with him anymore over the deception. She was just grateful to have him in her life.
Draven and Kincade took up residence on either side of her as both Ryder and Ascher roamed a little in the distance, checking the path for danger. Despite his injuries, Atlas had no trouble keeping up with them as he brought up the rear. They traveled in silence, frustration radiating from Kincade with every step, his attention never wavering from Ward.
As the sun crested the horizon, Kincade looked ready to explode with pent-up frustration. He would ask questions about Ward that she couldn’t answer. To stall, she asked the one thing that bothered her most.
“What’s wrong with our markings?”
Kincade nearly tripped over his own feet, only his agility keeping him upright. He whipped his head toward her and stared, as if he didn’t understand, the bastard making her spell it out.
“It’s broken or breaking.” Fear was a living thing, racing through her at the thought. She’d been through too much to lose them now.
“You’re blocking us.” He said it without a hint of emotion.
He honestly believed— “Like hell! I’ve tried everything to reach you guys. The connection is fading. I’m able to tell that you’re all alive, but I can’t read anything beyond that.”
Morgan saw the other guys slowly edge closer, even the normally impassive Atlas who didn’t give a shit about anyone appeared interested.
She wanted them to say the magic in this realm was interrupting the connection in some way, but the problems began even before they arrived. She refused to sit on her ass any longer and do nothing as the connection continued to fray.
“You pulled away from your protectors, and your magic is amplifying your decision.” Ward cast them a glance over his shoulders. “You’re slowing down. You must keep up.”
“That’s not true.” She scrambled after him. “They were the ones putting distance between us.”
“No.” Kincade’s denial was instant, and Ryder and Ascher nodded in their beast forms, snorting as if to emphasis their point.
“What the hell?!” She glared at each of them, wondering how the hell they could so easily forget the last few months. “You’ve been shutting me out ever since you learned about my past. Every second of the day is filled with training. I can’t even sit next to one of you without getting a lecture.”
Bitterness filled her until her throat ached, and she turned away from them.
“You’ve been locking yourself away from us, avoiding us except at lessons.” Draven looked so sincere, she couldn’t control her snort and rolled her eyes.
“It’s always lessons. You gave me a glimpse of something more, being part of the team, then you took it away from me. If I wanted to be a slave, I would’ve stayed at the coven.” She couldn’t look at any of them. “I don’t need lessons, I need each of you to be my friend. But I can’t figure out how to get that thought through to you dimwitted jackasses.”
Ward gave a gusty sigh, his shoulders lowering as he shook his head, shooting the guys a pitying look. “They’re not treasuring you the way they should.”
He turned to face her team. “You’re going to lose her through your neglect.”
Ryder and Ascher growled, both glaring daggers at Ward, and their urge to tear him apart for even suggesting such a thing was palpable as they began to stalk him. Atlas took a step forward, his hands clenched into fists, ready to do violence, when Draven grabbed his arm…then the siren pulled his knife, flipped it over and offered the hilt to the elf before palming his own blade. Kincade yanked out his weapons, and she wasn’t sure if he was even aware of doing it. “That’s bullshit,” he snarled. “She’s our everything.”
Her heart stopped, her mind blanking, unable to process his confession. Warmth flooded her, the sensation painful, and she finally realized what it was…hope.
Such blinding hope it hurt to breathe.
Ward appeared unconcerned. “It’s her decision who she wants in her life. Her powers are strong enough to back up her decision. If she feels neglected,” he tipped his head in her direction, “then you need to ask yourselves what you’re doing wrong that she no longer wants you.”
“That’s not true.” Sure, she fought the connection in the beginning, but that changed once she got to know them. Unfortunately, no one seemed to be listening to her.
Ward gave another shrug and picked up his pace. “Or maybe none of you are worthy, and she knows it.”
“We’re doing what’s needed to be done to keep her safe.” Kincade snarled through clenched teeth, none of them even sparing her a glance.
“Maybe.” Ward yelled over his shoulder. “But she won’t be your responsibility if you’re not able to keep her.”
The guys cast each other a look, then hurried after Ward, as if preparing for a fight. “We’re not letting her go.”
“You might not have a choice if she severs the connection.”
“What?” Morgan felt the bottom of her world give away. “I was told there was no way to break the connection once a mate is found.”
“Correct.” Ward slowed his pace so she could catch up to him, seeming almost confused that she didn’t know this information. “But if you have enough magic, you can block them. It will feel like you’ve cut off an arm, but it’s possible—although usually done in only the most extreme circumstances.”
Her guts churned with dread, the world feeling like it stopped spinning as the implications struck home.
Like if she was wearing a bomb that would ultimately kill them all unless she set them free.
Chapter Fifteen
Morgan trailed after the others in a daze, blocking out their voices. The guys would never forgive her if she did such a thing. It would mean ripping her heart out of her chest, but she would do it if it meant keeping them safe.
She would rather have them alive than allow them to die with her.
But not yet.
She couldn’t do it yet.
Only as a last resort.
She blew out a heavy breath and glanced over her shoulder.
“What do you see?”
“Huh?” She blinked at Draven, not comprehending his question.
“That’s the fourth time you’ve looked behind us.” He casually flipped his blade end over end, not even watching the knife spin before catching it again.
She glanced behind her again, scanning the forest, unable to stop a shiver from going up her spine. Though she couldn’t see anything, she couldn’t get over the feeling that they were no longer alone. “I think we’re being followed.”
The guys halted, spreading out, eyeing the forest. “Where?”
Morgan scanned the trees, then shook her head, feeling foolish. “Maybe I’m being paranoid.”
“We trust your instincts.” Kincade edged closer, going back to back with her. “You’re connected to this place in a way that we aren’t.”
“Run!” A guy no older than seventeen ran at them full tilt. As he neared, she saw blood leaking from dozens of wounds scattered over every exposed inch of his body.
Everyone braced for attack, but instead of pausing, he sprinted past them, sweat plastering his hair to his face. Their eyes met for less than a second, but she recognized him.
The hellhound.
A dark cloud emerged through the trees, a slight hum disturbing the air. As the cloud drew closer, her jaw dropped open in surprise.