The Wolven Mark

by Megan Linski

  The snowstorm had died down. We could see our way back to the school now. I transformed into a wolven to shelter Emma from the harsh wind as we began our walk to the main campus. Emma kept her arms folded and head down, her eyebrows knitted together as if thinking as she clutched my hockey bag to her chest.

  I couldn’t reverse my actions. What had happened had happened, and there was no going back. But it had helped me make a choice. I made my final decision. I loved Emma, and I wanted to protect her, but I couldn’t become king without her by my side. Choosing another mate would be torture after what we’d just shared. It would hurt her just as much as it would hurt me to stay away. Eventually, it would ruin us both. I couldn’t do that to her. Denying the connection we held was like denying the laws of nature itself. No matter what, I couldn’t stay away from her, and she couldn’t stay away from me. I was sure of that. Instinct itself would keep pushing us together.

  More than that. It was love.

  I had no other choice. Before the week was out, I’d ask Emma to be my mate.

  And I hoped she’d say yes.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Emma

  I didn’t know how to explain it. I was the Phantom’s mate. But I had feelings for Ethan Nowak, too.

  I didn’t know that was possible. I figured that once you found your mate, all other possibilities of hookups with other people became obsolete. Apparently, mating wasn’t that simple.

  Unless there was another answer. Maybe I wasn’t in love with two different people. Maybe they were the same person.

  Could Ethan be the Phantom? He had to be. There was no other explanation. I knew the Phantom was a wolven, and that he had to be a student. Ethan fit that description. But how did you confront someone with information like that? How could I expect him not to laugh in my face? Even if he was the Phantom, he’d probably deny it, and it wasn’t like I had any proof.

  The question ate away at me. I had to know. On the first day of December I headed to the Rec Room. Ethan had asked me to meet him there early in the morning so we could study for our exams together. He was sitting on a couch in front of one of the giant TVs, working on homework.

  Kinda. His papers were spread out on the coffee table in front of him, and the TV was on, but he wasn’t paying attention. He was staring out the window overlooking Dolinska, his chin resting on his fist. He was kinda pale.

  I gathered my nerves and strode across the Rec Room. At this time of day, most people were either outside, playing in the snow, or they were enjoying the Christmas festivities in Dolinska. Nobody else was here. Ethan couldn’t use other people as an excuse for not telling me the truth.

  I sat directly across from him. “We need to talk.” I didn’t give any other greeting.

  “Hey, Em.” Ethan winced and shifted in his seat, like he was uncomfortable. “What is it?”

  I took a deep breath and tried coming up with ways to phrase it. Look, buddy. I know you’re the Phantom. We nearly kissed the other day. I probably would’ve screwed you in that cabin if that broken window hadn’t stopped me. I am one-hundred percent sure at this point you’re a superhero. So just admit it, so we can become mates and I can get some of that big dick energy you’ve got going on.

  It was a bad idea to say all of that. I resolved to get to the point. Ethan, you’re the Phantom. I won’t tell anybody. Just spit it out already.

  But as I opened my mouth, a flashing alert came across the TV screen and halted the program that was on. “We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a special news bulletin.” A newscaster came on screen, looking deadly serious. “We currently have live footage of the vigilante known as the Phantom as he terrorizes the city. The Arcanea Alliance is now in pursuit.”

  What the fuck? No way. The screen changed to show a man in a cape and a white wolf mask leaping from building to building as the police gave chase. Dragons, griffins, and alicorns flew after the Phantom and cast magic at him while wolvens circled in on the ground, but they missed their target every time. Even when they got close, the Phantom managed to slip away.

  Confusion hurtled through me like a hurricane. It was early morning. The Phantom had never been seen before in the daytime. He always came out at night.

  I watched the figure jump from rooftop to rooftop as the camera panned after him. Eventually, he slipped out of sight as he dove into an alleyway. Police pursued him and vanished from sight as well.

  Ethan’s eyes were pinned to the screen, just like mine. The police swarmed the area, but their expressions became clueless. It was like the Phantom had vanished out of thin air.

  “It seems like the Arcanea Alliance has lost the trail yet again.” The newscaster sounded disappointed. “The identity of the Phantom will continue to remain a mystery.”

  My thoughts became a puzzle that I had no hope of solving. I was pretty sure Ethan was the Phantom— but Ethan was right here with me, as I was watching live footage of the vigilante being chased through town.

  There was only one explanation. Ethan couldn’t be the Phantom. There was just no way— not unless he had the ability to be in two places at once.

  “What was it you wanted to ask me?” Ethan said as the alert ended.

  “Um… I just need help with my paper for Lucien’s class,” I lied. I’d already finished the paper, but I had to tell Ethan something, right?

  “We can work on it tomorrow. I haven’t started mine yet.” Ethan got to his feet. I jumped right up, too, though it was weird and I didn’t know why.

  Suddenly, Ethan staggered forward. He probably would’ve dropped to his knees if I hadn’t been there at the last minute to hold him up. He looked like he was gonna puke.

  “Oh my gosh! Ethan, are you okay?” I asked.

  “I think I’m getting sick,” Ethan mumbled. He pushed me away and began shuffling forward. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I can study today. I’d better go lie down.”

  “I’ll get your stuff for you.” I collected Ethan’s things as he stumbled into his dorm. When I got there, he was already lying in bed, face-down on the pillows. I put his papers on his desk. If Ethan was getting sick, it was dangerous for me to be around him. I couldn’t catch what he had and risk my health. But I didn’t care. I just wanted to make sure he was okay.

  “Do you need anything?” I asked, but I didn’t get a response. He was already sleeping. I figured it was best not to disturb him and turned off the light, shutting the door behind me.

  There were so many emotions raging through me I didn’t know what to do with them. Ethan and the Phantom were two different people, which meant that I had to make a choice. Ethan, or the Phantom. I couldn’t have both.

  The Phantom was supposed to be my mate, so he should’ve been the obvious choice. But I felt such a strong connection between Ethan and I. It was so powerful. Not something I could easily deny. I didn’t think I could give that up for a man that I shared a bond with, yet didn’t know personally.

  When I left Ethan’s room I saw Odette, Kiara, and Delmare in the hallway. All of them were bundled up for the outdoors, snow melting on their shoulders.

  “Oh my goodness!” Odette covered her mouth as she watched me close the door. “Emma! You’re sleeping with the prince?”

  “Hey, can’t say we didn’t see it coming,” Delmare said, and she laughed.

  “What? No. Ethan’s just sick,” I said. “I was lending a hand.”

  “Oh, you were lending a hand, all right,” Delmare snickered. She made a motion like she was jerking someone off, and Odette giggled.

  I rolled my eyes. “Calm down, guys. I’ve never seen Ethan’s dick.”

  “Not like you don’t want to,” Delmare shot back.

  I couldn’t help turning pink. Kiara said, “Lay off, guys. They’re not even mates. Emma, do you want to come with us?”

  “Where?” I asked. I got a sinking feeling when Kiara said that Ethan and I weren’t mated, but it was the truth— I belonged to someone else.

  “My sister’s h
aving a sale today at Enchanting Whispers,” Kiara said. “We should go and see what kind of cool things we can find.”

  “Sure.” I wasn’t doing anything else today. I got my coat, hat and gloves and we headed out. I felt bad for leaving Ethan behind, but he needed rest— not me bothering him.

  The skies dropped a light snowfall. The streets of Dolinska were filled with kids tossing snowballs and making forts. The town was decorated with garlands, red ribbons, strings of cranberries and white lights. Christmas trees adorned with dozens of ornaments were on every corner, along with carolers and elaborate light displays. The Arcanea really got into the winter holidays. It was like a competition to them to have the best decorations.

  “So tell me how Christmas works around here,” I said. We passed a sleigh being pulled by an alicorn with a wreath around his neck. Santa… or, as people around here called him, Father Christmas… sat in the sleigh and waved as the alicorn pulled him through the snow. Children screamed and laughed as they ran after the sleigh.

  “One rule. Don’t let Krampus catch you.” Kiara snickered.

  “Our main holiday is the Winter Hunt, which is on the same day as the King’s Ball, then we celebrate Christmas after,” Odette explained. “Many Christmas traditions began as pagan Yuletide festivities, so we tie them into our holiday. Normally, most of Arcanea would participate in the Yule ceremonies for the Winter Hunt, but that’s being put off this year because of the Contest.”

  “What’s the story on the Winter Hunt?” I asked.

  “It’s an old legend,” Kiara began. “Droga, the Dark God, chased away the sun during the Autumn Equinox, but Tomir and his Eternal Hunt chase it back and bring light to the earth during the Winter Festival.”

  Speaking of the gods… “Guys, I have something to tell you,” I began.

  “Don’t tell us you’re expecting,” Delmare said.

  “Not exactly.” I hesitated before I said, “I think I saw one of the gods. Her name was Milonna.”

  All three of them screeched to a halt. Kiara reached out and grabbed my arm, whirling me around. “You what?”

  I swallowed. “A couple of weeks ago, I was in the forest by myself and a doe came out of the woods, but she wasn’t just any deer. She told me she was a goddess.”

  “Emma, you need to tell us everything,” Kiara said. She and Odette wore twin expressions of concern. Even Delmare had turned deathly serious.

  I launched into the story of what had happened at the river with Milonna. As I continued, their faces got more and more scared. I was pretty sure Odette started to sweat.

  “Then she told me I’d be her champion and she’d be with me always,” I finished. “What does that mean?”

  “Emma, are you sure you saw her?” Kiara asked. She’d asked the question a million times.

  “Yes, I saw her! I’m pretty sure I didn’t imagine a giant talking deer in the middle of the woods,” I replied sourly.

  “No, you don’t get it. This is really important. Are you absolutely sure?” Delmare asked. She squeezed my arm so tight I felt like it was gonna fall off.

  I hesitated before I said, “Yes. I wasn’t drunk or anything. She was definitely there. She touched me.”

  Odette’s eyes began to water. She started to cry. Little sniffles came out of her. Kiara put an arm around the alicorn girl, looking grim.

  “Odette, don’t cry. It’s nothing to be sad about,” I said, totally confused.

  “It is!” Odette wailed. “It’s so horrible!”

  “That I was contacted by a goddess?” I was totally bewildered. What were these girls getting at?

  Delmare frowned. “Milonna… well, Emma, she only shows herself to Arcanea who are destined to die young.”

  I think my heart stopped beating. “What?”

  “She chooses her champions to go on great quests for her, but they never make it out alive,” Delmare explained quietly. “The quests are great and important, but her champions always die at the end. There are no exceptions.”

  The statement made my blood run cold. It confirmed what the hag had prophesied about me. I had four years or less. I was starting to think my disease wouldn’t have a chance to get to me. Whatever Milonna wanted me to do would knock me off first.

  “Have you told Ethan about this?” Kiara asked. Her eyebrows knitted together.

  “No,” I said. “Why would I? The only people I’ve told are you guys.”

  “Don’t,” Kiara said firmly. “This would break his heart.”

  The mention of Ethan stirred something in me. I didn’t want to die, I wanted to live. Who were the gods to dictate how my life was gonna go? I wasn’t going to kick the bucket unless I had a say in it. I was going out on my terms.

  “Well, I don’t care. The stories are wrong,” I said. “Everyone else might die on Milonna’s quests, but I won’t. I’ll be the first to survive.”

  Kiara and Delmare glanced at each other, but Odette hiccuped and squeaked out, “You think so?”

  “Of course.” I took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m not dying until I’m good and ready. The gods aren’t ready for me and the underworld doesn’t want to take me. I cause too much trouble.”

  Odette hiccuped again and giggled, but Kiara and Delmare didn’t lift a smile. I’d failed to convince them.

  When we got to Enchanting Whispers, Odette skipped to observe the crystals. Delmare and Kiara remained at the coffee bar and talked in low voices, shooting glances at me. I ignored them and scoured the books. What effect did myths and legends have on my life, anyway? Not a damn bit.

  In one of the rows of shelves, I caught a long mane of fiery-red hair out of the corner of my eye, and my mouth dropped open in disbelief. What the hell? She was here! “Mom!” I shouted.

  The woman turned around, and my spirits lifted as I recognized her green eyes and kindly stare. It really was her!

  Mom’s smile widened. “Emma. I’m so glad to see you.”

  I rushed into her arms and held her tightly. She still smelled the same— her hugs were still warm and soft. I pulled away slightly to gaze up at her in amazement. I couldn’t believe she was right in front of me.

  “You look amazing.” I’d never seen my mom look so healthy. Her skin was glowing, and she’d put on weight. Her hair and makeup were done, and her nails shone with red polish. She was dressed like an Arcane would be, in a designer dress and coat, with high-heeled boots.

  “I can use my magic now. The migraines have stopped completely.” Mom ran a hand through my hair. “I closed down the diner and moved to Dolinska. I just purchased a cottage outside the city. I’m thinking about opening up a restaurant in town soon. I wanted to come see you sooner, but I didn’t want to distract you during your semester exams.”

  “Mom, that’s wonderful. So does that mean you’re here to stay?” I asked.

  She nodded. “You were right. Malovia is where I belong. This is our home. I wanted to be here to watch you go through school.”

  “I’m so happy you’re finally here.” I didn’t have to be separated from my mom anymore. This was like a dream come true. “Do you want to meet my friends?”

  “I’d love to.” We rounded the corner, and Odette, Delmare, and Kiara glanced up as they saw me coming near.

  “Guys, this is my mom,” I said. “She’s here to stay.”

  “Wow, you guys look so much alike,” Delmare said. “It’s like looking at twins.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sosna,” Kiara said. She reached out to shake Mom’s hand, and she took it.

  “Your mommy has such pretty eyes!” Odette exclaimed. “I always thought wolvens had the most expressive eyes. Like windows to the soul.”

  Mom smiled warmly at Odette. “You’re an Oksana, aren’t you? I was very close with your mother growing up. She’s a beautiful dancer.”

  “Oh yes, she is.” Odette nodded. “Though she had to give it up. Bad ankles.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Mom frowned. “It’s r
eally too bad.”

  “Yes. I think she’s mentioned you before, though I can’t remember what about.” Odette gave a quizzical look.

  Mom laughed, but it sounded a little… forced. “I bet she has.”

  That sounded ominous. There was no telling what sort of hijinks my Mom got mixed in when she was in school. Or if her relationship with Odette’s mom was still good.

  “You have lovely friends, Emma. I’m glad to see you’re getting along so well at the university,” Mom said. But her eyebrows were pinched together, and thin lines had formed around her mouth. Something was on her mind.

  “Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked.

  “There’s some things we need to talk about,” Mom said slowly. “If your friends don’t mind. I don’t want to drag you away.”

  The three of them shook their heads, and I said, “We can talk, Mom.”

  Mom took my hand. She led me across the cafe to a small table on a secluded side of the store behind a bookshelf, obscuring us from view.

  She lowered her voice. “I’ve thought about it, and I think it’s time you knew about my past. People will talk now that I’m back, you see, and I want you to get the story straight from me.”

  “Talk about what?” This was coming out of nowhere.

  Mom took a deep breath. “I’ve heard you’ve been talking to Prince Ethan.”

  “Yes.” What did this have to do with her past?

  “Well you see, long ago, I had a close relationship with his father. King Lycus.”

  “What kind of relationship?” I could see where this was heading, and I didn’t like it.

  “Emma, I ended up bonding to two shifters,” Mom explained. “Ethan’s father and… someone else.”

  “You bonded to two different people? Like, two mates? Is that even possible?” My mouth dropped open.

  “It’s exceptionally rare,” Mom said. “But yes. It can happen.”

  My thoughts were going a million miles a minute. Did the same thing that happened to my mom happen to me, too? After all, I had feelings for both the Phantom and Ethan. It was the only thing that made sense.