Wolf Shifter Diaries: Love United (Sweet Paranormal Wolf & Fae Fantasy Romance Series Book 4)

by E Hall

However, he does wink at Kenna then gets to his feet and goes behind the stage area as the music changes.

  The drum beats intensify and women in dresses in a geometric print replace the ones in grass skirts. They spin balls on the ends of a thin rope in elaborate configurations. Men file in, dance, and then the surrounding space goes dark.

  A figure with fire sticks appears, wowing the crowd. In the glimpses between the glowing flames, Kai swings the blazing sticks in rhythm with the music. It’s mesmerizing. But so is Kenna. I sit next to her now. The show continues a few minutes more before everyone erupts in applause.

  Moments later, Kai appears, glossed in sweat and smiling.

  “That was amazing,” Pepper says. “It was a lot like the show at the resort, but—”

  “Most of the people you saw tonight work at the resort, but we put on these more intimate luaus once a month. Now, the real party begins. You should stick around. It gets kind of crazy.” He smirks and passes the girls drinks.

  “This is the life,” Clove says, clinking our cups.

  Some guys stoke a bonfire that was merely smoldering before and the blaze crackles into the sky.

  One of the guys I surfed with snags me to chat about another cool break, but I don’t take my eyes off Kenna. I don’t know if it’s the ongoing singing issue or the way Kai was looking at her, but my wolf is restless. It’s probably because I haven’t shifted in so long. I lift my gaze to the woods. I suppose I could go for a run. I talk myself out of it when one of the hula dancers picks up a microphone and starts singing karaoke.

  Kai breaks into the conversation, and says, “Help yourself to seconds.” He gestures to the table. “There’s always tons of leftover food.”

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Clove says, helping himself to malasadas which look a lot like doughnuts. I’m surprised Kenna isn’t challenging him for them.

  My attention splits between the guy telling me about a surf break called Jaws and eavesdropping on Kai chatting with Pepper and Kenna.

  “The necklace looks pretty on you,” Kai says.

  Her cheeks were already pink from the bonfire, but the comment seems to drive the heat deeper. She half-smiles. “Thanks.”

  My wolf practically roars inside. I can’t take it another second. I excuse myself, dash into the woods, tear off my clothing, and shift.

  Chapter 23

  Kenna

  Pepper grabs my arm and with a giggle says, “Let’s go sing karaoke. I’ve always wanted to try it.”

  Kai urges us on and we take to the makeshift stage. Pepper holds the microphone for both of us. She belts out the opening lines to a 90’s song. I sing along, reading lyrics from a screen.

  The song ends with clapping and cheering from those still at the party, locals mostly, and another begins. We rock out to two more songs, getting very into character, strutting across the stage, and giving it our all.

  However, when the last notes ring out, I don’t stop singing. I can’t. My voice rises and the fae song, the one in my head for weeks, breaks the gate of my lips. It pours forth, like liquid starlight, like a warm breeze on a summer’s night, like the softest waves kissing the shore—like it’s being pulled out of me.

  The crowd listens intently. They’re transfixed and entertained, but not glazed over and not at risk of losing their souls to me, to my voice, or to the cruel intentions of my fae sisters. Encouraged, I continue, letting the familiar sounds pass my lips, casting the words into the night, finally free.

  Just then, Corbin appears from the shadows on the edge of the party, sweating and clutching his shirt. He hangs his head as though disappointed in me after his warnings and because I should know better. He turns to leave with a shake of his head.

  I falter, drop the microphone, and rush after him.

  “Corbin, wait. Listen. It’s safe,” I call after him.

  He pounds through the sand.

  “Nothing happened.” I’m frustrated that he doesn’t believe me. “No dead bodies piled up at my feet.” I mean it as a joke, but after what we experienced in Concordia, it’s not funny. I regret saying it.

  He spins around, anger flashing across his features. “You’re playing with fire, Kenna.”

  My thoughts flash to the traditional dance performance. “No, I think that was Kai. And I’d say it was more of an acquired skill than him goofing around.” My tone is flat.

  “Your voice is dangerous.”

  “And where were you, Corbin Stone?” I fold my arms in front of my chest.

  “Running.”

  “You shifted? Here? And that isn’t risky? You could’ve been seen.”

  His jaw tenses. “It’s dark. My senses are keen. If anyone was around, I would’ve been able to go unnoticed. Remember, I’ve been at this a long time.”

  Anger wells up in me. I cut my eyes at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I have more experience than you as magical. For me, running is fun...and safe.” His voice is like smooth water over rocks and sends tingles through me even though he’s irritated.

  Even so, we continue to bicker. Our voices carry over the water, but I don’t care who hears us. We’re away from the party and someone else is singing karaoke now.

  I’m so mad I want to use my so-called deadly voice to yell at him. I stop the thought right there and change course. “For your information, I had a lot of fun singing tonight”

  “Good thing that stud, Kai, invited you to the luau then,” he says with disdain.

  I throw my hands in the air. “What are you talking about? We met at a local shop. He happens to be very nice. Nice enough to give me this necklace.”

  Corbin’s eyes flash, and he storms off.

  I consider rushing after him, but we both need to cool down.

  Flopping into the sand, I sift it through my fingers. I take a sea breath and gaze at the stars. We came here to celebrate our marriage and to have fun, but this doesn’t feel like either.

  A hum rises in me. It turns into a lamenting tune.

  A shooting star darts across the sparkling sky. I should make a wish, but that won’t undo the fight Corbin and I just had.

  The water glimmers. I wonder what it would be like to go back to my old life and away from this difficulty, the constant temptation and tension. Could I slip back into the human world? Would I, knowing what I do about magicals? The fun, the friendships, the freedom—well, most of the time. Maybe I’m not meant for this...or perhaps I’m supposed to be with the fae and this fight is that side of me telling me the pack life is wrong.

  Laughter from the party captures my attention for a moment. I glance back. I should probably let Pepper know where I went, so she doesn’t worry and send out a search party. Then again, given the state she found Corbin and me in when she knocked on the door earlier, she’ll probably guess we’re back in our room—post lover’s quarrel and the passionate make up afterward or whatever.

  “Oh, Corbin,” I whisper, holding my head in my hands.

  “Trouble in paradise?” A deep voice comes from the dark. Kai’s familiar shape emerges before I have the chance to startle.

  “I guess you could say that,” I answer.

  “Mind if I join you?” Kai asks. “I know we just met, but it feels like we’ve known each other longer,” he says. “I feel like I understand you. You want to sing. Well? Sing. It’s your life.”

  “Yeah, thanks,” I agree. “If only it were that simple.”

  “We’re kindred spirits. Ocean lovers, singers.” His laughter echoes across the water. “You were great up there. If you plan to stick around a little longer...”

  I interrupt. “My husband doesn’t like it when I sing,” I say, emphasizing Corbin’s title. We may be in a fight, but I treasure my relationship with him. No matter how nice Kai is, I’m not willing to risk it so I stop him before he can suggest more.

  Kai is quiet for a moment, perhaps having a tough time swallowing the reminder.

  “I don’t want to give you the wrong i
mpression,” I say.

  He gently claps his hands together. “No worries. But for the record, I like it when you sing. That last song was mesmerizing.”

  “Thanks,” I say, feeling the tune tickling my throat.

  “Could you teach me?” he asks.

  “A fae song?” The words escape before I have a chance to check myself.

  “Is that what it is? Is that like a siren song? I knew you were special. You’re not living up to your potential.” He chuckles. “Go ahead. Sing. I want to hear it.”

  At his command, I can’t resist. It pours forth as though summoned.

  Kai lies back in the sand and closes his eyes. A smile appears on his face as I serenade him, the sea, and anyone else who cares to listen.

  I sing and sing and sing until the sun rises.

  As the first rays peek over the horizon, Kai sits up, his smile still there. His gaze fixed on me. Entranced by my singing, I hadn’t even noticed.

  My voice is hoarse, and I say, “Aren’t you cold?” I shiver. The reality that I stayed out all night singing quickly catches up to me.

  “It was perfect. I’ll see you again soon,” Kai says. “You know where to find me.”

  With that, he dives into the ocean.

  I blink a few times. Is he sea fae? He asked if that was like a siren. Exactly like a siren. The fae songs came from sirens. I swallow thickly. What is going on?

  I should go back to the resort. I should apologize to Corbin. I should check in with Pepper and Clove so they know I’m okay.

  I should do a lot of things, but I can’t pull myself away from the sea. The only thing keeping me from diving in after Kai is how cold I am. I walk along the shore’s edge, collecting seashells and picking up sea glass. The water caresses my skin. I could stay here on this tiny island forever and forget everything that’s been going on.

  Instead, I sing again. I cannot help myself.

  I traipse through the sand, leaving nothing but my voice and footprints behind me. My footprints. I trace them back as far as I can see, but the incoming tide quickly washes them into the ocean.

  The song comes out of me, encloses me like a net, like a snare. Yet, I continue to sing. I move ever closer to the water and farther from the resort, my friends, Corbin, and what I know.

  My thoughts get foggy. The sky lightens with the dawn. I feel ragged, yet I still sing. It’s as though some force outside me pulls the song out of me. I have the vague notion that I no longer want to sing, that I’m thirsty and hungry, and likely people are looking for me.

  My steps falter, and I collapse into the shallows, letting the waves lap my skin. I blink up at the sky, watching thick clouds rolling in.

  I shouldn’t lay here. I should get up. I don’t.

  I want to sing, but I don’t want to at the same time. I feel cold, confused, and weak.

  I want to be free. I want my friends and family. But I also want to stay here forever.

  Footsteps slap in the wet sand close to shore. Muscled and tattooed arms lift me out of the water. It’s Kai.

  “Kenna,” he says. His voice is like a familiar but faint memory. “I love your voice. It’s so much like Isa’s.”

  I blink, trying to place that name. My thoughts muddle and fog like the marine layer hovering over the ocean. We move deeper into the water, past the shallows. I still sing and my voice changes into a strangled, murky thing. Someone calls across the distance, a burble in the water, a message only for me.

  “Kai, what are you doing?” I whisper or think, I’m not sure.

  Fear pierces me. Why is he bringing me deeper into the water? What did he mean about loving my voice? Who is Isa?

  I hear my name, a shout, a call, a cry above the surface this time.

  We spin around, pausing, and then slowly emerge from the water.

  I hear voices over my song. “I found her here. She was in the water, practically drowned, but singing,” Kai says, sounding confused and stricken. He stops when he’s waist-deep.

  Pepper rushes into the water and wraps her arms around me. “Kenna, it’s okay. We’ve been searching all over for you. Let’s go back to the hotel room.”

  Her eyes flash gold.

  I sing at a whisper now.

  Clove rushes over, holding me up.

  A lifeguard appears. “Thankfully, the water is warm, but she’s been out for a while. Maybe you should take her to the local clinic.”

  “Thank you,” another voice says. Corbin comes into focus. “I’m her husband. I’ll take it from here.”

  His wolf warmth envelops me, but for once, he doesn’t tell me not to sing. My lips still move, however, the song falls silently from my mouth.

  Without another word, he leaves. Pepper and Clove help me back to the hotel room. I don’t know where Corbin went. He must still be mad.

  Back in our room, the bed is still made, meaning he didn’t sleep or housekeeping came super early.

  In the bathroom, Pepper helps me out of my dress from the night before and slides my hair over my shoulder to remove the mother-of-pearl necklace.

  My stomach grumbles as she fumbles with the clasp. I feel weak, faint.

  “I can’t get it off,” she says as the shower warms.

  Tired, I shrug. Don’t worry about it. I already got it wet, I answer.

  “What? I couldn’t hear you. You must be exhausted.”

  I move my lips again, but no sound comes out. I swallow hard, trying to allay my worst fear.

  Now my voice can’t hurt her or anyone because I don’t have one.

  She comes to my side, pointing at my chest. Her eyes are even wider than before. In my reflection, my lips and chest beneath the shell pendant are a bruised shade of blue.

  “Did something from the necklace rub off?” she asks, turning it over.

  I brush my hand over my chest.

  Pepper hastens her effort to remove the necklace but gives up so I try. I shake my head.

  “Are you okay to shower? We can try again when you get out. Maybe the saltwater rusted the clasp,” she asks.

  I try to reply. Nothing. My shoulders cave.

  “Clove is getting room service. The food should be here in a few minutes. We need to get you cleaned up, warm, and fed,” she says, trying to hide her anxiety.

  As the warm water spills over my shoulders, I try removing the necklace again. I pull and tug, but it won’t budge. Still, I want to sing, maybe even more desperately than before. The words to the ancient fae songs are on my lips, but no sound comes out. I take long sips of the shower water and then clear my throat.

  Silence.

  I hastily dry off and leave the bathroom.

  Pepper and Baker are at the table on the lanai. Fat raindrops fall from the sky. I don’t want to worry them so I quickly get dressed, eager to find Corbin. But part of me, a strong part, wants to go back to the sea.

  I sneak out of the room, downstairs to the lobby, and out toward the beach.

  I’m torn between the tides, the ebb and flow, the push and pull—desperate to find Corbin and desiring nothing more than to sing at the edge of the ocean or in the ocean.

  I open my mouth, but no sound emerges. I can’t call him. I can’t take off the necklace. Rushing through the rain, I slip on the stone path leading to the beach. Maybe he went to catch a few waves and is getting out now that it’s raining.

  The closer I get to the shore, the thicker the rain pounds down, in sheets now. I’m soggier than before I got in the shower, waterlogged, silenced, lost, and confused.

  But as soon as my feet hit the saltwater, the song comes forth, a sonorous offering to the sea. However, it’s not coming from my lips. Rather, from the shell pendant around my neck.

  A little farther in the shallows, I spot Corbin and Kai, each crouched in battle stance and facing off.

  His words float back to me. He said I’m special, beautiful, and not living up to my potential.

  Melchior.

  Chapter 24

  Corbin
/>   Kenna’s song haunted me through the night, but for some reason, I couldn’t find her. I searched everywhere until I realized there must have been grim magic at work.

  When she went in the water early this morning, it must’ve washed away, finally revealing her location.

  She stands in the shallows now, tugging at the necklace. She parts her lips, but no sound comes out as the song continues from the pendant.

  “What did you do to her?” I hiss at Kai.

  He smirks. “I didn’t do anything. I found her this morning, singing to the sea.”

  “No, the necklace. Why is her song, her voice, coming out of it?”

  Kai shrugs innocently.

  I lunge at him, at the same time calling out, “Liar.”

  “I’ve been looking forward to this.” Kai shoves me back.

  He’s a lot stronger than I imagined. Almost too strong for a regular human.

  I detect a fig, a spell used to mask magic. I push to my feet and wipe the water from my eyes. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

  Kai straightens, and a smirk appears on his lips. His eyes narrow. “Actually, I do know. It’s you, Alpha of Pack Hjalmor, who have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

  He turns more liquid than solid. It’s as though he’s part of the ocean, yet still part man...no, he’s fae.

  Kai is Melchior glamoured, but it’s washing away, revealing his true nature.

  “You,” I growl.

  “Yes, me. But you brought this on. I warned you that if you didn’t allow Kenna to join me, it would be the ruin of wolves.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “For one, they’ll soon be without their Alphas. For two, I’ll use Kenna as a weapon after all. As a tri-magical, she existed outside my original curses. That also meant I could curse her anew.” He smirks. “I also figured after all the trouble you’ve caused me, winning your mate would be a nice prize.” He chuckles darkly.

  “Never.” I stalk closer.

  “She’s clever. Tricked me into thinking she was going to sing to your soul and kill you. No, today, you’ll kill the wolf in her, leaving the fae intact.”