Page 122 of A Trial of Two Worlds
But why was she running away?
“It’s the wilt’s magic,” Daxton said. “Zola has never been the same since—”
“So I’ve learned,” Shaw answered, taking a deep breath to try and steady himself. “We discussed this last night, and again this morning. But still, she’s reluctant to explore this matter further.”
Without asking, I leaped forward and encircled my arms around my friend, holding him close and giving him every ounce of comfort and protection I couldmuster. At the end of the day, I was his alpha, driven by instinct to protect my pack.
Daxton released a low rumble in his throat next to me as a warning, but I waved him off.
Clearly,Shaw was not a threat.
Shaw’s arms tightened around me in response. “I’ve fought for every gods-damned thing in my life, Sky. Why would my mate be any different?”
Mate.
I pulled back, reaching up to tousle his hair with a playful touch, just as I had when we were young. The glimmer of hope in his eyes returned, mirrored by the faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Like always, you’re right.”
Shaw huffed a laugh. “Can I get that in writing?”
I gave him a beaming smile, and thankfully, he returned the gesture. “There will be time to figure this all out, Shaw. I promise you’ll have that time with Zola.”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
Daxton stepped to my side and draped an arm over my shoulder, pulling me close to his chest. Shaw looked up at him and wisely took a step back, giving my mate a shallow nod in understanding.
Gah,males.
Chapter Sixty-One
Skylar Cathal
“Wait up!” Idris bellowed. “Did you think you could sneak away that easily?”
“Idris.” I sighed as she dropped a bag onto the ground before looping her arms around me and Daxton. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” I gasped under the intensity of her hold. “How is Ember?”
“She’s here,” Adohan said with a beaming smile. “My daughter wished to bid you luck as well.” Adohan approached us with Ember cradled in his arms.
I smiled brightly, seeing the precious babe happily cooing with her eyes directed at the male holding her.
“Besides, Shaw,” the Crimson City high prince said, turning his attention to my beta, “my mate has a special gift for you.”
“What is it?” Shaw’s brows arched at an angle as his eyes narrowed in the morning sun’s rays.
“This,” Idris announced, turning toward her dropped bag and extracting what looked to be a set of clothing. “Here, put these on.”
“What is it exactly?” Shaw asked with hesitation.
“Think of it as a base layer.” Idris beamed. “I got the idea when Skylar first mentioned how you shifters shred through your clothing when you change into your animal forms.”
“And what is it supposed to do?” Shaw asked, lifting what looked to be a fitted dark shirt and pants.
“I did mention that our tailors have a magical touch,” Idris said with a wide smile. “Now, hurry along and put that on. We don’t have time for you to dawdle.”
Shaw shook his head but obliged Idris’s request.
“I gave you this idea?” I asked her. “How? When?”
