Broken Wolf

by Stacy Claflin

  “Where have you been?” Victoria asked.

  “Just staying out of the limelight. My highest congratulations to the happy couple.” He bowed and held out his hand to Victoria.

  “Thank you.” I gave Victoria a quick kiss and stepped back to allow them the dance.

  “Can I have this dance?” came a familiar feminine voice.

  I turned to see Gessilyn. “It would be my pleasure.” I took her hand, and we stepped into position.

  “You’ve never looked happier.” Gessilyn’s eyes shone.

  “I can’t say that I have been. There isn’t a thing I could ask for in addition to everything I already have.”

  She arched a brow. “Not even to break the moon’s curse?”

  “Details.” I shrugged.

  “I’ve been reading about similar spells in my books—the vampire’s daylight blessing, for one. It’s not exactly the same, but at the core, they’re essentially the same. I think once I tap into that and draw from the stone’s power, we’ll be set.”

  Excitement raced through my already soaring heart. “Really?”

  She nodded, her eyes wide. “I might have to focus the spell into jewelry. You might need to wear rings to control your shifting.”

  “I can’t picture anyone having qualms with that.” I imagined everyone in our pack being able to shift whenever they want, and finally being able to meet the wolfborns in human form. Victoria and Ziamara had taken pictures for the rest of us, but that was all we had.

  Gessilyn grinned. “Glad to hear it. I’ll keep researching while you and Victoria honeymoon.” She glanced over at my bride. “Do you think she’ll be willing to part with the stone?”

  “I know she will. She wants everyone else to be able to shift at will—her heart breaks for the wolfborns. I haven’t seen her stroke or hold it since you guys took care of Fen. Getting rid of him must’ve somehow played into her draw toward it.”

  Gessilyn gave me a knowing look and shook her head. “It’s because you two are married—she now has everything she’s ever wanted or needed.”

  Chapter 32

  Victoria

  Carter smiled at me as we spun around the dance floor. “I’m really happy for you, Victoria. I know we have…” He paused, clearly struggling to find the right word. “Our past, but I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy. I can’t lie and say I didn’t want that to be with me, but it’s obvious you two are meant for each other. And he treats you like gold, which you deserve. If he didn’t…” Carter’s expression stiffened.

  “I’m so glad you’re part of the pack. Your friendship means the world to me. I wish my love for Toby hadn’t hurt you, though.”

  “We have our fathers to thank for that. Anyway, onto happier topics. Are you guys traveling after this?”

  “Somewhere,” I said. “But it’s a mystery to me. When Toby wants something to be a surprise, it never slips.”

  “Well, I hope you have the time of your life. Meanwhile, I’ll be trying to figure out a mystery of my own.”

  I tilted my head, curious. “The jaguars you’ve smelled around town?”

  He nodded. “It worries me, even though nothing has happened yet.”

  “You can’t tell who they are?”

  “One. A lone female. Jaguar shifters never travel alone, especially females. Something has to be wrong.”

  I squeezed his hand. “Our entire family has your back.”

  He smiled. “I appreciate that.”

  The music stopped as the song ended. Carter smiled at me and kissed the back of my hand. “My most heartfelt congratulations to you and your husband.” He stepped away and disappeared into the crowd.

  “How’s he holding up?” Toby asked from behind.

  “He seems genuinely happy for us.”

  Toby draped his arms over my shoulders and rested his head against mine. “I hope he finds love. He really is a good guy.”

  I kissed his cheek. “I’m glad the two of you can get along so well now.”

  “It’s easy for me—I won the prize.”

  “Prize?” I exclaimed, stepping away. “I’m not a prize to be won.”

  He laughed, appearing thoroughly amused.

  “Stop teasing your wife.”

  Toby threw his head back. “Don’t expect that to stop anytime soon.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Let’s dance.”

  We spun around the dance floor for the next hour, laughing and losing track of time. The music stopped and the band gathered at the bar.

  “Time for cake!” Soleil clapped. “Everyone gather around.”

  Toby and I headed for the table. People cheered—some calling for us to smash cake in each other’s faces. I glanced at Toby. Would we do that, or feed it to each other sweetly?

  “Hey.” He laughed. “I’m not sure I like that look in your eyes.”

  I tilted my head. “And I can’t say I trust your devious expression.”

  “I don’t have—”

  Soleil grabbed our arms and yanked us behind the table. She held up an intricately decorated knife. “You two cut the first piece together. Then feed it to each other, or smash it, or whatever. Ready?”

  Toby took the knife from her. “I am.”

  “Cameras?” Soleil glanced around the crowd.

  Cell phones shot up into the air.

  Excitement and nervousness both pulsated through me as I placed my hand on top of Toby’s. Together we sliced through the bottom layer of the tall, beautiful flowered cake.

  Were those real flowers? I’d told my mother what I had in mind, but she hadn’t mentioned anything about fresh-picked flowers. Either way, it was breathtaking.

  Toby and I sliced again, carving a fairly large piece.

  Soleil reached over and slid a plate next to it. “Forks or fingers?”

  The corners of Toby’s mouth twitched. Was he planning to smash it in my face, or thinking I might? I couldn’t let him get me first. I reached for the slice, pulled off some off the top with a good amount of frosting. His eyes widened. Not giving him a chance to react, I smashed it over his mouth and nose. Frosting pressed between my fingers and dripped onto the floor, some getting on his tie.

  I doubled over in laughter, covering my mouth with my frosting covered hand. He wiped his mouth and laughed before grabbing the entire rest of our piece of cake. I gasped and stepped back, still laughing. He took a large step, aiming the fistful of cake at me. I shrieked and hid behind Soleil.

  “Oh, no you don’t!” She ran to the other side of the table.

  Toby stood in front of me, laughing and holding the cake like a pitcher ready to strike out his opposition. I held my hands up in surrender. “You win.”

  “Not until…” He reached for me, and all I could do was close my eyes. But instead of cool, gooey icing, I felt the warmth of his lips on mine. I kissed him back, tasting the sweet vanilla. He pulled away, and I opened my eyes.

  Toby winked and took a bite of the cake in his hand. He held it out to me. I stepped closer, hoping it wasn’t a trick, and took a bite. He didn’t smash it. In fact, he took another bite. Our mouths met again, and he gave me another kiss.

  “At least one of us is nice,” he teased.

  I burst out laughing.

  Soleil handed us damp hand towels, and we got cleaned up before cutting the rest of the cake and passing it out to our guests. Before long, dancing resumed.

  After a while, Tap’s sisters brought out a breakfast spread, full of every imaginable morning food and beverage.

  “Hungry?” Toby asked as we glided across the dance floor.

  “I think I filled up on frosting.” I tapped his nose and gave a playful smirk.

  “Actually, I think I’m the one who did.” He wiggled his nose. “In fact, I still have some way up my nose.”

  “Saving it for later?”

  He snorted. “Ow. Yeah, saving it for you.”

  “Nice.” I gave him a playful shove.

  Toby grinned at me, his eyes shining.
“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

  “I definitely haven’t.” We stared deep into each other’s eyes until the smells of bacon, eggs, sausage, muffins, syrup, and a mix of pastries grew to be too much. “I think I am hungry.”

  He rubbed his nose. “This time, I’ll feed myself.”

  “Are you sure?” I teased. “I kind of had fun feeding you the cake.”

  “I’m glad one of us did.” He pressed his lips on mine. “Actually, I had fun, too.”

  “Hopefully, someone got a good picture.”

  “Did you see how many phones people brought out?” he asked. “I’m sure we can see the cake-smashing from every angle.”

  A slow smile spread across my face. “I can’t wait.”

  Toby shook his head, chuckling. “Let’s get some breakfast.” He took my hand and led me over to the line.

  Soleil came over. “Don’t you two try to get in line.” She dragged us to the front. “Our bride and groom are hungry. Excuse us.”

  The couple next in line smiled and waved us in front of them. We filled our plates and headed over to the next room, which had been filled with tables from wall to wall. Several people joined us after we sat, all offering their congratulations.

  “Did any of you get a picture of us feeding each other cake?” I asked.

  Half the people pulled out their phones and showed us. We all laughed. Toby shook his head. “I can’t believe you got so much frosting on me.”

  “I guess that means I won’t be feeding you again anytime soon.”

  He shrugged and went back to his food. After we finished, we returned our plates. People were starting to gather their things.

  Wanda came over to us. “We’d better send you off before everyone leaves. Are you ready?”

  I turned to Toby. “Are we? I have no idea where we’re going.”

  He put his arm around me. “We’re set. Tap knows where our things are.”

  “Perfect. I’ll get everything ready.” She went over to Soleil, and they whispered together.

  I turned to Toby. “What do you think they have up their sleeves?”

  “Just getting us out of here?”

  “And where are we going?”

  He kissed my cheek. “You’ll see.”

  “Still won’t tell me?”

  “Nope, but you’ll love it.”

  “As long as you’re there, I’ll be happy.”

  “I’m not leaving your side. You may get sick of me.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, right. I can’t see that happening.”

  Soleil ran over. “Are you two lovebirds ready?”

  Toby turned to her. “Is our stuff—?”

  “All set to go.”

  “Then so are we.”

  Wanda and Soleil gathered everyone, instructing them to make their way outside. My mother guided us out first. Two unicorns stood next to the Faeble. They both ate something from a basket in Quinn’s hands.

  I turned to Toby. “What do you have planned?”

  He took my hand and kissed it. “You’re closer to finding out, my sweetness.”

  Tap came over and handed us each a little pouch. Mine was heavy. “What’s in this?”

  “The brush to gather the flakes.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” I’d forgotten that in order to get a unicorn to trust you, you have to shave off some flakes from their horns and eat them. I couldn’t recall the details, but it helped to forge a bond between animal and rider.

  “Best get to it while they’re eating,” Tap nudged.

  I pulled the rectangular metal brush out and stepped up to the nearest unicorn. My heart raced as I scraped the horn. If that horn punctured me, it would fill me with some of the world’s strongest poison. The beast didn’t even notice me taking its flakes. I held my other hand up to catch the flakes.

  Toby went around and gathered flakes from the other side like a pro. I continued scraping gently until my palm was filled with the glimmering flakes. Toby caught my gaze and then brought his palm to his mouth.

  I took a step back from the massive animal before putting the flakes into my mouth. They were sweeter than the cake and left a pleasant aftertaste.

  Quinn stepped back, taking the unicorn’s meal with him. I worried what they would do, but all they did was whinny to each other. Toby stepped up to his and rubbed its head. The beast rubbed its nose against Toby’s arm.

  “Go on,” Quinn urged me.

  I stepped in front of the other one, mostly aware of the deadly horn. Hesitating, I reached for its muzzle and patted it. The unicorn nuzzled its nose against me, and I immediately relaxed.

  Before I knew it, Toby and I mounted them, and then Jet and Sal added packs to each.

  Everyone gathered around, waving and calling out their congratulations. They pulled out little bubble containers and blew bubbles all around.

  Toby turned to me. “Ready?”

  I nodded.

  He gave a little kick to his unicorn’s side, and it burst into a run. Mine chased after Toby’s without any nudging. I clung to its mane. We darted through the woods. The animals jumped over fallen trees and dodged low-hanging branches. My anxiety melted away, and I found myself enjoying the freedom of riding.

  Before long, we came to the edge of the woods.

  “Are we done already?” I asked.

  Toby dismounted. “This is only the beginning.” He came over and helped me off mine. We gathered the packs and exited the woods, coming out near one of the main roads in the area.

  “What now?”

  He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Have a little patience, my beautiful bride.”

  I leaned against him, and together we watched the sunrise in the distance. A Hummer came down the road and slowed as it neared us. It wasn’t just any Hummer—it was Toby’s. It pulled over just before us. Sal got out, took our packs, and threw them in the vehicle before opening the back door for us.

  Toby gestured for me to go in first. “Your limo awaits.”

  I laughed, but when I got inside, the back had been completely transformed. The windows were all covered with blue and gold curtains. Only the far back seat remained, and in front of it stood a mini fridge. A fancy carpet sat on the floor, and next to it rested a fancy basket. The only thing I could see in it were champagne flutes.

  Toby took my hand and helped me inside. Once we were seated, Sal came in, popped open the champagne, filled the glasses, and handed us each one. “My most heartfelt congratulations to you two. Now buckle up, we have quite a ride ahead of us.”

  I thanked him and turned to Toby, arching a brow.

  He put his arm around me and held out his drink. “To us.”

  “To us.” I tapped my flute against his and we drank.

  Sal closed the door and climbed into the driver’s seat, pulling a curtain.

  I turned to Toby. “Why do I get the feeling that curtain is more about me not seeing outside than it is for our privacy?”

  He kissed my lips. “Because you’re too smart to believe anything else.”

  The engine roared to life.

  Toby took another sip. “Make yourself comfortable. We’re in for a long ride.”

  Chapter 33

  Victoria

  “We’re here,” Toby whispered in my ear, tickling my skin.

  I struggled to open my eyes. “How long was I sleeping?”

  He kissed my neck. “Most of the ride, but then again, so was I.”

  The Hummer pulled to a stop. I reached for the nearest curtain to peek outside. Toby laced his fingers through mine, stopping me.

  “Not yet.”

  “Where are we? Are we close to our secret destination?”

  He pulled some hair out of my eyes. “As close as we can get with a vehicle.”

  “Really? My interest is piqued even more now.”

  The door opened, and Sal grabbed our bags—not just the ones we’d carried with the unicorns, but luggage from Moonhaven. He set them on the
ground and then held his hands toward us. “They’re already here.”

  I turned to Toby, giving him a curious look.

  He kissed my nose. “We’d best not keep them waiting.”

  My anticipation was beginning to drive me crazy. “Won’t you give me a hint?”

  “Not yet.” He helped me out of the seat and then outside. We stood next to another forest. It felt familiar.

  “Have we been driving in circles?” I asked.

  “Not even close,” Sal assured me.

  “Will you tell me anything?”

  Sal glanced at Toby. “I’d best not.”

  Rustling noises sounded from the woods. I jumped into position, ready for an altercation.

  Toby rested his hand on my shoulder. “Relax. It’s friends.”

  I tilted my head, dying to know.

  Marguerite and Alrekur, the vampire king and queen, stepped out from the trees, leading three unicorns.

  I turned to Toby. “You’re bringing me to the vampire forest for our honeymoon?” It had to be a joke. Yes, the castle was as luxurious and magnificent as possible, but I didn’t want to be surrounded by red-eyed, werewolf-hating creatures while we celebrated our marriage.

  “Trust me.”

  “Okay. You don’t make it easy, though.”

  He laughed. “You’ll see.”

  The king and queen came over to us, offering congratulations and friendly embraces. We thanked them, and I gave Toby a confused look. He returned it with one that repeated what he’d already said—trust me.

  “How did the wedding go?” Marguerite asked. “And how is Ziamara and our grandchild?”

  “It was perfect,” Toby said. “And so are Ziamara and Sebastian.”

  She beamed. “I’m so happy—for all of you.” Then she turned to me and took both my hands in hers. “We want to throw you a celebration while you’re here. I imagine you’re tired and want some time together first.”

  I gave her an appreciative smile. “Thank you, and yes, we’re exhausted. At least, I am.”

  Marguerite kissed my cheek. “Take all the time you need. Give me a call in a few days, will you?”

  I nodded. “Thanks again.”

  Her face lit up. “It’s my pleasure.” She turned to Toby. “Do you know where Hella’s cottage is?”