Chapter 108
Kennedy is home and asked me to pick her up from the airport and drive her to her mother’s region so that we can catch up. She sounded tired and like she could use someone who isn’t going to question her mission details. Her mother can be hard on her sometimes, and her wives are just as competitive as she is.
She looks like she’s been baking on the beach. Her skin is now a beautiful caramel shade, and her hair is a few tones lighter. My two guards take her things off the belt as I sign the release papers for the general who housed her while she was away.
“I am so happy to be home,” she lets out a heavy sigh when we finally begin to head for the car. “Wait, what happened to your little bug?”
“King Baldr thinks that my bug is a little too obvious and gifted me this one. It’s got some kind of security system in it that informs the surrounding soldiers should I get into any trouble,” I explain.
“Have you?” she asks worriedly.
“Santiago has been trespassing,” I nod. “He’s going feral, and the closer the wolf is to taking over, the more impatient he’s getting to bring me back to Artume.”
The mention of Artume elicits a reaction from her. She looks away as if the last thing she wants to do is talk about it. I get into the driver’s seat and start the car. The two bikes the guards are driving follow as we pull away from the terminals.
“How are things with Ragnar?” she asks once we’re away from the airport.
“Rocky,” I admit. “He’s broken his oath, and he feels guilty about it.”
“We knew he would. Lycan males are very single–minded when it comes to their mates. I did warn you the last time we hungout. I’m sorry you’re dealing with that on top of having to deal with Santiago.”
“How are things between you and Ivar going?” I ask. Her shoulders tense up. “Have you not spoken to him?”
“We were on really good terms before I left, but something is changing.” she shrugs. “I don’t like the coldness he’s been acting with. It feels more like he’s forcing himself to call and check in.”
‘Ivar is a very in–the–moment kind of person. Maybe it was the distance,” I try to comfort her.
‘No,” she shakes her head. “Something is going on with him, and I think this thing between us has run its course I actually want to talk to him about it the next time I see him. Is he here?”
He’s not. Ragnar sent him to check in with my grandmother. The closer Santiago gets, the more restless he becomes Now that the Alpha King has turned his back on the Romanos, they’re growing bolder. Ragnar is in a hurry to finish this before we’re all sent overseas again.”
I would be in a hurry to finish this for more than that,‘ she smirks ‘How is your abinity doing? Geting any practi
“A lot actually. Racna sends me different exercises to practice, and I’m getting stronger I’ve gone from bad healing techniques to early combative ones. I can show you once you’re settled in again. Are you sull has true trouble with grandre ask about her earth affinity.
“Yeah, I haven’t been able to practice. General Kane was very strist. Since they don’t have affinity extensions by that mon when those of us who do have them visit, we’re kind of forbidden to use them to assist. We Days to respect the General’s laws in their region?
“Was it rough)”
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Chapter 108
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“Oh yeah,” she laughs. “And the females there look down on those of us with affinities. None of them was very accepting of us being there.”
I’m sorry to hear that,” I say, pulling into her family home.
“Listen, don’t try to talk me out of breaking up with Ivar. I know you guys are close, but this is between him and me. I’d like for us to remain friends. I don’t want him mad at you or him thinking you’re choosing sides.”
“It sounds like you’ve made up your mind. I know you well enough to know not to get involved. I’m sorry things didn’t work out. You guys seemed great together.”
“Honestly, I think we were both using each other to fill in voids we had no business trying to replace at the time. It was fun, but it’s time we move on. I’d invite you to come in, but my mom is pissed about me taking as long as I did on my mission. I’ll see you Monday?”
“Yeah, I expect your report by then,” I confirm. “I didn’t think you took too long. Getting information is for patient minds. You came back four days before you were due. Ragnar gave me the assignment when you called to tell us you were on your way back with what you needed. Don’t let your mother be little your progress.”
“Thanks,” she smiles and reaches over the centre console to give me a hug.
My guards help take her luggage to the front door and then wait for her to get inside. She waves back at me when some of her staff members come out to receive her and take the luggage. I wave back and start the car again. One of the bikers taps on the glass. I lower it enough to hear him.
“The King has asked us to escort you back to the castle, my lady. If you please,” he bows.
“Let’s go,” I agree.
As we hit the road, I take in my surroundings. I see the red bike in my right rearview mirror and the green one on the left. It’ll be a forty–minute ride to the castle, which means they’re probably going to need to refuel. I can use something to drink I tap the GPS linked to theirs and ask for the nearest gas station. Once I send the suggestion, the two of them confirm.
We stop just before we get on the highway. I pay for our gas and get us some snacks. The two of them try to refuse, but then give in when I growl at the two of them. I think they’re just being nice because of Ragnar. There is no way in hell they find me intimidating. Once we’re ready to hit the road, my phone rings.
“Hello?” I answer, not recognizing the number on the screen.
“Where are you?” King Baldr demands. Not who I was expecting.
“I am on my way to the castle, sir. We had to stop to refuel,” I inform him.
“Good,” he lets out a heavy sigh.
“Is everything okay?”
“How good are you at keeping a secret?”
“I like to think that I am very good at keeping a secret,” I answer.
“Do you have midwife training?”
“I do,” I answer, knowing where this is going “Is this about Helena?”
“How do you know that?”
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“I have midwife training. I scented her in the early stages when you were staying with us, I admit. I hear him take a deep breath and let out in a huff.
“Would it be too much to ask you to check her? She’s been spotting.” he says quietly. “And sleeping a lot.”
“It’s normal for a female to sleep a lot during the first six months. Spotting could mean many things, sir. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”
“Thank you, Sophia. Be careful. Ragnar has been restless since you left this morning,” he says and hangs up.
I tap the dashboard to call Ragnar to let him know I’m going to the castle. I thought the guard who has refused to tell me his name meant Ragnar when he said the King wanted me to head over to the castle.
‘Where are you?” he demands after the first ring. Like father, like son.
‘I’m about to get on the highway. Where are you?” I ask.
‘I had to come to the council temple in Aristosa. I should be home in a couple of hours. Are you headed there now?”
‘Your dad wants to talk to me. I’m headed to the castle.”
‘What does he want?”
‘I’m not sure, but he sounded serious.” The lie doesn’t feel right, but it’s not my place to say anything about his stepmother being pregnant. I know how dangerous it can be in their position.
‘I’ll meet you there then. Wait for me so we can head back together,” he sighs.
“Is everything all right?”
“I hope so,” he clears his throat and lowers his tone. “I’ll see you in a while. Be safe, Little Wolf.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
