“Who’s your father?”
I shook my head. “There are a few possibilities, but Calandra isn’t sure.”
He said nothing, just stared at the painting above the fireplace, obviously thinking about what I’d said. At least he wasn’t furious.
“How do you think Kaleb will react?” I had to know. “Will he be mad?”
“That depends. Did you cast a love spell on him?”
“No. I don’t know any spells, and my powers are bound until I turn eighteen. At least that’s what Calandra told me. The headaches I’ve been getting are a result of the spell wearing off. But even if I had powers, I wouldn’t know how to use them.”
“I don’t understand,” Markus said. “You’re already eighteen.”
“No. I’m not. Apparently, I’ve been celebrating the wrong birthday all these years.”
“Well, you might not think you have powers, but you healed Kaleb, and don’t tell me you only cleaned his wounds.”
I sighed, knowing I might as well confess everything. “Calandra gave me a potion to use on Mom if she got worse. But I didn’t need it, so I used it on Kaleb. I didn’t have a choice. I had to try and save him.”
“I know,” he replied. “So, when Kaleb claimed you. Are you sure you hadn’t been playing around with a spell book?”
“No. There was no spell or magic in that. Kaleb and I just fell in love with each other.” The look on Markus’ face concerned me. “Why are you asking?”
“Because unless they were under a spell at the time, wolves are killed for claiming a witch.”
I gasped. There was no way I’d let Kaleb die for claiming me. I’d rather lie and confess to using a love spell. “Is that why Kaleb’s claim mark disappeared?”
“What do you mean?”
“The mark where he bit me.” I lifted my shirt on the side. “It disappeared a few weeks ago. Is that because I’m a witch?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never met a witch claimed by a wolf.” Markus looked at me. “Why don’t you get some sleep? I need some time to think.”
I headed to my bedroom and after checking on Kaleb, I crawled into the sleeping bag on the floor. All I could do now was sleep, and pray that after the potion wore off, Markus didn’t change his mind and kill me.
Chapter 27
“Hey.” Markus nudged my shoulder gently to wake me.
I sat up and yawned as I looked over at my bedroom window. It was wide open, letting in the fresh air and revealing a bright, blue summer sky. “What time is it?”
“It’s after one,” Markus replied.
“I can’t believe you didn’t wake me sooner.” I rushed to Kaleb and placed a hand on his forehead. It felt hot. “He’s burning up again.”
“It’s nothing to worry about. It’ll take a few weeks for his body to fight off the wolfsbane.” He removed the gauze to check the wound.
“Weeks? That’s too long.” The blocking spell in the living room would only last one week. Something I’d neglected to tell Markus.
He looked at me. “When he wakes up, the three of us will take a trip out of town. Somewhere quiet where he can rest until he’s better.”
That sounded like a great idea, but Kaleb needed to wake up soon, or we needed to leave town straight away. Once Calandra told the High Council about me, how much time would I have before everyone else learned the truth?
I racked my brain, desperate to come up with an alternative, but I knew I needed to wait. Markus had only learned the truth nine hours ago. He needed more time. I’d say something tomorrow, and then we’d come up with a solid plan.
“Drina stopped by this morning,” Markus said. “Victor ended up staying in Dover. He wanted to check your mom in to the hospital and get her settled before leaving. Don’t worry, everything’s fine. Carmel stuck around too. They’ll be back later tonight.”
“Does Carmel know about Kaleb?”
“Not yet. The Elders know, so I asked Drina not to tell Victor. If Carmel finds out, she’ll rush back, and I don’t want her leaving Victor’s side.” He rubbed his chin, looking tired. “Drina wanted to see you, but I didn’t want to wake you. She’s worried about you. Why don’t you go over and see her? I’ll keep an eye on Kaleb.”
My gaze lowered to Kaleb. I didn’t want to leave him, but if Drina was worried, then I needed to see her. If I didn’t, she’d come back with Uncle Henry, and that’s the last thing we needed right now.
“I’ll call if anything changes.” Markus touched my shoulder.
I nodded and called Drina to let her know I was coming over.
An hour later, I rushed home. Markus had rung me, insisting I get home right away. He’d refused to say anything on the phone, but I could tell by his tone it was urgent. After parking the jeep in the driveway, I grabbed the container of chicken soup from the backseat and hurried into the house.
“Call her again.”
I froze in the foyer, shocked to hear Kaleb’s voice coming from my bedroom. No wonder Markus had sounded upset. There’s no way Kaleb should have healed that quickly.
“She’s on her way,” Markus replied.
“I can’t believe you didn’t take me to Norwood Isle. My father must be pissed,” Kaleb said. “How long has it been?”
“Well…” Markus hesitated.
“I’m back,” I called, slamming the front door to save Markus from having to answer Kaleb’s question. Their voices hushed.
After placing the container of chicken soup in the refrigerator, I reluctantly walked to my bedroom, a sense of dread washing over me. Although I wanted to see Kaleb, I wasn’t ready to spill my guts. “You said it was urgent. Is everything okay?”
Kaleb sat on the edge of the bed, wearing a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. The same white t-shirt he’d given to me after I saved Markus from drowning several months ago. He must’ve found it hanging in my closet. When our eyes met, he grinned. “Hey, you.”
“Kaleb!” I ran straight to him and wrapped my arms around his neck as he pulled me into his lap. Choking down a sob, I tried not to cry, but he looked like his usual self—vibrant and strong. Whatever was in that vial truly was magic. It was hard to believe he’d almost died. “I thought I’d lost you.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easy.” Kaleb wiped the tears from my face, kissing me as he held me close.
Markus cleared his throat loudly, causing me to pull back from our kiss. He stood by the window, his brow furrowed with concern.
“How are you feeling?” I tried to stand, but Kaleb refused to let me go.
“I feel great,” Kaleb replied as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. He kissed the side of my mouth. “Markus, I need a moment alone with my girl.”
“No.” I couldn’t be alone with him. What if he asked me what happened? “You should rest. We can talk later.”
“She’s right.” Markus closed the blinds. “Your body needs another day to recover. You and Sienna can—”
“Out,” Kaleb ordered.
Markus left the bedroom, leaving the door wide open.
“He’s worried about you. We both are.” I lowered my hand to his heart, relieved to feel it beating as it should. Despite having healed too fast, Kaleb seemed perfectly fine.
“I’ve been asleep for weeks. I’m sure my body’s fine by now.” He lowered me onto the bed, keeping one of his arms under my head. As he lay next to me, cradling me in his arms, his eyes searched mine. Did he feel different? Had he figured out that someone helped him heal? “We’re alone in your bedroom. Do you really want me to rest?”
“No, but—”
“Whatever you need to tell me, it can wait.” He pressed his lips against mine, kissing me gently as he slipped his tongue into my mouth.
Although I knew I should push him away and insist we talk, I drew him closer. Instead of listening to every ounce of logic in my body that screamed to pull away, I kissed him harder.
He groaned as he touched my waist under my shirt and then pulled h
is lips away. Lowering his head, he kissed my collarbone. “You have no idea how crazy you make me feel, how much I want you.”
I ran my fingers through his hair, pulling his head closer as he kissed my neck.
“Promise me you’ll love me forever,” he said.
I gasped when he nibbled on my earlobe and his hand moved farther up under my shirt.
“I didn’t hear you.” He stared into my eyes. “Will you love me forever?”
I stared at Kaleb. Not at the wolf. Not at the future alpha of the Norwood Pack. But at the guy I fell in love with before I even knew shapeshifters existed. Before I found out that my biological mom was a witch. “Yes. I’ll love you forever.”
As a huge grin spread across his face, he removed his hand from my shirt and reached around to his back pocket. “There’s something I need to ask.”
My heart skipped a beat as he got to his feet and frowned. He patted his back pockets as he looked around. He was searching for the engagement ring. “Kaleb, we should talk before you—”
“Let me say this first, or I’ll lose my nerve.” He grabbed the black velvet box from the dresser, took a deep breath, and went down on one knee in front of me. “Sienna. There’s no one else for me. You’re perfect in every way, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. For me, there’s no future without you. If I have to give up everything to be with you, I’ll do it. Will you—”
“Wait.” I stared at the box, choking back the sob that formed in my throat. “There’s something you need to know. I—”
“Whatever it is, I don’t care. I love you, and I want to be your husband.” He opened the box. “Will you marry me?”
My heart sank. He’d finally proposed, but he had no idea who he’d asked. He hadn’t asked Sienna, the half-Romani girl. He’d asked Sienna, the Romani witch. How could I say yes without first telling him the truth?
“Kaleb.” Markus stood in the doorway. No doubt he’d been listening to our conversation and knew he had to interrupt.
“Not now.” Kaleb stared at me, waiting for an answer. An answer I couldn’t give. “Will you be my wife? Will you stand by my side and help me lead the Norwood wolves?”
“Kaleb,” Markus spoke louder this time.
“I said not now,” Kaleb yelled. His eyes flashed briefly in Markus’ direction as he waved his hand, motioning for Markus to go away.
Markus’ eyes widened as he flew backward into the hallway, and the bedroom door slammed shut behind him.
Kaleb jumped off the bed as I scrambled to my feet, rushing to check on Markus. But the door wouldn’t budge. It had jammed in the doorframe.
“What was—” Kaleb collapsed to the floor.
I hurried to his side and turned him over. He felt hot again and his breathing was ragged.
“Kaleb.” Markus ripped the door off its hinges and leaned it against the bedroom wall. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. He got angry, and you…” I didn’t dare say it out loud. “Then he passed out.”
“We should get him to the living room, where we can talk.” Markus kneeled and scooped Kaleb up. As he walked out of the bedroom, I picked up the open ring box from the floor.
Walking to the living room, I stared down at my engagement ring. It was exquisite, like nothing I’d ever seen—a purple stone set in a black gold band. Absolutely stunning!
“That belonged to his great-great-grandmother.” Markus held out his hand. “I’ll keep it safe.”
After taking one last look at the ring I hoped to see on my finger one day, I took a deep breath and handed it to Markus. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He tucked the ring box into his pants pocket. “Something’s not right. I’ve never seen Kaleb do that. What was in the potion you gave him?”
“I don’t know, but it was more than just a potion.” I sat on the couch, next to Kaleb’s legs. “I cast a healing spell.”
Markus folded his arms. “I thought you didn’t know any spells?”
“I don’t. It’s the healing spell Calandra used on Mom. She gave me a vial of purple stuff, but I didn’t need to use it because Mom got better. So, I took a chance and used it on Kaleb.”
“Please tell me the spell didn’t require fresh blood.”
I bit my lip, afraid to answer. “Does that matter?”
“Yes.” He sat on the oversized armchair and rubbed a hand over his face. “Ancient spells require blood from a High Council witch. If you—”
“But I didn’t use Calandra’s blood. I used mine.”
“You don’t understand.” He groaned. “You’re the daughter of a High Council witch, and that means you have a fifty percent chance of becoming one.”
Damn. Something else Calandra hadn’t told me.
I rested my hand on Kaleb’s leg, knowing if I had to heal him again, I would.
Markus hung his head, looking as if I’d cast the ancient spell on him. “You can’t tell anyone what you did. Not your mom. Not Drina. Not any of the witches. If you truly love Kaleb, this secret must stay between the three of us.”
“We don’t need to tell Kaleb. You and I can—”
“No. You can’t keep it from him. You saw what happened tonight. He’ll know something isn’t right. He’ll feel different.” Markus paused, glancing at Kaleb. “This isn’t your fault. You’re in love with him. You wanted to save him, so I don’t blame you. Kaleb won’t blame you either.”
“Blame me for what?” I stared at Markus, confused.
“What you did to him with that healing spell. You’ve tainted his blood. Now he can never lead the Norwood Pack.”
My mouth dropped open. First, I’d put Kaleb’s life in danger by allowing him to claim me as his mate, and now, I’d tainted his blood by casting an ancient spell. I was too shocked and angry to cry.
“No.” I shook my head. “That can’t be right. He’s still the same Kaleb. He’s—”
“He’ll never be the same,” Markus said. “Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”
“Yes.” I removed Mom’s ring from my index finger to reveal the blood oath reminder. “Calandra wouldn’t help Mom unless I swore a blood oath. I have to present myself to the High Council.”
“That’s all?” He examined my finger. “What exactly did she say?”
“She wants me to stay at the coven and learn how to control my powers, but it’s up to me to decide.”
“You don’t have a choice. Once the Norwood Pack learns you’re a witch, they won’t protect you anymore. You’ll be a lone witch in danger. The witches at the coven will protect you and teach you things no one else can. You need to go there, tonight.” He stood and touched Kaleb’s forehead with the back of his hand. “I’ll take Kaleb somewhere safe, so he can finish healing.”
I shook my head. I couldn’t leave Kaleb. What if his condition worsened? “I should go with you and explain—”
“No.” He slid his arms under Kaleb and lifted him. “You don’t know how he’ll react to your news. It’s better if he hears everything from me. I can reason with him, convince him to think things through. He’ll be angry, and he might come after you.”
“Make sure he knows how much I love him.” I kissed Kaleb’s cheek, not liking Markus’ plan. But he was right. If anyone could reason with Kaleb, it was Markus. I had to let them go. “Can you please keep an eye on Victor and Drina for me? Promise me you’ll keep them safe.”
“I promise.” Markus walked to the kitchen as I followed close behind. “Watch your back at the coven and don’t make any more blood oaths. You’re lucky Calandra didn’t trick you this time.”
“I will.” I opened the back door for him and watched as he carried Kaleb into the woods and out of my life.
Chapter 28
An hour later, I stuffed a letter into an envelope with Victor’s and Drina’s names on it and placed it on the dresser in my bedroom. I couldn’t just leave without giving them an explanation. I needed them to know the truth, not whatev
er the Elders decided to tell everyone.
Saying goodbye and explaining things in person would have been easier, but I didn’t know where they were. Although I’d sent three text messages and left two voicemails, I’d received no response. I hoped my letter would be enough, and I hoped they’d understand.
I picked up the copy of Romeo and Juliet Dad had given me and tucked it into my backpack. It was the one treasure from my past before we moved to Woodlake. Before I discovered shapeshifters existed. Before I met Kaleb. Before we fell in love and he claimed me as his mate.
Wiping away my tears, I glanced at my suitcase and backpack by the bed. I’d filled my suitcase with clothes and shoes, and my backpack held books and my tip money from the café. Would Kaleb come after me like Markus said? And if he did, would he take me in his arms or rip out my throat?
I bent down to grab my backpack but froze when I heard a sound. Someone had entered the house and was moving around in the hallway. As the footsteps grew louder, I hurried to the closet and crouched in the corner.
Markus left with Kaleb an hour ago. Had he forgotten something? Had Kaleb taken a turn for the worse? Holding my breath, I pulled the hunting knife from my boot and waited.
“I don’t think she’s here,” someone whispered.
“She has to be,” came the whispered reply. It sounded like a woman’s voice.
Someone entered the closet. “Sienna?” Victor whispered.
“Victor?” I let out my breath and emerged from behind my clothes. The other voice had to be Drina’s. They must have received my messages and texts.
Victor let out a sigh of relief, but the look on his face worried me. Something wasn’t right.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, tucking the knife back into my boot. “Is it Mom?”
“She’s fine.” He pushed aside my hanging clothes and looked around inside the closet. “Where are Markus and Kaleb?”
“They’re not here. Wait, is it the baby?” I rushed out of the closet, worried about Drina. She stood near the dresser, her expression as distraught as Victor’s. “Is the baby okay?”
Romani Witch (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 2) Page 19
