Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(37)

“Kalen, you have nothing to worry about. I was alone all night. Finn would never do anything like that anyway. He knows and understands that our bond is what’s meant to be. He knew I would have to fulfill my part of the prophecy and he was prepared for that. He’s not going to cause any problems, trust me.”

He breathes a sigh of relief.

“Good, I didn’t want to have to kick his ass.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head.

“Men,” I huff.

He finally laughs and pulls my arm around his waist and secures his arm around my shoulders.

He looks at my bow and arrows and asks, “So how good are you with your bow?”

“I never miss my target,” I boast while lifting my chin.

“That’s amazing,” he admits. “Maybe you could teach me how to aim straight. I could always use the help.”

“I would love to. Maybe you could help me with my sword fighting skills.”

He nods his head, “It’s a deal.”

We have entered the forest, and Aki bounds swiftly through the trees. We follow his tracks while heading farther into the woods. I know it’s time to hear the verdict on Elissa, so I come right out and inquire.

“Now tell me about Elissa.”

“She had a necklace on that was spelled with dark magic. That’s how the dark sorcerer was able to enter her body.”

Oh no! Why didn’t I think of that before? I stop Kalen abruptly and I look at him with a horrified expression. This is my fault.

“Was it a necklace with a purple stone?” I ask, hesitant. A sick feeling is tearing away at my stomach because I know deep down the answer is going to be what I don’t want to hear.

“Yes, why?” He looks at me skeptically.

I pull away from his body and I turn my back to him.

My shoulders sag when I confess, “I gave her the necklace, Kalen.”

He pulls me around by the shoulders and captures my face in between his hands.

“What? Where did you get it from?” he exclaims.

I played right into the dark sorcerer’s hands on this one. He knew I wouldn’t get rid of the necklace; therefore, leaving another entryway for him to take over the people that I love. Damn it! How could I be so stupid? I think back to that dreaded day when the dark sorcerer laid out the beginnings of his twisted game. I didn’t know at the time that I was the main player, and unfortunately I still am.

I look into Kalen’s eyes and sheepishly admit, “That day, five years ago when I thought it was you visiting, he gave me a necklace as a parting gift. I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of a gift from you, so I gave it to Elissa. Everything that has happened is my fault.”

“No! It’s not your fault!” he demands, shaking my shoulders. “You had no idea it was the dark sorcerer that day. No one is to blame.”

“Will Elissa be able to go free?” I ask, hopeful.

“I have no doubt. Heylfred, our advisor, is extremely powerful and once he gives his testimony, my court will have no choice but to release her.”

He pulls me into his arms and I sag in relief. This is the best news yet. Maybe I will be able to enjoy my time here with Kalen after all. Whatever happens, I am not going to let the dark sorcerer win this game.

“Thank you,” I whisper against his chest.

He moves back and takes my hand.

“We are almost there.”

We walk for a few minutes longer and up ahead I see a cave of huge boulders with a large opening for an entrance. I recognize this place from searching through Aki’s mind. This is the pack’s den. I’m so excited that I pick up the pace dragging Kalen along behind me. Aki is standing at the entrance patiently waiting on us.

“You must know where we are going judging by your enthusiasm,” Kalen jokes.

“Of course I know!” I exclaim. “Aki showed me this place in his mind and I have been dying to see his family.”

Kalen laughs and picks up his pace to match mine. Aki comes forward to bow his head in front of Kalen before circling me and rubbing against my legs. I enter the cavern and walk a little ways into the heart of it when I notice the mound of white wolves lying in a heap on the ground. I stare at all of them excitedly while they sleep. The white wolf is a majestic creature and to be able to see a whole pack of them is amazing.

I can see the little one cuddled with her mother, but she opens her eyes at the sound of Aki entering the cavern. Once she fully opens her eyes, she notices me at a first glance. She topples over the other wolves as she races to reach me. I can’t stop the giggle from escaping my throat as I watch her charge through the other wolves to get to me. I bend down on my knees and I open my arms wide to catch her when she bounds. She jumps into my arms and licks my face over and over until I beg her to stop. By touching her, I already know everything about her from her name to what she’s done today. It seems she has missed her father greatly.

“You are such a beautiful girl, Accalia.” I rub behind her ears and she licks my hand. I set her down and she runs straight for Aki.

I peer over at Kalen and he’s looking at me with admiration in his eyes.

“They are amazing, Kalen. I can see why you love them so much,” I whisper.

“I thought you would say that.” He gapes lovingly at the wolves and then back to me. “They have truly been a family to me. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”