Uncertainty

Markus introduced Aurora to everyone and sure enough, Rafe was almost glued to her side. Every time Rafe touched her, she winced and Drake saw red. He kept his temper in check. It was unheard of for a dragon and a wolf to mate. She was no ordinary wolf. She was the white wolf and she was half Ascendant. He knew he would do anything to keep her safe. As the meal progressed, Drake got angrier seeing what Rafe was doing. Finally, he had to get up and walk away before he ripped his throat out.

When it was time to mingle, all she wanted to do was go home. Rafe eventually left her side and she immediately went looking for Josh or Aveline. Instead, she found Drake. She walked up behind him and tapped his shoulder.

“Drake?”

“Aurora? What is it?”

“I can’t find Josh or Aveline in the crowd. I was wondering if you would escort me home.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

“Thank you.”

As they began walking, he had to know about Rafe.

“Forgive me for asking, but why not asking your intended?”

“Rafe? I’m pretty sure he would take advantage of me. I hate him and all he talks about is what he’ll do when I’m his.”

“I’ll kill him for you.”

“Don’t joke. Rafe has terrified me since I met him.”

“You don’t look terrified.”

“Grown used to it, I guess.”

“That’s not fair.”

“I know. I keep hoping my uncle Dominik would come to get me.”

“Dominik? As in leader of the Ascendants?”

“Yes.”

“They would take you, wouldn’t they?”

“Yes. Why do you sound so sad about it?”

“You can’t tell me you can’t feel this between us.”

“You are my brother’s friend. You are older than me. I don’t know, maybe it’s wrong.”

“Mating bonds are never wrong. Do you know why you found me where you did? I had to walk away to keep from tearing that little prick’s throat out.”

“Drake, I…”

“I know. Talk for another time.”

“I won’t lose you, will I.”

“Never.”

Drake went silent as an eerie feeling settled over the entire town and everyone was on edge. Drake and Aurora went to the door and followed the feeling. In the center by the tables stood the fiercest looking men Drake had ever seen. Before he had time to react to them, Aurora flung herself at them.

“Uncle Dominik!”

“My darling niece. How are we?”

“I could be better.”

“If you were away from here?”

“You know me so well.”

“You are your father.”

They stood talking while everyone watched and Markus came forward, afraid his prize was being taken.

“We are honored by your visit, but I must ask why, after all this time?”

“My niece of course. She has come of age. Even though she is half-wolf, she can now be welcomed into the fortress of the guardians. And if she were to choose to come now, we would take her.”

“She is engaged to my son.”

“Yet no mating bond is between them.”

“Not yet.”

“If one hasn’t formed now, one never will.”

“Now wait just a minute…”

“My dear, we need to brand you.”

Drake came to her side and held her hand as they seared the brand on her wrist. It burned as the metal sank into her flesh. Once done, she stared at the mark. She looked up at her uncle.

“You may come anytime you wish and stay if you wish. It is your choice.”

“Thank you, uncle. I will consider it.”

Dominik nodded his head and they left. She had now been branded a guardian. She was connected to the Ascendants now. They knew her thoughts and wondered why she would stay.

Drake escorted her home again and questioned her about her choice.

“I thought you wanted to go with him?”

“If I go and train, I’ll never see you again.”

Drake stood speechless and stared in wonderment. He wanted to take her in his arms but resisted. He was a man, but she was still just a child.

The next morning was a hard one. He had to say goodbye to her. Before they left, she took Samuel aside.

“Your son mentioned something about a debt?”

“Yes. What is it you need?”

“Safe passage through your lands anytime to the mountains.”

“Of course. Anything you need.”

“Thank you.”

They left, and she was reassured about her situation.