Hunted (War of the Covens 1)

She was close to finding him—she knew it.

And with that certainty came the realization that Marion was most probably right about her part in the war. Maybe not now, but soon Caia was going to be a frontline soldier—and love just didn’t come into that equation.

No matter how good Lucien’s scent felt on her skin.

“Caia.” Sebastian was at her side as soon as she stepped out of the car. He inhaled and then paled, his eyes flashing their hurt. “It’s true.”

Damn, she’d forgotten to expect this reaction. “No, it’s not.”

His eyes widened and he glanced behind him to Mal and the others crowded around the SUV. By the lecherous smirk on Mal’s face, and the fury on Alexa’s, her scent had already drifted upwind to them, and they knew the truth of what their parents had told them this morning.

“But you smell like him,” Sebastian replied in confusion, his eyes full of hurt.

“It was a mistake. And please don’t look at me like that.”

“But you did …” he trailed off.

Not wanting to go into the details of that with Sebastian, Caia headed toward school. “Yes. I was upset. It happened. But I did not expect to find myself spiritually and fertilely bound to Lucien.”

She sensed Sebastian’s smugness before he said, “I told him you’d be mad.”

“Oh yeah, you already knew, right? He warned you off.”

“Sounds like you’re mad about that too.”

She winced at the hope in his voice. How could he still want her even after she’d been with Lucien?

“I’m just mad he told you before me.” Caia stopped and glared. “No, let’s rephrase that. I’m mad he didn’t even tell me.”

“What does that me—”

“Forget it.” She blushed, realizing that none of them knew that Lucien had to tell her. “I don’t want to talk about it. I’m trying to concentrate on getting Jaeden back.”

Sebastian grabbed her arm, bringing her to a stop again. “You have news?” he asked eagerly.

She nodded, knowing her eyes mirrored the hope in his. “I’m getting closer. I can feel it.”

“What are you planning?”

Caia didn’t hesitate. “When I find her, I’m going after her. And you’re coming with me.”

Sebastian grinned. “How are we going to do that?”

“If I’m the one finding her, I’m in a good position to make demands. And Lucien owes me this.”

Before Seb could reply, the pack’s scents hit her. She turned slightly and saw them heading over and braced herself. She was grateful for Sebastian who edged closer to her, offering comfort and reinforcement. She just had to ignore the niggling possessiveness that still lingered in his emotions.

“Well.” Mal grinned as the group reached her, his eyes full of mischief. “Go, Caia. I guess I’ve got to be extra respectful to you now.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“Hey, I’m not saying anything. I’m impressed. You got yours.”

“I got mine?”

Sebastian growled, sensing her tone. “Back off, Mal.”

He laughed and shook his head. “You need to watch yourself there, Sebby boy. There’s a difference between protecting the Alpha’s fêmea, as we all should … and coveting her.”

“The threat of Lucien’s wrath doesn’t seem to bother him.” Dana whistled. “How hot, Sebastian. Who knew you had it in you.”

Caia blanched at the flush on Sebastian’s cheeks. “Leave him alone.”

“Well,” Alexa spoke for the first time, her eyes spitting fire, “I guess we better do as she says.”

The rest of the pack tittered and moved to pass. “Whore.” The word whispered from Alexa’s spiteful mouth into Caia’s ears. Sebastian bristled.

They stood in silence for a moment and then the bell rang. “I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to the pack’s temperament. Only yesterday Mal defended me against them, and now …”

“He may be obnoxious, but he’s not spiteful. He’s just having fun. It’s Alexa and Dana I’d worry about.”

“I’m not worried,” Caia replied. “I have no intention of taking up my position beside Lucien.”

“What?” Sebastian gaped. “Are you serious?”

“I told you it’s not even a discussion. All I care about is getting Jaeden back.”

His eyes brightened considerably, and he smiled, trying to look nonchalant. “And after that?”

“I need to speak to Marion. I guess more training. For the war.”

“Caia—”

“Please, Sebastian. I don’t want to talk about it. I need to concentrate on Jaeden.”

Sebastian nodded and led her into the school. “Let me know when I should put my game face on.”

Caia grinned, feeling a rush of anticipation.

For the first time, she felt in control and certain she was capable of bringing her friend home, even if it meant facing off with Ethan.

For the first time since she was told about the prophecy, she believed she actually stood a chance.

Ah, the arrogance of youth.

Ethan smirked at Lars as he railed about how he would never have been so stupid as to have walked into the hands of the Daylight Coven like Xylena. Lars, who was twenty-five years old and could barely master a basic communication spell—and Xylena, a two-hundred-year-old faerie who’d worked her way up the ranks from peasantry to Ethan’s right hand. There was no comparison between the two.