Page 55 of The Witch’s Daughter

“Safe to say that something happened between those two.” Calla laughed as she scratched the top of her wolves’ heads.

I growled.

Tisiphone growled.

“Finally,” Gentry sighed. The four of them began a slow, dramatic clap.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tisiphone said.

I tensed beside her. “Let’s all just focus on the mission.”

“Attention!” A warlock called from the front of the field. Tisiphone and I shared a quick look that was over too soon as everyone turned to watch Vincent stroll to the front.

“Good. You all survived.” The prick smirked. “But the physical test was the easy part. Today, we’re going to test your real skills. It’s time to show off your magic.”

I hated that we were surrounded by our nosey friends, because I would’ve loved nothing more than to comfort Tisiphone when the color drained from her face at Vincent’s words.

*

They split us into groups of three. I made sure to stand beside Tisiphone when I saw what was happening down the line, ending up with her and Calla as partners.

That helped soothe my beast a bit. He struggled to deal with the smell of these unmated males surrounding us. I’d never much liked the scent too close to Tisiphone, but it was brutal as the morning sun beating down on our heads and shoulders as we stood waiting for instructions.

Stand closer. Rub against her.

He didn’t like that our scent was fading from her skin.

I thought we were over this, I snapped at him.

You thought wrong. My wolf was going off the deep end. I’d worried about this. Last night, I had a feeling. Now that he’d gotten a taste—had the knowledge that no other male touched her—his primitive instincts were taking over again.

And it was terrifying to think I wouldn’t be able to control him, but I’d fight until my last breath if I had to.

“Earth to Jaxon.” Calla snapped her fingers in front of my face, earning half a snarl before I realized what was happening. “We’re supposed to start now.”

She and Tisiphone were holding hands, reaching for me. “It’s time to work together,” Calla said sarcastically. “Isn’t that what you commanded?”

Tisiphone smirked, but she was still ghostly pale and her hand trembled a bit when she rested it in mine.

Despite my wolf calming at her touch, the scent of her fear was making my head swim.

“Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” Tisiphone whispered.

“And why not?” I forced myself to stand relaxed and keep my tone playful, even as my pulse started to race.

Tisiphone made the cutest growl. “Because I might hurt you.”

“Please.” I scoffed. “It’d take more than a little thing like you to hurt me.”

“You’re in a mood,” she bit back. “Maybe you should’ve let me return the favor. It wouldn’t have killed you to loosen up too.”

My jaw about dropped, but I kept it closed, tensing my muscles instead. This bolder side of her I hadn’t seen in a while. I’d like to think I played some part in it. But her earlier kindness was fading as she continued to scowl at me.

“As fun as it is to watch whatever is sparking between you two.” Calla yanked on our hands, reminding us she was in the circle. “What do you mean by hurt him?”

Trish shrugged. Embarrassment crept onto her skin. “I haven’t killed anyone yet, but there’s always a first time for everything.”

“It’s a simple warding spell,” I said, trying to maintain control over the situation before anyone freaked out. “I can ground you. Lean into my magic if yours feels overwhelming.”