Chapter Ten

Where's My Letter?

"If this were a book, I would totally be cussing the author at the moment. I mean, could you please just finish one storyline already before throwing another curveball at us? No? Fine. Be a dick. Don't come crying to me if people start sending you ugly messages because you toy with their emotions like a yo-yo on a string. And yes, I'm well aware that tension is what makes a good book. At the moment, I'm as tense as I can stand. Cut the damn string already." ~Maddie

"Nushawani means new shaman," Roan repeated.

Maddie waved a hand at him. "Not that part. The part where you said I have magic, and it calls to you." She put her hands on her hips and glared at the perpetually, pissed-off shaman. "I find that highly unlikely considering you're a butthead. And if I had magic in me, it definitely wouldn't be calling your name." She motioned to Nico, who had a stupid, big grin on his face. "Punky over there has a better chance of having the attention of my magic. No offense," she quickly added to Nico.

"None taken." Nico nonchalantly slipped his hands into the pockets of his ripped jeans. "I'm just enjoying the show. And you're doing one hell of a job on handing Roan his ass. Carry on."

Maddie rolled her eyes. Then she looked at Taras and Lyra. "Good grief, are all shaman like these two?" She motioned to Nico and Roan. "Because if they are, then I'm going to take a pass on this whole Nuwesh, Noshew— Crap, I can't even say the word. How could I possibly be one? And if I am a wizard-shaman thing, where's my letter?"

"What?" Roan asked, his muscular arms folded across his chest.

Don't acknowledge his muscular arms, Maddie. Buuuut they're really nice arms. Focus. She forced herself to pull her crap together.

"My letter, telling me I'm a wizard and whatnot." Maddie heard Lola groan, but she didn't take her eyes off of Roan.

"You're not a wizard, and neither am I." His voice was surprisingly calm, considering he looked like he wanted to throttle her.

Maddie tapped her foot as she attempted to work through her feelings about this new bomb they'd just dropped in her lap. Her eyes shifted to Lyra, who gave her a very subtle nod. Then Maddie looked at Lola, imploring her with her eyes to fix this. But in her gut, she knew there was nothing her best friend could do. Finally, she looked back at Roan. "So you're my only option?" Coughs that sounded suspiciously like laughter surrounded her. Maddie didn't know what was funny. She was serious.

Roan rocked back on his heels as he gazed at her with those swirling, silver eyes. "You will have the chance to meet the other shaman to see if there's a stronger bond than the one between us."

"And what happens if there is?"

"Then you and that shaman can train together." His answer sounded a little too sparse, as if he were trying to avoid saying something.

"So, I can choose who I want to train me to be a wizard?"

"Yes," Lyra answered, probably because Roan's jaw was clenched so tightly that Maddie could see the movement of the bone underneath his skin. "There's more you need to know," the Prima continued. "You are a good excuse for Roan to visit other kingdoms."

Maddie perked up at that. "Oh, we're going to be spies?"

"No." "Yes." Roan and Lyra said at the same time.

Maddie's brow rose as she looked between the two. "Which is it? Wizard spies or not?"

"I think the best thing is for you to go with Roan," Lyra said in that gentle but firm voice that seemed to have anyone, and everyone, ready to do her bidding. "He can explain things more in depth." She glanced at Roan, and Maddie did not miss the warning in Lyra's eyes.

"All right." Taras's booming voice filled the room. "We need to be on our way. Roan, please keep me updated on what you learn as you visit each kingdom."

Roan nodded, but his eyes weren't on the Prime. They were firmly fixed on Maddie. She refused to squirm under his scrutiny. It wasn't her fault that some magical bond drew them together.

Chatter filled the room as the group followed Taras and Lyra out. Lola walked up to Maddie and gave her a tight hug, her mouth right beside her ear. "You be safe. And try being nice to Roan. You catch more flies with honey."

"That's a dumb saying. Who wants more flies?" Maddie huffed but hugged Lola back. "You be careful, too."

As soon as the room was empty and it was just her and Roan, Maddie's confidence wavered. But she tried not to show it. She stood up tall, pulled her shoulders back, and met his stare. "So now what?"

"Now we go visit kingdoms, while also using the opportunity to get to know each other better."

"Why would we need to do that?" Maddie's need to fidget grew stronger.

"Because you're my—" He paused as if he couldn't quite find the word, then seemed to settle on, "Responsibility, since I discovered you first."

He didn't sound particularly happy about that fact. More resigned than anything else, which just ticked Maddie off. It wasn't her fault she was a nush-whatever. She hadn't asked for Roan to show up in Lola's bedroom and be the shaman to discover her.

Maddie's heart beat hard in her chest. "But you said there could be a stronger pull, whatever the crap that means, between me and another shaman. So, I should get to know other shaman, too, right?" She nodded her head as if that would somehow make him agree with her.

Roan shrugged. "Eventually."

For some reason, his tone made her feel like eventually on his timeline was completely different from her own.

Lola settled into a plush seat aboard the sleek private jet, her mind still reeling. In the span of one breakfast, everything had changed. Not only were Callon and the others now joining their quest, but the revelation about her best friend had left Lola floored. Maddie was a shaman.

Gazing unseeing out the jet's window as they taxied down the runway, memories cascaded through Lola's mind. The look on Maddie's face when Roan had dropped the two-ton revelation. The possessiveness on Roan's face as he'd spoken. There was more going on than the shaman explained. Not that he'd had time. In a blur, Lyra and Taras had announced they were leaving, and Roan and Maddie would be going off on their own little mission. Now Lola was taxing down a runway in the pride's plane. It all happened so fast.

There was a complicated mix of relief and frustration that Maddie hadn't come along to the bayou. Keeping her safe from the dangers ahead was Lola's top priority. Damn, she really wanted to talk through this startling news about her friend's new status. And other things. Because she was quite sure there was some sizzle between Maddie and Roan. Lola huffed a quiet laugh under her breath. Her friend was full of surprises.

Across the aisle, Nico had his phone to his ear, his boots propped casually atop the polished mahogany table. Lola only caught snatches of his conversation over the jet's noise.

"…already happened, so quit grumbling… Yes, obviously I was there with Talbot for the claiming… You think I'd let our boy meet his mate without backup?" Nico's gravelly laugh followed. "Lighten up, Link… I said you worry too much."

Lola's brows rose with interest. She hadn't gotten many details yet about this destined mate of Talbot's that Nico had located. She nudged her mate.

Callon looked down at her, his brow rose in question.

She nodded her head toward Nico. "The woman at the Kingdom of Venom, Talbot's mate, that you all found at the Kingdom of Silk. Did she want to go?"

"Do you honestly think I would have allowed Nico to force her?"

"Of course not." She huffed. "You just didn't say much about her."

"That's because I don't know much about her. I was ready to get home to you. Nico took the female to New Orleans. That's all I know."

She watched the Chaos Shaman's expressive face as he talked, fascinated by the genuine affection that came into his silver eyes when discussing Talbot. Who knew that under that erratic, wisecracking exterior lay such a tender heart? Though she supposed a kingdom of misfits would inspire protectiveness in their shaman guide.

Across from Lola, Lyra smiled knowingly. "It is something to see, is it not? He attempts to cover himself in armor to hide his true nature, but he has a tender heart."

Lola nodded slowly. "I'll admit, I'm surprised. Nico hides it well under all the bravado."

Lyra chuckled. "Much like a certain Lion Prince I know. Though he has a different sort of bravado." She shot an amused look at Callon in the seat beside Lola. "Nico has many layers, as do most who have lived through difficult times. But his loyalty runs deep, and not to just those in the Kingdom of Chaos."

A pang of guilt hit Lola as she realized she had judged the unusual shaman too quickly, especially because of his affiliation with the demon. She didn't know much about his history and demons, only what Taras explained. Perhaps she should reserve assessment until seeing more of how he treated this Talbot and the other members of his own kingdom. Actions spoke louder than words.

Beside her, Callon shifted restlessly. Lola turned to see his gaze fixed on Raphael across the aisle. The demon appeared relaxed, eyes closed and head tilted back. But her mate's corded forearms and clenched jaw revealed his tension. Otto sat a good three feet away from the demon and kept giving him a look that made Lola shiver.

Lola placed a gentle hand on Callon's wrist. "You doing okay?"

He glanced down at her touch, eyes still simmering with distrust. "I don't like having that silver tongue so close to you." Callon kept his voice low, no doubt conscious of preternatural hearing all around them.

Lola offered a teasing smile, hoping to ease his worry. "Aw, and here I thought you wanted him up close and personal so you could keep an eye on him."

The corner of Callon's mouth quirked reluctantly. "Perhaps. But I'd prefer an ocean between you and any demon, especially an incubus."

"I'll just sit here by you so you can keep me demon-free," she told him in a dramatic stage whisper.

Callon's lips twitched higher. He lifted her hand, brushing a kiss to her knuckles. "Have I told you today how glad I am that you're mine?"

Lola grinned. "I do like when your inner-cave lion comes out." Her smile faded as she stared down at their joined hands. Softly, she said, "But you don't need to worry about me. We're in this together now."

Just then, Otto scurried over and plopped down in the empty seat beside her.

"Too much man stink over there," he declared with a disgruntled swish of his tail. "You smell better."

Lola bit back a laugh. "Thanks, I think?" Though odd-looking, she'd come to appreciate Katy's little protector and his candor. Having him along brought her friend closer somehow.

Otto nodded firmly, settling in like he belonged beside her. His large eyes were serious when they met hers. "I keep you and the Maddie safe. I promises Katy. Now the Maddie gone. Now just you."

Lola's amusement softened. Reaching over to pat his clawed hand, she said gently, "We'll look out for each other. Katy has enough to worry about." At Otto's low hiss, she added, "But I know she'd be grateful you're here watching over us."

That seemed to mollify the prickly lizard. He gave her a toothy grin. "We make good team. You no hurt while Otto's around." He folded his small arms and gave a serious nod.

Callon exchanged an amused glance with Lola over Otto's head. "Well, that's fortunate. Since we clearly need your protection from impending doom."

If Otto sensed the teasing note in her mate's comment, he gave no sign. Settling back in his seat, Otto kept up a steady mutter about all the ways he could take down their foes. Soon, Lola was tuning out the vivid threats with practiced ease.

Callon's golden eyes glowed as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. Lola put her head against him, her tension easing. Across the cabin, Nico ended his call and tucked the phone away. He caught Lola watching him curiously.

"That was Link, Shaman for the Kingdom of Venom. He wanted to give me grief for sneaking off during such a pivotal time for their throne." Nico's lips twisted wryly. "Honestly, I think he's a bit lonely now that Azure isn't around to keep an eye on. But my place is here, helping with the hunt for the wayward king. I was used as a tool to help prepare Talbot's mate to meet him, and now I've moved on."

"It's a good thing that he found her. It will make him stronger, right?"

Taras nodded slowly at Lola from across the aisle. "Let us hope so. The boy I knew was devoted to our ways." His gaze turned distant. "With the right queen…"

Beside him, Lyra picked up his thread of thought. "If honorable minds prevail, this could unite Venom and the Council at a critical hour." Her wise eyes lingered on each of them in turn. "But it's yet to be seen what kind of influence Azure had on his great-nephew. Pray this change guides the kingdom from darkness into light."

Sobered by the Prima's insight, Lola faced forward again. So much uncertainty still loomed. Would confronting the voodoo priestess bring them closer to freeing Katy or only mire them in fresh danger? And could Venom's new rulers resist the temptations of power that had corrupted Azure? The boards were set for an endgame, but which side would emerge victorious remained frighteningly unclear.

"You not worry," he said sagely. "Just bite bad things when they come. Otto's way is best."

Lola huffed a laugh despite herself. "If only it were that simple."

Though his methods were unorthodox, the lizard had a point. They gained nothing by worrying over something that hadn't happened yet, and might not happen at all. All she could do was face whatever came with courage and trust in this new family she'd been given. And on that note, she pulled out her phone and sent her parents a quick text. Lying to them sucked, but she didn't have any other choice. At least not yet.

Lola's restless thoughts kept returning to Maddie and Roan's declaration about her. There was a part of Lola that felt relieved because she didn't want Maddie to be left out. But another part of Lola worried for the safety of both her friends as they navigated this new reality.

She glanced over at Nico, who was gazing contemplatively out the window. "Hey, Nico, what will happen now that Maddie might become a shaman? Will she have to go train with the shaman Council?"

Nico turned his silver eyes on Lola. "It's been a long time since we've had a new shaman." He shrugged. "She may, or may not, develop small intuitive gifts that require no formal training. Or her powers could grow until she must learn our ways lest they control her. It's hard to say. We've never had a human become a shaman, so we're walking an unchartered path. New paths can be exciting, and they can be dangerous. Where will the road ultimately lead? To promising beginnings or to ruin?" He held both hands palms up. "Who can say?"

Lola shivered at the ominous thought, but Nico smiled reassuringly. "Worry not. Your friend is in good hands with Roan to guide her." His grin turned wicked. "And I doubt she will tread any path quietly. Fate favors the bold."

Despite her lingering concern, Lola had to laugh. "Too right. Maddie doesn't know the meaning of keeping a low profile. Neither of my friends do." Her amusement faded. "I just hope she's ready for everything to change."

Callon squeezed her hand, his rumbling voice thoughtful. "Transformation often brings growing pains. But wisdom relies on navigating those trials." His golden eyes held understanding. "Have faith in Maddie. And in Roan's guidance, should she need it."

Lola nodded slowly, taking comfort from her mate's steady strength. She would trust that between Roan and the other Shaman Council members, Maddie would come to not only understand her new abilities, but to master them in time. Lola would be there to support her best friend every step of the way, even if it were from afar.

Across the aisle, Taras cleared his throat. "We should discuss our strategy once we reach the bayou. Azure is crafty, and his pet witch is powerful." His solemn gaze took them each in. "We must be prepared for any treachery."

Sobering, Lola faced forward again. The snake king and his voodoo witch were evil and wouldn't fight fair. She shared none of Nico and Raphael's eagerness to cross them, only cold resolve. This evil had haunted Katy long enough.

Otto's small hand patting her arm drew Lola's spiraling worries back. "No scared," he said sternly. "I bite them dead." His unsettling teeth gleamed.

Lola snorted, lips twitching with reluctant amusement. "Still creepy, dude. But I appreciate the thought."

The lizard's bloodthirsty vow lightened the mood enough for them to begin strategizing in earnest for the confrontation ahead.

Maddie stood staring—no, she stood glaring at Roan, who had the nerve to look relaxed. It had been an hour since he'd turned her life upside down again. Now the others had left, and she was alone with him. He'd started to talk, but she'd quelled him with a look that she was sure would have made a lesser man grow pale. Her arms folded across her chest and her right foot tapped a restless rhythm against the carpeted floor.

"Okay, let's try this again." She took a deep breath and counted to ten. Something about Roan made her completely irrational. He drove her crazy, and yet, she couldn't deny that she was attracted to him. Even despite his complete asshat-ness. "I'm supposed to be a shaman … like you. How is that possible? I'm not one of you people. I'm from here." She pointed at the floor. "Earth. This world!" Her voice was rising, despite her best efforts to keep calm.

Roan smirked. "You people?"

"A Damarian," Maddie rasped. "You know what I mean."

He let out a sigh and walked over to one of the large couches in the living area. He sat down and leaned back, resting one ankle on his thigh and an arm across the back of the sofa. "How is it possible for a human female to call forth a Damarian's beast?"

She clenched her jaw, remembering that killing Roan wasn't an option. "I really hate it when people answer a question with a question."

"I'm just trying to get you to think, Maddie," he said, not unkindly. It still annoyed her.

No doubt seeing her simmering irritation, Roan held up his hands placatingly. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to be cryptic. This is uncharted territory."

He rose and took a step toward her, keeping his movements slow as if approaching a skittish foal. "What I sense in you is raw, intuitive magic. Similar to the energy we Damarians wield, though we refine it with training and ritual. The magic in you recognizes mine, which tells me, like the human females who become animi do so by absorbing our power, you've done the same thing. But instead of becoming an animus, you became a shaman."

Maddie mulled this over. "So I'm not destined to be with one of the Damarians?"

The silver swirls in Roan's eyes moved faster, and Maddie didn't miss the way his jaw clenched. "No," he said curtly. "You are not for any male that has a beast in them."

"Then who am I for? Are shaman celibate? Oh, crap." Her eyes widened. "Do I have to take some sacred oath to never have a spouse, mate, whatever it is you all call it? Am I destined to be single for the rest of my life because I have some duty to your kind and your god?" Her breathing was rapid as she considered her questions. Until that moment, it hadn't occurred to her she might not be allowed to take a mate. Of course, she'd known all of an hour that she had shaman magic flowing through her body.

Roan had the nerve to smile, which was about as close to a laugh as he'd ever given. "Why would you think that?" The corners of his eyes crinkled up.

"Dude, you've been in our realm long enough to know why I would think that. Priests and priestesses in tons of societies are commanded to remain single and pure, so they aren't distracted from serving their god or gods, whichever it might be."

Roan nodded. "True. You're very knowledgeable about things that I wouldn't think one of your age would understand."

"Katy forces us to watch documentaries. It's annoying as hell, but I can't say it hasn't given me tons of useless knowledge."

"In this case, it is not useless," he pointed out. "But neither is it helpful. Shaman can have mates. Typically, a shaman finds his or her mate in the Kingdom of Chaos."

Maddie frowned. "Why?"

"Because the Damarians in the Kingdom of Chaos cannot call forth another's beast. They already lack control of their own beast. If a shaman took a shifter or animus as a mate, we could be unknowingly taking a male's chance at being whole, and the female's as well."

"Do any of the current shaman have mates?"

Roan shook his head. "No. Some have taken lovers, but they haven't become more than that." He ran a hand across his face, the start of a five o'clock shadow beginning to show on his handsome face. "But I think everything we've known about shamans is about to change."

Maddie was perfectly capable of reading between the lines. "Because of me?"

Roan nodded. "Basically, yes. You are new. You're an unknown, and that is going to make some Damarians nervous."

Maddie pursed her lips. "If you tell me that they're going to come marching after me with pitchforks and torches, I might just throat punch you."

His eyes gleamed. "One thing is certain, life will never be monotonous. It will be interesting to watch your magic grow and reshape under our guidance. Though your power will likely be … unique."

Great, she was going to be the weird shaman who read tarot cards and cast spells with funky human elements like computer coding or emojis. Oddly, the thought didn't disturb Maddie like she'd expected. This was uncharted territory, like Roan said. It was her role to shape as she wished.

Still, uncertainty lingered. "What does this mean for my life going forward?" She searched Roan's face, which had returned to its natural state of RSBF, a.k.a resting shaman bitch face. "Will I have to leave everything behind?" Fear squeezed her heart that this emerging power might separate her from her friends and family.

Roan's stern expression softened marginally. "Nothing needs to be decided today. And you would not walk the shaman path alone." He paused awkwardly. "I will be here to teach you."

Maddie blinked in surprise at his offer, something warm unfurling inside her. Maybe he wasn't such an insensitive caveman under all the gruffness. She managed a tiny smile. "You sure you want to make that offer?"

"It wasn't an offer. It's a statement of fact."

"Anyone ever told you that you're the king of being an overbearing ass?"

The corner of Roan's mouth quirked slightly before he grew serious again. "There are aspects of the shaman's call that can be … challenging at first." His jaw tightened. "Our magic comes from a primal place, even though we don't have a beast living within us. It must be handled with great care and wisdom."

Sensing that there was a lot he wasn't saying, Maddie only nodded. Baby steps. She'd tackle the heavy, mystic stuff later. Right now she needed distraction from her own messy thoughts and speculating on what her friends could be facing in the bayou.

She aimed for a lighter tone. "Well, since you're supposed to be mentoring me anyway, what's my first lesson, Teach?"

Roan looked briefly surprised by her flippancy before shaking his head wryly. "You truly are an odd one." He moved closer and held out a hand. "Lesson one. Creating light. The basis for many spells is calling energies from one realm into another. We can't cross into other realms because we sealed them when we came through, but we're still able to access the power there because it is a part of us."

Maddie lifted her hand slowly to his, her pulse increasing as their skin brushed. His magic was there, simmering just below the surface. She wanted to understand it, to learn to harness this newfound gift. There had been a growing fear inside of her as her friends discovered they were a part of this world and she was not. Maddie hadn't wanted to admit that she was scared she'd get left behind while her two best friends moved on with their exciting lives. Though, now that she was a part of this world, how was she going to explain it to her mom? She'd already lied about a silly, last-minute road trip. Her mom hadn't been pleased about it, but she'd been surprisingly understanding. Since then she's sent a few texts just checking in, letting her mom know she was still alive. Roan cleared his throat, and it pulled her from her thoughts.

Maddie's gaze locked with Roan's. "Focus on the warmth inside of you. It will feel like heat in your gut. Imagine it as a ball of light and will it to manifest."

At first, nothing happened. Then a tiny orb of soft light flickered to life above their clasped palms. It was no bigger than a firefly, but warmth rushed through Maddie at having done it.

Roan's lips tilted in a hint of a smile. "A good start, Nushawani. With time and practice, you could be a passable shaman."

Okay, he didn't exactly sing her praises, but he didn't tell her she sucked either. Maddie grinned, bouncing excitedly, causing the light to wink out. "I'm totally going to be the sickest shaman ever, just watch." She rubbed her hands together as her smile widened. "Okay, what now?"

"Now we go meet with the other shaman and introduce you." Roan's tone had returned to its normal irritated sound. "As I mentioned before, it has been a very long time since a new shaman has been discovered, and never a human. The others will be curious."

"No more magic lessons?" Her tone deflated.

"This isn't wizard school. It's more like an apprenticeship," he said, gruffly.

Maddie's brow rose. "Do I get paid?"

Roan frowned. "An apprentice never gets paid. They're happy that they got the opportunity in the first place. That is the payment."

Maddie pursed her lips. "Health benefits?"

"Did your mom drop you on your head as an infant?"

Maddie rolled her eyes. "You're a riot."

"I wasn't trying to be funny."

"Good, because you're not. You're the complete opposite of funny." She huffed. "Can we get this show on the road? How are we traveling?"

Roan started for the door. "We'll take the smaller Pride plane. We need to make the rounds to all ten kingdoms over the next couple of days. Driving will be too slow."

"So I get to be thirty thousand feet in the air with you and no way to get away from your pleasant personality unless I want to jump out of an airplane?"

"Sounds about right."

She started after him. "Why couldn't I get a lion, or tiger, or bear? Instead, I get a shaman. Which rhymes with ramen. As in Ramen Noodles."

"Are you going to talk the entire time?" He closed the door behind them.

"Am I bothering you?"

"Most definitely."

"Then yes."