Nate

What’s that? I think they are forgetting one thing, the two obsessive romantics.

— Fatels don’t stand a chance against an angry, determined shifter.

— Normally, maybe, but there’s nothing traditional about me anymore. I’m connected to Connor. We’re linked, hence the bite.

I wince as I look at her again. The sight of this mark is almost unbearable and it shows on my face.

— This is the only way for a shifter to be permanently united with her mate. He has never bitten me ever since. He is not with me for my blood, Sam.

This is maybe what he made her believe. But in the end…

— As I told you, I gained much more than he did. I am a prophetess originally, but the bonding has given me other gifts.

I widen my eyes and watch her carefully. There is no sign of a lie. And Ash would have known if it were a lie. You can’t hide anything from her unless you focus on it.

— Are you stronger than the shifter?

— I am stronger than Connor. And although he continues to nurture me like a fragile little flower, I also know that he is relieved that I am able to defend myself against the rebels.

— That's all very nice, I'm happy for you that you found one of the few trustworthy metas, but why are you telling me all this story?

I look at them and Sevana waits apparently that Ashley gives me the end of the story. Only my sister does not loosen her lips and I fear the worst. A bad feeling crosses my mind. I get up with a jump, having suddenly the need to walk so much my blood boils in my veins.

— You want me to unite with one of them?

Ashley joins me in a rush and stands in my way so I can watch her.

— No, of course not! I would never ask you to do something like that.

My blood pressure is easing a bit, but I’m still waiting.

— So what?

— Sevana is returning to her new territory with the Guardians, and I’m going with them.

I am devastated by this news. My sister is leaving. She is leaving the Treat for good, because I know that you can’t belong to two packs. So she leaves me too, at the same time. I let myself fall on the ground and I only wish one thing, loneliness.

— Sam, understand me. I don’t have a choice.

I’m raising my head vigorously. What do you mean, no choice? Is someone pressuring her? Is Nathan still picking on her?

— Is Nathan still pressuring you to flee?

— No. Nathan is dead, my companion killed him.

My blood runs cold. Ashley immediately puts her hand over her mouth, but her revelation did not escape me, far from it.

— Your companion?

My sister rocks from one foot to the other, uncomfortable. I suspect what will follow, a foreboding creeps into me and fear exudes from every pore of my skin. I reach out to hear and pull off her scarf. I instantly see the bite mark on her neck. I knew it. Ashley never wears scarfs, never. I could swear she struggled. It’s a nasty wound that must have made her suffer in agony. Rage fights inside me with incomprehension and a sense of betrayal.

After all we’ve been through, she has surrendered and thrown herself into the lion’s den. I clench my fists so hard that my nails dig into my palms.

— Sam, calm down.

My sister has tears in her eyes while her friend has a nosebleed. I can’t stand to see them being manipulated like this. My sister deserves better.

— Bring your companion.

This word literally tears my mouth off.

— It is normal that I meet him since he is part of the family.

My sweet tone doesn’t fool anyone and they both shake their heads in denial.

— Not as long as you’re in that state of mind.

I feel her magic rubbing against me, trying to get into my head to soothe me, but I’ve been able to stay sealed off from her power for a long time and she should know better.

— Stop it.

I don’t want to hurt her. She is my sister, half of my heart, however, I am wary of her today. It’s an unpleasant feeling. I always thought that she would be the only one I could loosen my attention with and now, there is nothing more wrong.

— We’re in love, Sam.

— Open your eyes. This is nothing like a love mark.

I point to the deep tooth marks on her skin.

— That’s a nasty wound you were forced to accept.

— Sam, let me show you and explain. I beg of you.

Her tears are as much hers as mine, and I hate myself for making her suffer like this.

— Don’t ask me to choose. I wouldn’t be able to.

Wouldn’t she prefer me to her torturer? Why? I take a deep breath to control my storm of emotions, but remain on the alert.

— What do you want to show me?

She pulls her shirt a little and I see a second, sharper bite.

— It’s the union mark that Sean made for me. You’re right, the other is a wound and I was against it.

My anger spikes. Is this how she thinks she can calm me down?

— Nathan did it to me. He betrayed the Treat and tried to claim me by force. He had me kidnapped by a dissident alpha, Sam. Sean came to rescue me with Sevana and her mate.