Forever Yours

TWELVE

Isaac's wolf used his head to give Cordelia a final shove into the tree line. Roxy pursed her lips, feeling sorry for the witch who gave a surprised gasp and fell onto her hands, the enchanted plant clutched tightly in her hand. She'd done what was required without any trouble. It'd been mind-blowing to watch as Cordelia recited a spell, her hands circling the wild lavender plant which had grown amongst the rocks Roxy took her morning solace at. She'd expected for something paranormal to happen, maybe for the plant to begin sparkling, the witch's fingers to shoot out beams of light or for a large gust of wind to blow through. But after the spell had ended, Cordelia had closed her eyes to whisper a thank you to Mother Nature before carefully pulling the plant from the ground. Then, they'd all simply made their way home.

Although she knew this small favour wouldn't fix years of war between species, she wished Isaac would back off with the rough handling. A drippling of nervousness filled her as Cordelia now stood up on her legs before continuing to walk. She looked at Isaac, whose eyes continued to be narrowed into disapproving slits. Maybe there was more to his Alpha personality coming back out to play. What if the wolf inside of him was beginning to succumb to its bloodlust, making him angrier?

Abusive.

The group reached the mausoleum, the wolves standing guard at its doors narrowing in on the prisoner. Roxy didn't miss the way a deep sadness crossed Cordelia's features when she looked at the jade doors before turning to face Kayla. Her fingers brushed over the dark leaves and purple flowers of the plant before extending it out to her. The sadness on her face made it look as though she was saying goodbye to a long friend. Roxy supposed she was. She'd now witnessed how Cordelia seemed to come alive amongst nature. In the mausoleum surrounded by cold bricks, it was no wonder why she'd drown herself in romance fiction.

'Infuse the entire plant with some hot water. It will be strong, so be careful. It must be drunk in one sitting.' Cordelia gave a soft smile. 'I truly do hope you will be blessed with child.' Her eyes flickered to Tobias who was still in wolf form with Isaac. 'I can sense that the both of you will be beautiful parents.'

Tears were brimming Kayla's eyes as she gently took the plant from Cordelia. 'Thank you.'

Isaac had now shrunk down to his human form, a bright blush igniting Cordelia's face as she spotted his unashamed nakedness. Roxy rolled her lips between her teeth to stifle a giggle. Tobias too had shifted back, coming to wrap Kayla into a tight hug.

'Back to your cell, witch,' barked Isaac, wrapping his hand around her skinny shoulders.

'Wait!' Roxy moved forwards, her heart giving a nervous skitter in her chest when she caught her soulmate's irritated gaze. She blocked him out, focusing on the witch who was looking at her worriedly. 'When was the last time you had a decent wash and feed, Cordelia?'

Before the witch could answer, Isaac gave a loud growl and shoved her aside. He moved to stand in front of Roxy, his shoulders rounded as he towered over her, although his powerful aura wasn't as strong as it once was. 'We're not a witch hotel, Roxy. Remember what her kind did to you. What her sister did to your sister.'

Roxy took a calming breath, placing gentle hands against his chest. 'You should know all too well about not holding a grudge against someone for what their kind has done.' Isaac flinched, and although her heart ached, she gently moved around him to crouch in front of Cordelia. 'You've helped us. More than your sisters ever have. Please, I'm offering this to you only once. We can wash your skin, brush your hair and give you some fresh clothes.'

Cordelia peaked up at her from beneath thick lashes, looking past Roxy nervously to Isaac who was still growling lowly. Her blue eyes flicked back to her before looking down at the ground. 'I-I I like these clothes.'