12. Adrianna

12

ADRIANNA

" D on't make me regret this." A handful of words, but Beau's threat is clear. Even if it's not aimed at me, I sense it. I'm trying my best not to freak the fuck out over the fact that I can hear him clearly, despite him standing a good few yards away whispering with Kryll.

Since everything has started to spiral and pain aches throughout my body, I know this is all part of being a wolf. It's overwhelming but euphoric all at once, and I'm slightly obsessed.

Should I be listening in? Probably not, but it's not my fault. It's new magic and I don't know what I'm doing. That's my excuse, at least.

"We won't," Kryll promises, which makes Professor Tora snicker.

"Why do I get the feeling you will?" I can even picture his raised eyebrow as he stares his brother down, but I can't see it for sure from here.

"Because you're an ass," Kryll grumbles, shoving at him like the situation is more casual than it actually is, but I'm not getting involved. If Cassian's gut is telling him I need to see Janie, then I trust him on it. He was lost in his head before Beau showed up, his face scrunched in distaste, so now I'm here for the ride.

I expect them to trod back over to us, but something makes Kryll pause, reaching for his brother's arm before he can take a single step. "You knew about the spell?"

I freeze, the question catching me off guard when I realize it's about me but not aimed at me.

"Honestly, I assumed. Her mother is a wolf, of course," Beau answers calmly, but there's something beneath the surface that I can't quite decipher with the aches still trembling through my bones.

"That's all?"

"That's all. Have I ever given you reason not to trust me before, brother?"

Ah, there it is. Beau's not used to Kryll questioning him, it seems.

"No, but I've also never had someone like her to protect," Kryll states, all matter-of-factly, as I hide my face in my hands, willing the heat from my cheeks to disappear.

A beat passes between them and I pry my fingers open to peer through the slits at them. I find them both in a stare off. "Something tells me she's set on protecting you too," Beau finally says, squeezing his brother's shoulder in comfort before he marches toward the rest of us with purpose.

The queen has gone, my father, sister, and Julietta along with her. The goodbyes were quick this time, my pain and discomfort causing a new level of urgency that smothered the idea of long, lingering farewells.

"Let's go," Beau orders, snapping his fingers at Brody, who rushes into action.

My stomach tightens, and we're moving. I'm not sure if my insides have been left where I was sitting a moment ago or if they're going to spill out at my feet any time now, but one thing is for sure: the aching in my bones dwindles to nothing more than a cramp.

"Holy shit," I breathe, keeling over with relief as I plant my hands on my knees and take a few deep breaths. I never thought I'd feel that tingling in my chest again.

"Are you okay?" Raiden asks, his polished shoes coming into view first, before I slowly tilt my head back to stare at him.

"Is it too soon to confirm I feel like a new woman?" I ask, attempting a smile, but it falls flat. Pain still weighs heavy on my limbs, despite the immediate throbbing dissipating.

"Technically, you are a new woman, Troublemaker. A new animal and species, if we're being accurate," he rattles off, earning a pointed look as I shake my head at him. Amusement dances in his eyes, but it's a relieved sigh that falls from his lips as he strokes a hand down my back. "Truthfully, you already look better. The color in your cheeks is back and your eyes have their usual sparkle," he offers, winking at me as I stand tall again.

"Oh, he's got sweet-talking going for him now; who knew?" Brody muses, wagging a finger at Raiden, who offers him a two-finger salute in response. Kryll snickers in amusement as Cassian grunts, rolling his eyes in irritation.

"Wait here," the wolf grumbles before disappearing through the tree line, and I quickly realize we're at Janie's restaurant.

I rub my lips together nervously as I stare at the space that sits between me and the building, the same one that seems to have changed my life forever. It's exactly where I was standing the first time I was called out and challenged to a duel. A duel I wanted nothing to do with. A wolf I wanted even less to do with and a stupid bitch calling for my head, all for what?

At the time, it felt like a huge inconvenience, but now? Now I know it was a pinnacle moment, one we haven't turned back from since.

Before I can ponder any more on the matter, Cassian comes rushing out of the building in a blur with another figure at his side. When they halt in front of us, I smile at the appearance of Janie.

Her brown hair is swept back in a low ponytail and her black and red plaid shirt is unbuttoned, revealing a white tank top underneath.

"Hey, Warrior."

"Warrior?" I repeat, the question clear as she grins at me, but her eyes meet Cassian's.

"Sorry, inside joke."

"Amusing," I breathe, unsure how I feel about it, but the fact that there's no hostility lingering in the air sets me at ease.

"He is, isn't he," she retorts, turning back to me with a shit-eating grin that I match with one of my own. Cassian grumbles under his breath, but she ignores him as she takes a step toward me. "I hear my expertise is needed."

"I didn't say expertise," Cassian barks, rolling his eyes at her dramatics, and she shrugs.

"You didn't have to." The power play between them is hilarious and completely reminds me of Nora. Just like Janie, she's the one with all of the power. "Why don't you guys head inside? Jake will feed you all," Janie offers, waving for them all to head toward the restaurant, but Raiden scoffs, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as he levels Janie with a stare.

"I'm not leaving you alone with her."

"Why?" The perplexed look on Janie's face makes it clear she has no idea what his issue is.

" He could show up."

One generic word, two letters, and my spine stiffens. It's clear who he is. No further introductions are necessary.

"I understand your concern, but he hasn't shown his face in days. Not since the trial that was supposed to be aired to the kingdom was abruptly canceled. Nice speech, by the way," she adds, grinning at me, and I blush.

"Thanks," I murmur, caught by surprise that the trial was public to the outside world, only a surprise to us, and more shocked by the fact that Bozzelli still pulled it.

Damn.

"You can fuck off now, Cassian. Take these assholes with you," she states, offering a sterner look this time.

To my surprise, Raiden presses his lips to my temple before taking a step toward the others. The four of them sulk off without a single word, which is more amusing than anything, but Brody pauses as he reaches the door, eyebrows drawn tight as he looks me over.

"I'm good. Save me a steak," I say, and he winks, the tension easing from his frame.

"That's my girl."

"She's our girl," Kryll retorts, glaring at the mage in question, who doesn't relent.

"But she's my Dagger," he insists, earning a shove from Raiden.

"Shut up, Brody," the vampire snaps before they all disappear inside.

I stare at the empty space, certain one of them is going to come barreling out at any moment, but nothing happens.

"So, a fae wolf, huh?" Janie murmurs, cutting through my thoughts, and I nod.

"Apparently."

"How is that going for you?" she asks, eyebrow cocked as I shrug.

"Not so good." It's the truth. I don't know whether she deserves it, but if Cassian trusts her, then I have to as well.

"Cassian mentioned something about pains from being away from the blood moon?"

I rub my lips together nervously as I nod again. "Apparently."

"Hurt like a bitch?" she questions, and I scoff. The little tension clinging to my stance that I hadn't realized still resonated is gone.

"That feels like an understatement," I admit, earning a half smile from her.

"Accurate." She takes her eyes off me, looking out into the darkness for a beat before she looks back at me. "Do you feel any better since getting here?"

"So much," I admit with a sigh, and she nods.

"Good. Usually, it's just a trembling in your veins until the moon peaks and you shift, so hopefully now you won't endure much else," she explains before she suddenly starts waving her hand at me. "Oh, oh, let me guess your color."

"My color?" I repeat with a frown, and her grin grows wider.

"Your fur," she offers as she slowly walks in a small circle around me. I'm rooted to the spot, my pulse ringing in my ears. I can't figure out why, but I think it's because I'm nervous that she's judging my wolf, and no one is allowed to do that. Ever. "Hmm, I'm going to have to go with white," she declares as she comes to a stop in front of me, and all I can do is gape at her in response.

"How did you guess that?"

She shrugs. "I'm awesome, I can't help it."

This time it's my smile that takes over. I can see why Cassian trusts her, and the closeness I feel between them only intensifies with the knowledge. I can also see a few similar traits between them, like all the time they've spent together has strengthened their bond to make them a true family, thus, they've taken similar traits from one another. It warms my heart knowing Cassian had someone here among all the madness.

"So, you've shifted, dealt with the intense pain and all that, but have you tested out your speed, hearing, and new scent abilities?" she asks, leaving me to gape at her once again when I can't find the strength to say no. She shakes her head with a humoring smile. "I'll take your silence as a no."

Clearing my throat, I give her a playful pout. "I'm that obvious, huh?"

"No, you're new, but we've already established you're a warrior, so you're going to catch on quick," she promises, linking my arm like Flora does as she walks me deeper into the forest area.

"I hope so."

"I know so," she retorts, the promise clear, and I shake the nerves threatening to consume me.

"What now?" I ask when I'm certain I'm ready for whatever she's going to throw at me.

"Now, we have some fun."