The priestess nods. “I know you originally came to see if the shifter cure could be removed from our young wolf hybrid. It’s clear that you’ve accomplished that on your own.” She looks Maia up and down.

  Maia twirls her fingers together under the witch’s gaze. “Is it really all gone, though? Is there a way to tell?”

  She’s worried that she could still carry the cure?

  Priestess Aurelia grabs Maia’s hands in hers. “Oh, dear. It is completely eradicated from your system. You are only a wolf and a human now, no longer a danger to shifter kind in that way.”

  Maia sighs as if she is finally dropping the weight of the world off of her shoulders. “Thank you. I’m so happy to hear that.” She looks my way with a small smile, and I want so badly to run to her and hold her in my arms.

  Chill out, clingy wolf.

  Priestess Aurelia closes her eyes briefly, still holding onto Maia. “The cure is not in you, but it isn’t gone from our planet entirely. Your blood is captive in the arms of the lupercus that stole you away and liberated you from your curse.”

  Liberated? More like tortured…

  I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “But can it even be destroyed? The cure is supposed to be indestructible.”

  “It was once that way, yes. When the shifter god created the cure, it was with his own blood. Putting it into the blood of a human weakened it, especially after living inside of Maia for all these years. I believe that the reason Maia is free of the cure now is because you awoke her wolf side when you donated your blood to her, and it was Maia’s alpha blood that destroyed the remaining poison.”

  She really does see everything, doesn’t she? “How do you know it wasn’t my alpha blood that killed it? I’m the alpha heir.”

  Priestess Aurelia raises a single eyebrow and looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Dear boy. You are not the rightful alpha heir. That honor goes to our Maia here. It was her alpha heir blood that killed the weakened cure, and it will be her blood that kills the rest of it when you track down the thieves.” She looks back at Maia. “Be careful, though. You are a shifter now, and the cure could kill you as it can any other shifter.”

  Bree groans, drawing all eyes to her. “There’s no way we can track the lupercus, priestess. They leave no trail.”

  “Isn’t there a spell of some kind? I mean, this is the leader of the witches, is it not?” Sasha asks the questions from where she stands beside a tall fireplace.

  Priestess Aurelia smiles back at the shifter. “You need not worry about that. I can find anybody, lupercus or not. But, that is a task for the morning. You have all had a long journey this week, correct?”

  I nod along with the others, and two men enter the living area looking like beefy bodyguards. The priestess stands, finally releasing Maia. “My men will show you to your bedrooms. We have many to spare, so you may all sleep comfortably for tonight.”

  I look toward Maia and she blushes under my gaze. There’s no way I’m sleeping away from my mate for a single night. I can’t deal with losing her again. I don’t mention my worries to the high priestess, though.

  “What about James? Will he be sleeping outside?” Bree worries over James’ comfort, and I just know he’d have a snarky retort for her if he were in here.

  Priestess Aurelia sighs and runs dainty fingers through her hair. “Oh, alright. The vampire may sleep in one of the bedrooms, but he will need a chaperone as long as he is in my home.” She points at Bree. “He will stay with you, my witch daughter. Keep him out of trouble.”

  Bree gulps nervously, but nods without argument. James and Bree are going to share a room for the night, and if I have my say, I’ll spend the night looking after my mate.

  Hell, this’ll be torture.

  Chapter 36

  ⟣⟡⟢

  Maia

  Seth grabs my hand again as we climb the grand stairs of Priestess Aurelia’s house. Two hulk-like men lead us down a long hallway of at least ten opened doors. Each room has a large bed, dark victorian-type bedding, and simple, but expensive-looking decorations. It’s like being in a castle on the outskirts of Georgetown, Delaware.

  “Our priestess has a large number of witches under her care and guidance. These rooms are for any who need them.” The tallest muscled guy turns back to us and then waves to the rooms. “Take your pick. We will keep watch over you for the night.”

  The two men leave, and everyone hesitates momentarily, but as always, Sasha gives zero craps and flips her hair as she steps into the nearest room, slamming the door.

  Horas sighs and shakes his head. “That was an invitation, right? That girl totally wants me.”

  James smacks Horas on the shoulder. “I’m the only one in need of a babysitter tonight, mate. As much as I’d love to watch that girl kick your ass, it’s best you take a room to yourself.”

  Horas grunts and stalks into the room beside Sasha’s. James bows to Bree and gestures toward the following room. “Our humble suite awaits us, little witch.”

  Bree groans and glares at James. “Don’t make me tie you down for the night, vamp.”

  James’ smile reaches his eyes with a wicked gleam. “Oh, please do. I’m happy to beg.”

  My mouth drops open along with Bree’s, and I’m sure she’s about ready to smack James across the face. Instead, she stands taller and her red curls bounce as she heads into the waiting room. She turns back momentarily to throw over her shoulder, “You couldn’t handle me, James. I would hate for you to break a hip in your old age.”

  James laughs as he trails after my best friend. I don’t know what’s going to happen between them in that room, but after that exchange, I’m not sharing a wall with those two. Luckily, Qadira steps into the next room and smiles sweetly back at us.

  “Good night. My body is quite in need of some rest.” She looks over at Wilk longingly and then closes her door.

  Just tell him how you feel!

  Wilk looks sad as he nods to Seth and I. “I need rest, as well. I have gained much respect for the witches after this kind hospitality. Sleep well.”

  After the door closes, Seth and I look at one another. His heavy gaze feels like a caress as he smiles down at me. I clear my throat and look toward two free rooms side by side. “I guess those can be ours. Good night.”

  His smile falls and he nods swiftly. “Right. I’m glad there is enough space for us all. Sleep well, Snow.”

  He leans down, dropping a gentle kiss against my lips, and I leave him standing in the hall as I close my bedroom door. I drop my head against the door and silently curse myself for not choosing to stay in the same room as my mate.

  What the hell, Mai? He’s only a wall away! Ravish him!

  My inner thoughts are much more confident than I feel, and I shake them away. I don’t know the first thing about ravishing anyone. I can’t even make the first move! I look down at the only pair of clothes I have, and sigh. I desperately need a shower after the last few days, and Qadira’s nature bath this morning didn’t do the trick.

  The room is large, and my eyes find an attached bathroom hidden in the corner. Yes! I turn the bathroom light on and my body instantly relaxes as I look down at the large bathtub and array of soaps and shampoos. This. This is all I need tonight. Not a night alone with my mate. Not the chance to complete my bond with Seth. Just a nice warm bubble bath…

  Seth in a bubble bath would be heavenly.

  I groan and throw my head back at my much too sexy thoughts, as I strip down and turn the hot water on. I climb into the growing bubbles and think about how far I’ve come. I’m no longer a simple young woman with her whole life ahead of her. I’m a wolf shifter, and my kind is in danger. And, I have a fated mate that loves me. Who am I kidding? I don’t want to be alone anymore. I want to be in Seth’s arms.

  I lay my head back and a soft knock sounds at the bathroom door, making me jump. “Uh, yes?” The door swings open and I nearly scream before I see Bree looking disappointed in me. “Bree! You scared the crap out of me! Why are you always doing that?”

  She throws her hands on her hips. “Why are you in here, and not in Seth’s room?”

  I scoff. “What? You want me to sleep in Seth’s room?”

  “Duh! You two are fated mates, Mai. You love one another, and you need to get in there and complete that bond.”

  My mouth drops to the water surrounding me. “Are you seriously telling me to go have sex? In a house full of people? For my first time?”

  Bree nods vehemently. “Yes!” She pauses and points to the wall where Seth’s room is. “Listen. I’m not doing this in a peer pressure way. When you and Seth choose one another by completing the bond, both of you grow stronger and you’re able to communicate telepathically. It’s supposed to be incredible, all sex jokes aside.”

  “But, why now? Why can’t we just wait?”

  Bree crosses her arms and purses her lips. “Because, I made a vow to be your protector, and tomorrow we will be at war with the lupercus. If there is a way to make you and Seth stronger for what’s to come, I am all for it.”

  I shut off the water faucet before the soap bubbles start to pour over the edge of the tub. “This isn’t just a boost in power, though. This is a commitment, like a wedding night.”

  She nods and her face softens. “Is it what you want, though? To do this with him?”

  It takes me less than a second to know the answer to that question, and Bree can see it clearly in my mind. She smiles and turns away from me, glancing over her shoulder past her wild red curls.

  “I spelled Seth’s room. It’s totally soundproof until the sun comes up. This is your choice to make, but please know that I love you, and I’m so happy for you and Seth.”

  With that, Bree leaves the bathroom, and I sink below the water, shutting out the world as my eyes close and I only hear the sound of my own heart beat. My heart knows exactly what it wants, and Bree was right. I want Seth to be mine forever.

  ♢♢♢

  Seth

  Why on earth did I let her go in that room alone? I should’ve told her that I want to sleep beside her tonight. I should have promised her that I would watch over her until sunrise. Now, if I go in there uninvited, I’ll look like a total creep. Damn, I’m an idiot.

  I pace the carpeted floor of my room, missing Maia after only twenty minutes away from her. There’s no way in hell I’m going to sleep tonight and let Maia get taken again. I just need to remain alert and ready to protect her.

  I close my eyes, trying to hear Maia in the room beside mine. She turned on a bath not long ago, but I haven’t heard anything since then. Would it be bad to burst into her bathroom unannounced?

  That’d be sure to scare her away from me for good. I plop back onto the queen sized bed and kick my tennis shoes onto the ground. A very quiet knock comes at my bedroom door and I hurry over to answer it. I swing the door open and Maia’s gorgeous hazel eyes smile up at me with damp brown hair hanging around her shoulders. The white is nearly gone completely.

  She’s so flippin’ beautiful.

  I’m clearly struck dumb by her presence, so she looks up and down the hallway nervously. “Can I come in?” she whispers.

  “Oh, yes. Of course.” I step to the side and she enters my room, her eyes taking in the ornate decor.

  Then her eyes find me again as I shut the bedroom door. She slowly steps closer to me, making my heart pound against the wall of my chest. She stops, her body almost touching mine and then she reaches around me to flip the lock on the door.

  Holy crap, that was sexy.

  Her hands splay across my abdomen and heat spreads through my body. “Seth. I’m ready to complete the bond.”

  Chapter 37

  ⟣⟡⟢

  Maia

  I’m being bold. It’s like my wolf is helping me take control and put myself out there. She’s confident and strong, and she knows it.

  Seth stares down at me where I wait for his response after telling him that I’m ready to complete the bond. I never imagined saying those words, but they’re out there now.

  No going back. No hiding away and dying of embarrassment.

  Seth swallows hard, and hunger fills his dark eyes. His raspy voice rumbles in his chest. “Are you sure about that, Snow? We have time. The others could hear us.”

  I place a soft kiss against the front of his black shirt, loving the quick beats of his heart beneath the surface. “I’m very sure. Bree spelled the walls with a soundproof spell.” Seth’s eyebrows raise at that. “And as for time, I’m afraid we can’t promise tomorrow. Our adventure isn’t over yet and anything can happen.”

  Seth’s hands slide up my arms and over my shoulders, and I suddenly wish my shirt was gone. I thought about coming over here in a towel after my bath, but I chose the discarded dirty clothes instead.

  What on earth were you thinking, Mai?

  Seth’s hands continue caressing me, sliding down my spine and resting just above my jeans. “Even if I die tomorrow, Snow, I still won’t make you do something you’re not ready for.”

  He’s too good.

  My smile stretches as I stare into those gorgeous eyes, and I slip my arms around his broad neck. “I want you, Seth. No tomorrow, or a thousand tomorrows, I still want to claim you tonight.”

  Seth growls and his eyes turn completely black. “Holy hell, Snow. You talk like that, and you’ll have me bowing at your feet.”

  A chill runs through me as I smile like an idiot. “Just kiss me and let’s start there.”

  He laughs and picks me up off my feet, tossing my legs around his body. His perfect lips crash into mine with so much heat that I feel a fire ignite inside of me. I gasp against his mouth, letting him take control of our kiss.

  Seth squeezes my hips, digging his fingers into the fabric of my jeans as he carries me to the untouched bed. His lips trail from mine, across my cheek and to my neck where he nibbles me gently with his teeth. A fever rolls through me as he lays me back on his bed and his body presses into mine, lips never leaving the sensitive skin of my neck.

  Seth’s tongue darts out to lick just below my ear and I gasp all over again. I tighten my legs around his waist, holding onto him for dear life as his mouth explores my skin. His hands take mine off of his shoulders, and press them into the bed above my head.

  One of his hands holds me while the other explores my body with a skill that I didn’t expect. He presses a warm palm against my chest and slides his fingers down my cleavage and across my abdomen until they land on the button of my jeans, teasing me.

  My breathing is ragged. Seth’s lips trail back up to meet mine, fast, hard, and passionate as his fingers pop open the front of my jeans and dip below the fabric. I moan against the feel of his touch and my tongue juts out to taste his, adding more heat to our searing kiss.

  Seth’s tantalizing touch, his signature smell that covers me, and the taste of him causes the most incredible and overwhelming mixture of pleasure, nearly pushing me over the edge. Seth’s hands release me as he climbs off of the bed. I literally almost whine at being separated from him.

  He stands like a sexy king, staring down at me, breathing heavily, his hard muscles tensing. “Are you still sure you want to continue, Snow?”

  Is he kidding?

  I lick my lips and nod, pushing myself to lean on my elbows as my eyes explore him, starving for more. “I have zero doubts, Seth. I never want to stop.”

  He smiles the happiest smile and grips the bottom of his shirt, pulling it over his head and making his hair even messier. And, damn, he is so incredible. His hands undo the button of his pants and he slides the dark jeans down, tossing them to the side.

  Oh, heavens. He’s going commando…

  My eyes widen and it’s almost impossible not to stare at everything. But, he’s mine, and he’ll be mine forever. It’s practically my right to stare as much as I want, right? A low and primal growl builds in my chest, completely against my control.

  Seth holds his hands out and I place mine in his. He pulls me easily to my feet, chest to chest, and he slides my shirt off of me swiftly. His eyes don’t leave mine to explore, though, and it’s somehow so much hotter.

  I hurry the process, impatient, and I grip my jeans, dragging them down my body with ease, until Seth and I are standing completely exposed to one another. I’m at a loss for what to do next, totally out of my element as he searches my face.

  “I love you, Maia Collins.” Seth’s hands slip around my waist and he pulls my naked body against his, causing every inch of me to tremble. “You’re everything to me, and I want forever with you. I hope you know that.”

  Seth spins us so that his back is to the bed and he leans in to kiss me much softer than before. His lips brush against mine loving and tender, and every part of me sighs against him.

  I gently shove him backward so that he sits on the edge of the bed, and I climb onto his lap. Seth groans and his hands slip into my hair, rough and needy. I lean into him, taking my turn to control the kiss.

  Seth lets me take total control and I kiss along his strong jaw, and down the muscles in his neck, moving my body against him as I explore his skin, a frenzy building inside of me.

  “I love you too, Seth. I’ll always love you,” I whisper against his lips and grab onto his shoulders. Seth presses my hips down, drawing us closer together, and a wildness overtakes me.

  My nails extend into claws and I can feel my wolf threatening to come out. A growl leaves my throat and I begin to panic. “Seth, how do I stop this?”

  He grips the sides of my face and looks into my eyes. “Just take a deep breath. Your emotions are heightened, and the wolf has a hard time remaining calm.”

  I close my eyes and nod, trying to breathe steadily. Stay back, girl. This is my moment. The wolf slowly retreats and I can feel my body relaxing again. I open my eyes, and I realize that my claws scraped Seth’s shoulders, causing him to bleed.