32. Thirty-Two

thirty-two

U nsurprisingly, I dreamt of Penn that night—of the ceremony that first bonded us so long ago. It was my first experience with the visions of the past since understanding that I truly was Diana. These memories— her memories—were also mine, locked deep within my subconscious until the comets had set them free.

Our true mates ceremony was held at Wolf Hall, home of the king of the alphas, Stavros, and his mate, Iliana. They were the first pair of bonded warriors; Lucien and I would be the last. My fae family from back in the village had accepted invitations to attend, though I would’ve preferred they declined.

I stood in a grandiose bedroom in front of a gilded mirror. My gown was white, but the cape draped around my shoulders was green and gold. The king had gifted me a tiara, just as he’d done for each of the other alphas’ mates. My blonde hair was nearly the same color as the delicate bands of gold, making it seem as though the jewels floated freely above my head like a glamorous halo.

Outside the window, the sun had yet to fully set. Soon, though. That was when I would leave my virginal sanctuary and join Lucien at the altar, where King Orrin himself would preside over the ritual. Before winning the games, I could’ve only dreamt of an honor so great.

Now that my dreams had turned to reality, the sparkling fantasy seemed more like a nightmare. Nothing against Lucien. He wasn’t the problem, not really. It was everything else that bothered me.

There was a knock on the outer chamber door, and someone entered without waiting for an invitation. I caught sight of the intruder in the mirror and smiled. She wore her dark hair in an elaborate updo, and her sapphire dress brought out the blue in her eyes. In her hands, she held a velvet box.

“You shouldn’t have,” I teased.

Zosia rolled her eyes. “I didn’t. It’s from Luc. He wanted to give it to you himself, but I wasn’t sure whether you wanted to see him.” She came to stand behind me. “You look beautiful.”

I averted my gaze and turned to face her. “Thank you. I appreciate you playing messenger.”

Her expression softened. “It’s going to be okay. I promise. The ceremony is painless.”

I chewed the inside of my cheek. “I know.”

“It’ll get easier from here. Lucien is a good guy.” She held up the box. “Zeno didn’t have the fae jewelers craft me anything for our big day.”

“So you’ve seen it?” I asked as I accepted the gift. “What is it?”

She laughed. “It’s a present, Diana. Open it.”

I popped the lid. A gleaming gold snake necklace nestled in the folds of green satin, a giant emerald in its jaws.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathed.

“Do you love it?” she asked.

“I do. Did you help him design it?”

Zosia shook her head. “I went with him, but no one really cared about my opinion on the matter.”

The thought of quiet, methodical Lucien sitting down with loud, impulsive Zosia and a jeweler to discuss a necklace for me made me laugh way too loud and long. The boning in my bodice dug into my rib cage, and I started to feel slightly hysterical.

Zosia glanced around the room, alarmed gaze desperately searching for a maid lurking in the shadows to fetch wine or brandy to calm me down. Finding no one, she snatched the necklace from the box and hurried to fasten it around my throat.

The cool metal soothed my flushed skin, and the magic infused in the gold calmed my nerves. Since claiming my place among the first wolves and sacrificing my magic for the ability to transform into a true warrior, fae magic had given me an icky feeling. This was different, though. Whatever spell the craftsman had used agreed with me. I started to feel like maybe everything would be okay.

“I saw your grandfather,” Zosia said once the bout of frenzied laughter faded.

“Are you trying to get me riled up again?” I asked, turning back to the mirror to admire the necklace. “Besides, he had to come. It would look bad if the high elder didn’t put in an appearance at his own granddaughter’s bonding.” I met her eyes in the mirror. “What about the rest of my family?”

She shook her head. “Not yet. Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll be here. And if not, maybe it’s for the best. This really is the start of a new life. Maybe it’s better to leave the past behind.”

It wasn’t just a trite saying coming from her. When Zosia had bonded with Zeno, her parents had attended the ceremony, but her own twin sister had declined the invitation. I couldn’t imagine how much that must have hurt. Especially since Zosia had actually wanted to see her family. My feelings were more ambivalent.

“It’s almost time,” she said, gesturing toward the darkening sky outside the window. “I’ll see you when it’s over.” She gave me a quick hug before retreating.

I stared at my reflection and wondered if I would look different once Lucien and I had bonded. My appearance hadn’t shifted after the transformation. Well, except for my eyes. They often turned gold when my emotions ran high, something Lucien liked to tease me about. He, of course, had mastered his feelings, which I didn’t entirely appreciate.

We’d spent a lot of time together since we learned of the match, yet I still felt like I didn’t really know him. Though commissioning such a beautiful piece of jewelry suggested maybe he knew me, because it was somehow the perfect gift.

It’s all going to be alright , I told myself.

Another knock came from the door. This time, the person waited for my response. Lucien eased the door open. I whirled to face him, eyes wide with alarm.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded.

He ran a hand through his blond hair and offered me a sheepish smile. “I thought maybe we could walk to the altar together. You and me.”

I blinked. “Oh, um. I don’t think it works that way, but that’s very kind of you to offer.”

Lucien pressed the door closed and joined me at the mirror. A nervous giggle escaped my lips when he took my hands.

“There is no right or wrong way with the ceremony.” Amusement flashed in his bright blue eyes. “I asked King Orrin to be sure. These are our traditions, meant to carry forward in our pack.” He squeezed my fingers and repeated, “Our pack, Diana. After tonight, we will be the alpha couple. Our bond gives us the authority to rule together, not just me.” He brought my knuckles to his lips. “It’s only right we enter into our ceremony together, don’t you think?”

That was the moment I fell in love with him. I knew why he made the gesture—because my father still hadn’t arrived. Lucien didn’t want our union to start out on a sad note, and that was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for me.

“Okay, yeah,” I said, my voice too breathy.

His expression grew serious. “One more question, while it’s just the two of us.” His gaze bore into mine. “Do you want to be my mate, Diana?”

Nobody had ever asked me what I wanted before. Everyone in my life simply told me what to do without caring about my feelings on the matter. Even bonding with Lucien wasn’t my choice. King Orrin had declared us true mates.

I swallowed around the lump in my throat. “Of course I do. Why? Is that not what you want?” I yanked my hands free and turned away from him. “No. Wait. Don’t tell me. I’d rather not know if you’re unhappy with the arrangement.”

Lucien placed his hands tentatively on my shoulders. “I’m very pleased, Diana,” he said, voice thick. “I only want to make certain you feel the same way.”

He moved one hand beneath my jaw and tipped my chin upward, forcing me to look at our reflections. I’d always found Lucien attractive; anyone with eyes could see he was handsome. He’d shaved for the big occasion, which was almost too bad since I liked his scruff. His silky dark blond hair skimmed his broad shoulders. And that gorgeous mouth…

As far as mates went, Lucien really was the best of them. He had a kind heart, which wasn’t true of many who’d competed in the Warrior Games, including myself.

“I feel the same,” I said at last. “I want to be your mate.”

Gold swirled in Lucien’s blue irises. “Good. Because I very much wish to be yours.” He stepped back and offered me his arm. “Shall we make it official?”

The sky outside was still dark when I woke. Flames still crackled in the fireplace. I couldn’t have slept more than a few hours, yet I had a surprising amount of energy. It was like the sex had reinvigorated me, breathed new life into my dampened spirit. Or maybe it was finally understanding the connection I felt to Penn.

My cheek rested against his bare chest. He had one arm tucked behind his head like a pillow, and he absently stroked my tangled hair with the other.

“Have you been awake all night?” I asked, tilting my head so I could peer up at him.

He smiled. “Sleep a little longer.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not tired.”

Laughter rumbled in his chest. “Two seconds ago you were sleeping like the dead.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Was I snoring?”

“Not once,” he promised, though his carefully schooled expression made me wonder if he was just being nice.

“I was having a good dream,” I admitted.

Penn lifted an eyebrow. “Yeah? Better than what happened before you fell asleep?”

It was my turn to laugh. “Do you really need me to boost your ego? You’re well aware your sexual prowess is unparalleled.”

His hand slid down my spine to rest on my bare ass. “I’m the only shifter you’ll ever sleep with, I pulled out all my good tricks to convince you I’m worth it.”

I sighed. “You knew? Is that why you’ve been so hesitant until now?”

“It’s one reason.” He ran his fingertips over the curve of my hip. “This complicates things.”

My chest tightened. “I know that. Penn, things are already complicated. You’re the reincarnation of Lucien—the original alpha.” I sat up, a dark realization dawning. “One warrior must fall so the true warrior may rise— you’re the warrior. Not Finneus.”

Penn’s jaw went rigid. The somber look in his eyes told me he had already considered this possibility.

“We don’t know that for certain,” he cautioned as he rolled onto his side and propped himself on his elbow. “Prophecies are notoriously misleading.”

“True,” I conceded. “But come on. We both know Finneus isn’t the warrior. And if he’s not, he probably doesn’t even have a true mate. They’ll keep failing the ceremony, and he’ll keep killing girls. We have to stop him.”

Penn’s teeth ground together. “I know, Drake.”

I blinked, my rising irritation halting. “You do?”

“I might overlook a lot of Finn’s faults, but I’m not blind. He’s out of control.”

“So what do we do?” I asked.

We stared at each other, both daring the other to blink first. There was one obvious answer, yet neither of us wanted to say it aloud. Penn could challenge his brother for alpha in a fight to the death.

No. Despite everything Finneus had done, I couldn’t ask Penn to kill him.

There was no doubt in my mind that Penn would win. He was an original alpha warrior, with all the power and authority that came with it. No one in our pack stood a chance against him.

“Finn is bringing in more strays by the day,” Penn said, finally breaking the silence. “Even if I did challenge him and win, there would be a bloodbath. The pack has been through too much.”

He had a point, yet the alternative wasn’t any better.

“So we just go to the ceremony and let Paula die?” I crossed my arms over my breasts.

Penn shook his head, an annoyed sigh hissing through his parted lips. “That’s not what I’m saying. I have an out for her if she’s willing to take it. Once her head is off Malia’s chopping block, we can worry about what to do next.”

My brows drew together. “What sort of out?”

“Haven’t you wondered how Walter got inside our territory without anyone noticing?” Penn leaned against the stone ledge in front of the fireplace and patted the space beside him.

I crawled the short distance and curled beneath his arm, resting my head on his shoulder.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind,” I replied. “Besides, Walter’s fae. Magic users are tricky. I’m not surprised he managed to get to Frann’s house without detection.”

Penn planted a soft kiss on my forehead. “There have always been rumors about a passage in the Snake Mountains, one that our ancestors used to travel to other countries.”

My dream of Desmona in London came to mind. I had assumed she’d taken a boat. Maybe not.

“How did Walter know about it?” I asked.

Penn blew out a breath. “He wasn’t particularly forthcoming with that information. The point is, the passage exists and Paula can use it to leave. If she agrees to go.”

That seemed like a big if, even after Finneus had humiliated her. Our only hope was to convince Paula of the truth—that the likelihood of her being Finneus’ true mate was almost nonexistent. Maybe if we could get her to face her own mortality, she might agree to voluntary exile.

“Where will she go?” I asked, a little surprised I cared so much about a woman who hated me.

Penn ran his fingertips up and down my arm. “I have some friends who can help her start over. There are quite a few communities where all sorts of supernaturals live outside the typical pack structures.”

I realized then that Penn had an entire life separate and apart from his time in the Snake Mountains. He knew about the larger world. He’d explored beyond our pack lands and met all sorts of interesting people. Would I ever get the opportunity to do the same?

“The storm’s let up,” Penn said, drawing me out of my thoughts. “We should get back to Frann’s before Walter leaves.”

“Yeah, I want to get back and check on Evera. She must be losing her mind right now with Grace—wait. Why do you want to talk to Walter again?”

Penn squeezed my shoulders. “Because he’s the only one who knows the location of the passage entrance. We can’t get Paula away from Finn without Stolly’s help.”

“Wonderful.” I sighed. “And what will we give him in exchange?”

Thirty minutes later, back in Frann’s living room, I learned Walter’s price—and it was even steeper than I had imagined.

“Just a favor, Drake. One day in the not-too-distant future, I’m gonna call on you, and you’re gonna answer without question.”

“Done,” Penn snapped.

Walter shook his head. “Not gonna cut it. It’s her promise I want.”

I licked my lips. “If I say yes, this pays for all you’ve done—coming here, healing me, sneaking Paula out? All of it?”

“That sounds like a yes.” Walter grinned and stretched his arms across the back of Frann’s sofa. “I’ll be right here just waiting to do your bidding.”