Page 70 of The Witch’s Daughter

I wanted to make sure Sarah was okay before I went running back to Jaxon. And truth be told, I wanted to show up with more than my tail between my legs. I wanted to make them proud. For them to see me as more than a burden.

Now that my magic was flowing through my veins steadily again, I felt brave and—

“There you are.”

I almost screamed as I rounded the path, coming face to face with Vincent.

He caught me by the arms before I windmilled backwards, giving me a curious smile. “Is everything all right? I went to your tent and you weren’t there.”

“All good,” I squeaked, wondering how he’d been able to sneak up on me. My wolf woke from her slumber and growled until I stepped back, away from Vincent’s touch.

His hands fell to his side. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

In the morning light, his golden hair framed his head in a halo, giving him a soft glow. But his unmated male scent made my wolf anxious.

And it hit me.

I’d never much been able to tolerate any males—even decently handsome ones—except Jaxon. Ever. I’d thought my wolf was just picky, but she never once had a problem with him or his scent.

Oh… Fate.

Oh, Jaxon.

I nodded way longer than appropriate as I was struck dumb by this new revelation. Then I remembered myself. “Where is everyone?”

Concern deepened the lines on Vincent’s face. “They’re in temple this morning.”

“Temple?” I asked, not sure I heard him right.

His lips quirked. “Would you like to see?”

*

Holy….

“What is this place?” I whispered as if my voice would echo in the vast tent. Holy was right. Even the sand under our feet seemed cold, blessed with an ancient magic I’d never felt before.

Giant golden statues—three times as tall as any wolf Alpha I’d ever met—wrapped around the perimeter, guarding the pews of witches and warlocks that were humming along with an organ being played. At the center of it all was an empty star-shaped dais next to a low platform stage with jeweled footboard.

I quickly scanned the bowed heads, looking for Sarah among the gathered attendees, but I couldn’t search long because Vincent was watching.

“This is…” I blew out a breath so long my lips vibrated. Crazy? Scary? A total cult. “Wow. This is wow.”

Vincent smiled. “It is something, isn’t it? Do you recognize any of the deities?”

I shook my head until I realized he was talking about the hundreds of statues that lined the makeshift cathedral like they were guarding an army.

“That’s Cerberus with Hades,” I said, pointing out the three headed massive canine at the ancient Greek god’s side. My family’s namesake. “And that’s Cadejo.” I smiled at the horned wolf with glowing blue eyes. Jaxon couldn’t look further from his namesake, save for the goodness depicted in those tales.

“Those are some of the canid deities,” Vincent said, still studying me. “And what of the others?”

“Um…” I chewed my bottom lip as I looked around. I wasn’t expecting a history test, especially one not so early in the morning. Some of the statues had Viking braids. Clearly, Odin with Fenrir. And others held the was-scepter and staff. Ancient Egyptians such as Anubis. There were kimonos, and warriors with swords, and golden priestlike robes. I think I even saw Buddha in there.

“It’s a lot of gods,” I said, backing up as I took them all in, and coming to a stop when a golden hand brushed against my lower back.

“Tell me you at least know Hecate.” Vincent smirked.

I glanced up, seeing the moon in her other hand and a deep sadness in her eyes.