The Hunted

Chapter 19

Multiple POVs

Marc's POV

"Sweetheart, are you collecting wolves now?" I teased her.

She stuck out her tongue and giggled, "Not collecting, but I seem to attract them. I never knew a wolf could suppress its human."

"What?" Brandon gaped, "Victor's wolf took over?"

She looked confused, "Um, yes. Is that not normal?"

We all shook our heads, "No, Princess. While a shifter's other half may press to the front, they don't usually take control unless under extreme circumstances. Did Victor allow it, or was it involuntary?" Axel asked.

Callie paled a bit, "Involuntary. Victor even apologized because..." her voice trailed off.

"Because what, little one?" Corey prompted her.

"Because Aiden kissed me." For a brief moment I fought with my jealousy, but then I looked at her confused expression. With the way I love her, how can I blame any of the Blackbournes for feeling the same way? "Should I be worried?" she asked timidly.

"Nyet," Raven said and picked her up to place her in his lap. "You are different. I understand what Victor's wolf did. My bear has almost pushed me down as well. Never happened before - you bring him out."

She leaned against his chest. "He said my aura shined. Said it pierced their darkness and called to them. What did he mean?"

Raven wrapped his arms around her, "You are good and we are not. Wolves have been lost in grief and lies. You are the light giving them hope to find answers."

"Don't say that," she complained. "Don't say you aren't good. You are, bear. Each of you is amazing - you all make me feel loved and wanted. You protect me."

"Da, we will always protect you, little warrior," he said and kissed the top of her head.

"So I was thinking we should go grab some lunch and visit with Sam," Axel suggested. We all agreed and headed into town.

****

"Ahh, the Toma family," Sam grinned, "To what do I owe the honor?"

"I need coffee and fried potatoes, Sam. It's a matter of life and death," Callie said dramatically.

He laughed, "Anything else with that, my lady?"

"Bacon, um, and peppers in the potatoes, pleeease," she said, batting her eyelashes.

"Good grief, sweetheart, that's some order there," I teased.

She playfully slapped my arm, "Don't knock it until you've tried it." I held my hands up in surrender as the others laughed. We sat and carried on a light conversation as we ate our brunch. Callie sat between me and Brandon, and if one of us shifted, she moved to maintain contact. I loved watching the way she gave each of us attention, listening to our thoughts and responding.

I love you - I said in my mind to her

She gave me a soft smile and replied, I love you too. Then leaned her head against my shoulder.

"I see your bonds are growing, Callie girl," Sam said with a smirk as he pulled up a chair to join us. "How are things with the wolves?"

She sighed, "Confusing. I feel a pull, but not the same connection as with all of these guys. Does that mean anything?"

Sam shrugged, "No clue. I really don't know if you're their mate or not. I think your fates are intertwined, but how is the real question. So, any new leads?"