Chapter 142

Theodore’s POV

I spoke my next words slowly and with so much eye contact that I hoped Dahlia couldn’t miss the lie in them.

“Of course Eva is my mate. Who else would be?”

Eva’s eyes landed back to the spell on the table.

“Besides, if she weren’t my mate, that would mean someone were scheming against me and Violet. And who would be motivated and stupid enough to challenge the most powerful mated couple in centuries?”

Eva’s eyes returned to me as my words sank in. I hoped she answered my rhetorical questions easily enough in her mind. I hoped she put together the danger she would therefore be in if I didn’t keep her at least partially in the dark.

“Of course.” She straightened her shoulders and glanced around like she was suddenly nervous of being overheard. She uncrossed her arms, fidgeting nervously before finally finding her next words.

“Alpha Theodore, were I not already committed to your safety and happiness through the werewolf binds that tie me to you as your Beta, you would have earned my loyalty outright.”

I swallowed a lump of emotion at her direct and moving words.

“It’s part of the reason I was so excited to tell you about my engagement.” We both smiled at that.

Then she dropped her smile to continue. “I hope you know that I will follow where you lead, no matter how dark the path or unknown the destination. Danger and threats will not deter me as long as I have the honor of guarding your back while you face the world – and all the perils therein.”

There was still so much I hadn’t told her, so much it pained me to keep from her. I could tell that she gathered as much. But with her declaration of loyalty, she told me I had shared enough for her to trust me blindly on the rest.

I made a mental note to get her a raise and offer her an entire year off for her honeymoon.

And when this was all over, give her a big fucking hug.

For now, I simply nodded once.

Chancing a damning glance out the back window, I said, “Now that we have that all settled, you can head back to the castle. I’ll meet you there.”

If I could have one more minute, one more second, to say goodbye to my wife properly, I wanted it.

But Dahlia hesitated. “Even in wolf form, the castle is a near hour run away. I worry that should you delay any longer, I will not be able to keep Eva or her friends at bay – especially if I return without you.”

Then she scrunched her face apologetically, like she understood exactly who was waiting in the backyard for me.

Who the hell was I kidding anyway? I was too greedy and selfish. I would never be content with only one more minute with Violet.

One minute would easily turn into one hour and then our cover would be blown. We had almost been caught by Dahlia as it was.

It’s okay. Violet’s voice sounded in my mind. We’ve already had more time than we should have had.

My entire life will never be enough time with you, I proclaimed.

I love you, she responded. And then the bond went silent.

I led Dahlia out the front door, locking the door behind me. Then I left the key under a stone, sending a mental image of it down the bond. This home is ours.

A surge of love came back toward me, almost toppling me over.

I gathered myself as we started through the forest, and Dahlia cleared her throat. “Alpha, I assume that I will be expected to keep Midnight matters confidential especially in light of my engagement to Darkmoon’s Beta, correct?”

In other words, she wanted to tell Kincaid what I had just revealed to her. I sent her question down the bond, and I could feel Violet’s hesitation in response.

We’re not telling them anything outright to protect them. It’s our jobs as Alphas to keep their safety in mind. But I do not want to ask her to keep secrets from her fiancé.

I felt the same.

“I trust your judgement on what to share with whom and when.” She inclined her head in understanding, then I shifted into my wolf and Dahlia followed suit. We needed to get back to the castle before my absence made Eva suspicious.

We took off running. And while we rushed home, Violet continued our conversation with our new magical bond.

How are things… with Eva?

I couldn’t help but notice how careful her wording was. A twinge of pain ached in my chest at the thought that Violet didn’t trust me. Even with my playboy past, I thought we were past that.

I thought I had proven my love and loyalty to her.

I will risk Owen’s wrath before I let her touch me.

Hesitation down the bond gnawed at me, but I tried to hold back my anger. We were both struggling, and I knew I’d be faring far worse if the situation were reversed.

I would understand, she finally responded, if you need to… assuage her to move our plans forward. This is an impossible situation, and I would not hold it against you.

I tripped over a root at her words, earning a concerned glance from Dahlia as I recovered my stride. You’re asking me to whore myself out to a woman who repulses me to gain a crown I don’t even want? I could no longer hold back the anger in my tone.

Pain rippled down the bond immediately – her pain. And regret.

Of course not! I am not asking you to do anything you don’t want to do. I just don’t want you to be afraid of losing me if you have to make an impossible decision.

I relaxed into the run at her explanation. As if sensing my shift in mood, she continued with a softer tone.

I didn’t know she repulsed you. I’m so sorry I put you in this position. Her guilt dripped down the bond with her words.

You didn’t put me in this position. My brother did. Don’t worry about Eva – I will find a way to continue holding her off.

Branches and leaves crunched beneath my paws as the castle came into view. I leaned into the lull of Violet’s voice knowing the conversation would have to end, at least for a while, once I got back. Where I would have to deal with Eva.

We only have a handful of weeks before I start to show, she shared. My heart swelled in excitement as I was reminded of the life growing inside her, then it broke in fear for our child’s uncertain future. Maybe less if Olivia betrays our secret.

My responding thoughts were full of sarcasm. Great, so we just need to figure out how to prove Owen cast that spell, discover how to undo it, dethrone him and replace him with an unknown leader – probably me – all in a matter of weeks. Plenty of time.

Violet took longer to respond, and I even peeked over my shoulder briefly as if I could see her way on the other side of the forest.

I think it’s time I fulfilled my promise to you, she finally said, piquing my interest. It’s time I take you across the border to see where our mothers came from.