7. Zander

Chapter seven

Zander

E ighty years ago, the gods told me Kelly MacLaden was my mate. They went the whole nine, threw a party at MacLaden Estate, and boldly, I shook Kelly’s hand when he offered it. His death flashed before my eyes, and I kept my face straight as he introduced me to Morgan MacLaden. I’d warned him to be careful of Xeno Barstow, and he arched a brow, waving me away. Thirty years later, Xeno Barstow shoved a blade into the King’s throat. Cassandra married the Shifter, and it nearly destroyed the Pride.

I’d been bound by a contract to live in Banthard without a mate. I’d been remembering that night most of the day, thankful Kelly hadn’t listened to me. If he had, I might not have met Killian at all. The contract binding me to Banthard, said King MacLaden. I was destined for a King—just not Kelly.

I hadn’t expected to talk to Killian until I came to clean the pool. Lunch made me nervous. I wanted to touch him again to be sure. Yael and Crow were sure. I could tell when Yael had been the one to respond. Killian and I weren’t raised to be that bold with strangers. We weren’t close enough for those kind of remarks.

Killian understood my magic better than his brother, which surprised me. Most people were put off by it and thought it was freaky when I gave them advice. Mom always thought I should have been a therapist. At least then, when I gave them advice, it was expected. It was hard being me. Killian seemed to understand that. I hoped, anyway.

I was exhausted when we ended the conversation and thrilled that we’d talked. For the first time in years, I slept. When my head hit the pillow, and didn’t count the number of ways I’d fucked up in a conversation that happened ten years ago. Killian put me at ease with myself, and I desperately wanted to be able to touch him.