Page 104 of The Witch’s Daughter

Growling, I ripped the shirt from my chest, needing to cover her flesh. To wrap her in my scent. To protect her from anyone who dared to get close.

“I thought I could figure out a better way to stop him, but when I felt his power, I knew he couldn’t be saved. It was too strong. He was too far gone with it.” Tisiphone paused to shove her arm in my shirt sleeve, giving me a funny look. “So I killed him.”

Alpha Kera started barking orders as her sisters surrounded Tisiphone.

Alec laughed. “Nice.”

“What were you thinking?” Meg cried.

“I really want a bath.” Tisiphone did a full body shiver. Bits of blood caked her hair that hadn’t let go in the shift.

I didn’t realize I was still growling, and growing louder by the second, until everyone stopped to look at me.

“I thought the rut was a myth,” Meg whispered to her sister.

“But have you ever seen anyone take this long to mate?” Alec whispered back.

Tisiphone’s strange look was now full of concern. “Jaxon, what’s happening?”

Her touch on my chest soothed me. But it wasn’t enough. I needed more. I needed…

“You almost died.” I gritted out through clenched teeth. “I almost lost you.”

“But I didn’t.” Shame colored her cheeks as she offered me a small smile. “And we saved the day.”

“It’s okay, Alpha. You’ve got her now.” Kera was suddenly beside me, her Alpha tone breaking through my animalistic haze. “I know what it feels like. Get her out of here. Somewhere safe. We’ll handle the rest.”

She turned to address her niece. “And you.”

Tisiphone gulped. My shoulders seemed to widen as I moved to put her behind my back, but my mate refused and stood her ground.

Kera rested a hand on Tisiphone’s shoulder. “You did good, pup—er—Beta. I’m proud of you. Now take your mate out of here and finally seal that damn bond before he goes full beast.”

Tisiphone’s spine straightened as she looked me over. Understanding dawned in her pretty brown eyes. She took a step back. Then another. The coy smile never left her face.

“Yes, Alpha.” Tisiphone reached for the hem, and then pulled off my shirt as she started to shift. “But he’s got to catch me first.”

37

Trish

We traveled for days as our wolves, hunting when needed, bathing in creeks, and lying together at night. Our wolves were glad to take over for once. They acted like they’d been separated for a lifetime instead of a few hours, but wolves lived in the moment. So maybe they were just making each moment count, carefree and happy to enjoy each other’s company.

I’d spoken with my sisters telepathically before we left, but the two of them were eager to get rid of me and return to Cerberus. They promised Mom would be all right.

That left me free to worry about everything else. The past few days felt like a blur of chaos, but, as always, Jaxon’s presence was the constant in my life.

And I could finally see that.

The hours we traveled gave me plenty of time alone in the back of my wolf’s mind to think about how it’d all gone so wrong and speculate on what the future might look like.

I still don’t understand. Why didn’t you let me know he was our mate?

I tried. For years. You didn’t listen.

I’m sorry.

I don’t blame you. She sighed. It’s your silly human brain’s fault.