Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 47894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 239(@200wpm)___ 192(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 239(@200wpm)___ 192(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)
She nodded. “You’re the guardian of Corvus, the witch.” Of course a goddess would know who I was. She didn’t have to be told I wasn’t my grandfather, that the mage’s time had passed and mine had begun. “Your man there, he followed another vixen and her kits to your family’s graves. He too was saving lives, even as they led him.”
He hadn’t related that story yet. “Why did they lead him to the graveyard?”
“To remind you, Xander Corey, of that sacred ground, and of the rift you guard that I myself used to come speak with you, after those I love brought me messages of you, your mate, and of the sacrilege that has been committed here.”
“Giles was smart to come in winter when everything is sleeping.”
Her lips curved into a smile, and her eyes glittered, revealing that she was not at all tame. “This would seem to be true, but in the end, his ignorance will be his downfall. Before one seeks to steal, it is best to know who you are stealing from.”
That sounded like good advice to me. “Yes, my lady.”
Her glorious, perfectly shaped red-gold brows furrowed as she studied me. “The gravity of the trespass will be shown to this usurper, but your home,” she said, lifting her hands, indicating everything, “your home must be reclaimed by you, Guardian.”
I took a shaky breath. “I don’t know how.”
“Call to your line, call to your family who watch over you and whose bones lie in the earth. You’re a branded witch, Xander Corey. Your power comes from more than your land. It comes from the history and sacrifice that flows through your veins.”
Without thought, I reached for her, and she took my hand in both of hers and held tight. I had to clench my jaw so I wouldn’t howl with the energy that clawed its way through me. It was exhilarating and scary, but mostly, I could feel how I was filled so fast, saw Corvus in a rush as though in flight, and then oceans and forests, mountains and valleys, entire continents passing in my peripheral vision until there was a river and I knew I was seeing her realm. I felt it then, the same homecoming that washed over me every single time when I returned to my cottage. Her reminder was gentle and bittersweet.
“Breathe in, Xander,” she directed, and her voice opened my eyes and brought me back to my body in the present. “Can you not taste the night air?”
“I can,” I said, in awe of all she was. “Thank you for your communion, my lady. I know you came very far to speak with me.”
“You have given your life to protect the natural order of your land, the rift, and every bird, stag, flower, blade of grass…and newborn sionnach.”
I knew that word meant fox without being told.
“Heed my words—simply because you have not needed to use your power does not mean it’s not there within you.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Xan?” Lorne called softly to me.
When I glanced at him, he was rubbing his eyes. I could bet I knew why.
“Were he not bound to you, I would take him with me,” she said, giving me a mischievous smile that showed her long, sharp teeth. “He is quite fetching.”
“Yes, he is.”
Her eyes flashed bright gold as she looked at me. “Reclaim your home, Xander. The land is the dominion of another, and even now, my missives are received.”
It wasn’t my place to question her, only to offer thanks. “My mate and I will reclaim our home, my lady.”
“All else will fall into place once the first step is taken,” she said, then stood and leaped for the balcony door with the grace of a ballerina, changing back into a fox in mid-arc.
Lorne’s breath caught, and I watched as she leaped again, this one taking her over the balcony railing into the dark night sky, where she became a shower of stars that faded into moonlight.
I was surprised when I stood up that Lorne was lying on his back, arm thrown across his forehead, staring at the ceiling. Closing the French door so the air coming in didn’t turn us to ice, I returned to the bed, walked around to his side, and perched beside him, waiting.
“I’m not awake,” he said after several seconds
“You are awake,” I informed him. “Should I pinch you so you’re sure?”
His gaze met mine. “That woman who changed into a fox, she was really there?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “You’ve spoken to a goddess before, and a god, I might add.”
“Yeah, but…nobody ever transformed into a kitsune right in front of me.”
“Did you see nine tails? Because I certainly didn’t.”
“I—”
“It’s possible you might be mixing up your lore,” I goaded him. “Though I could be wrong. It is very late.”