Destined (War of the Covens 2)

Lucien grunted and started the engine, speeding out of the lot before anyone found them with the clamps. “I don’t think that’s possible. I was just reminding you that I have my uses. You don’t have to do everything yourself.”

Caia snuggled into her seat. “You don’t know how good that is to hear.”

He reached across the distance between them and linked his fingers with hers, keeping one hand on the wheel and his eyes on the road. “You’re my mate.”

She bit her lip, undecided whether she should ask the question that had been sneaking closer to the forefront of her mind since Lucien had declared his love.

Her mate seemed to sense it and tugged on her hand.

“Caia, I’m willing to take my pack into a political war against the Head of the Daylight Coven for you. Surely you realize you can say anything to me by now.”

Laughing at her own stupidity, Caia blushed. “I guess.”

“Well?”

I hope this comes out right or this might be the shortest relationship in history.

“Are you afraid that what we feel for each other is only because of the mating?”

When his silence stretched into awkward, Caia worried her lip with her teeth, her stare unblinking, watching him for signs of anger. Finally, he glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. She felt a measure of relief as he squeezed her hand.

“Does it matter if it is?”

She frowned. “Doesn’t it, though?”

“No.” By tugging on her hand, he pulled her closer to him, his scent enfolding her and warming her instantly. “Maybe we do love each other because of a deal our fathers made with a god, but it doesn’t make that love any less real.”

“So you’re not worried that it wasn’t your choice to love me?”

Lucien snorted. “No. And if I remember correctly, that line of argument is the reason we haven’t been together from the start, so I think it might be best we burn those thoughts forever. Seriously, Caia, do you want to give this up just because it was preordained by our dads?”

She could sense the worry in his question and felt a peculiar need to tease him. “I don’t know. I mean, down that road is a dangerous journey—wanting the fairy tale because reality blows. Neo would be most unimpressed by us.”

“Since his third movie sucked, Neo can go to Hades.”

Caia grinned. “You got that reference?”

“Really, Caia, what do you take me for?”

“A lykan with very little attachment to the television.”

“Yeah, but with a friend who watched The Matrix Trilogy ninety times when he should’ve been out kicking some rogue’s ass.”

“Ryder.” Caia laughed.

Lucien grunted, “I should be thankful he keeps me socially adept.”

She tried to suppress a grin. “But you’re not thankful.”

“Have you seen The Matrix Revolutions?”

22

Loyalty

The sound of gravel crunching beneath tires was like a welcoming trumpet to Caia’s and Lucien’s ears. They tumbled out of his truck, tired but still filled with love-fueled restlessness. Caia mused over how strangely comfortable it was for them to walk with their arms around one another into the house. It felt like something they’d been doing forever.

They found Magnus and Ella standing in the doorway of the sitting room, waiting for them, both grinning at their return. And then Ella’s eyes washed over them clinging to each other and they widened.

“Does this mean …” She looked quickly to Magnus to see if he’d noticed, and he was grinning from ear to ear, his eyes twinkling.

“We’re together,” Lucien’s voice rumbled with satisfaction.

The Elders launched themselves at Lucien and Caia and Magnus boomed, “It’s about time!”

Caia laughed and allowed them to squeeze her to death. Noticing the tears running like twin streams down Ella’s cheeks, Caia pulled her aside to hold her close.

“I’m so happy. Albus would have been so happy.”

Before Caia could reply, Magnus lifted her off the ground in a bear hug, his own eyes suspiciously wet. When she was firmly back on her feet, he held her face between his hands and gazed down at her adoringly. “I feel like a proud father.”

Her throat burned, and she worked her jaw, trying not to cry. At last she managed a hoarse, “You have been like a father to me, Uncle Magnus. Thank you.”

The best moment in her life so far, a moment when she finally felt she was part of a family, was cut short by a shrill ringing. Cursing, Lucien pulled out his cell phone.

“Ryder,” he muttered and hit the answer button. “What’s up?”

“You’re back!” They all heard Ryder. “When?”

“This minute. How did you know?”

“I’ve been trying your cell for the last twenty-four hours.”

Lucien frowned and hunched into the conversation. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m guessing you know already. You and Caia too tired to come over to my apartment?”

“No, we’ll be right there.”

Ella didn’t look happy when Lucien hung up. “Surely he can let you two get some sleep before you visit.”