by Patti Larsen
I glance sideways at him, hating that my mind always takes this turnabout. The endless cyclical stirring of though leads me from my grandfather to Caine to the Brotherhood and, finally, to Sage and his safety. I’m meant to be werequeen one day, but I can barely keep one wolf safe.
I figure we have a few options, Sage sends. We can turn ourselves in.
After all we’ve been through? We both snort together. Not going to happen.
We can call for Syd. Again, not a choice I’m willing to risk, unless it’s absolutely last resort.
We can try to sneak in, Sage sends.
Past all that magic. I sigh and rub my arms with both hands, the thin jacket I stole from the back seat of our liberated car barely enough to keep the September evening chill from my skin. We might as well just give in, I send. They’ll be on us the moment we try to cross.
Even if you take us through the veil? Sage’s eyes are so wise, I get lost in them a moment before shaking my head.
Can’t, I send, bitterly disappointed by the fact. We’ve tried all along, remember? For whatever reason, I can cut into it, but not through it.
Sage’s muzzle dips, forehead pushing against my shoulder. I think I figured out why. His nose is cold and wet, but I don’t flinch from the touch on my hand. Remember when you took us to California? When we were being attacked by the hunters?
I do. It was our only successful jump. Without help, that is. Our first dive into the veil left us stranded in the dark, rubbery membrane between planes. Thankfully a drach had been close by and rescued us. Otherwise I’m certain we would have been lost there forever.
You used me to complete the trip, he sends. My head snaps up as he goes on. I could feel the drain on my energy, felt you with me. I’m right, aren’t I?
My mouth hangs open a moment before I grasp his furry face in my hands and kiss his snout. Brilliant, I send. Why didn’t I think of that?
I can only guess it’s because we were both stressed and tired, Sage sends, practicality tinted with humor. Can’t blame us for forgetting.
Me, he means. He’s so kind, even now.
My wolf reaches for his and finds only Sage. Of course. He’s fully integrated, unlike me. When Syd freed my people from the controls of the Black Soul sorcerers who created us, she also freed our magic. But I’ve always felt a disconnect, as though there are parts of my power I can’t yet access. Sage doesn’t have that flaw.
More to consider when this is all over and I have time to think.
Can we do it? Sage’s magic is ready and willing, a deep and powerful river of deliciousness I wish I could dive in and never emerge from.
I think so. My wolf barks an affirmative. With the boost of his magic, with both of us tied to the demon power Syd claims allows us access to the veil, I’m sure we can make it through.
That still doesn’t solve our problem. They’ll feel us use our magic, I send.
Sage bobs his head. That’s the only downfall, he sends. So any way we look at it, we’re going to get caught. He sighs, the hot puff of his breath on my cheek as he licks me. If only there were some way to hide the power we use.
The image of a dark and quiet cavern enters my mind, a gasp of air pulling me around to hug Sage close to me. His wolf body quivers as he catches my excitement and when I pull back to grin at him, his tongue lolls out of the side of his mouth in a wolf grin.
You, I send, are a genius.
***
About the Author
Everything you need to know about me is in this one statement: I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl, and now I’m doing it. How cool is that, being able to follow your dream and make it reality? I’ve tried everything from university to college, graduating the second with a journalism diploma (I sucked at telling real stories), was in an all-girl improv troupe for five glorious years (if you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend making things up as you go along as often as possible). I’ve even been in a Celtic girl band (some of our stuff is on YouTube!) and was an independent film maker. My life has been one creative thing after another—all leading me here, to writing books for a living.
Now with multiple series in happy publication, I live on beautiful and magical Prince Edward Island (I know you’ve heard of Anne of Green Gables) with my very patient husband and six massive cats.
I love-love-love hearing from you! You can reach me (and I promise I’ll message back) at [email protected]. And if you’re eager for your next dose of Patti Larsen books (usually about one release a month) come join my mailing list! All the best up and coming, giveaways, contests and, of course, my observations on the world (aren’t you just dying to know what I think about everything?) all in one place: www.bit.ly/pattilarsenemail.
Last—but not least!—I hope you enjoyed what you read! Your happiness is my happiness. And I’d love to hear just what you thought. A review where you found this book would mean the world to me—reviews feed writers more than you will ever know. So, loved it (or not so much), your honest review would make my day. Thank you!
