I am about ninety-nine percent sure I am making an utter fool of myself. I bet anyone looking at our table is thinking, ‘that girl looks like a deranged idiot licking that spoon.’. I doubt this is even a fraction of as sexy as I wanted it to be.
‘I don’t care about what others think, but given how our mate is looking at you, it certainly enticed him.’ Kayla snickered as Austin seemed to be in a hurry as he escorted me to the jeep.
I laughed softly as we started driving, and I saw he was going a bit faster than the drive to the restaurant. Oh yes, someone is eager to get home.
I am eager too. I’m also nervous and terrified. By all accounts, I know that the pain of having sex for the first time is more fleeting, but as a werewolf, I also have to pain of marking to contend with.
“What’s funny over there?” Austin arched an eyebrow.
“Just that you seem rather eager to get to your house.” I shrugged, smirking.
“Well, you did imply we might be having sex. If sex isn’t on the table or is a maybe but doesn’t happen because you changed your mind, it’s okay. We don’t have to.” Austin assured me.
He was rambling like he was trying to overcorrect to not sound like an asshole. It only made me laugh more.
“You are trying hard not to be a douchebag and coming off like an inexperienced virgin. I’m the inexperienced virgin here.” I laughed, shaking my head.
“Maybe, but I just don’t want you to think that implying sex means we have to or that I’ll get upset if we don’t.” Austin shrugged.
“I know. You’ve not tried to pressure me for more than I was willing to give in the last week. I doubt that was going to change. Mostly because you know I’d knock you into next week.” I continued to laugh.
He’s adorable as he rolls his eyes at me. He knows I’m right. He saw the damage I did to his grandfather, and he was only being a rude asshole. So I’m sure Austin has pictured how he would get hurt if he tried to pressure me for sex.
“I admit to nothing.” He sighed.
“That’s a yes. It’s okay. I don’t blame you. Just know I wouldn’t outright ever hurt you. In defense of myself, sure. But you are my mate, and I would never want to hurt you simply because you made me angry.” I assured him.
“I know, Suzie. As strong as your gift makes you, it doesn’t override the strength of your heart.” Austin smiled.
Awe, that was probably the sweetest thing I’ve heard him say.
“You were always a loud-mouth girl with zero filter.” Austin’s smile transitioned into a smirk as I narrowed my eyes at him.
“You go from saying something charming to being a dick.” I huffed.
“If you’d let me finish. Your lack of filter and loud mouth is because you wear your heart on your sleeve. I think it’s genetic for Waltersons. Your dad and brother are the same way. They don’t also have your mom’s blunt manner.” Austin explained.
“You have a big heart. When you feel something, you feel it with all of your heart. You’re fearless in how you express your feelings and opinions. It’s not something many others could do. It’s admirable.” He shrugged.
Okay, that was now the sweetest thing he’s ever said. I’ve never had anyone complement my loud and blunt behavior like that. Many find it annoying, but he’s calling it admirable.
“Wow… um, thank you. I don’t think anyone’s ever complimented me for being what most call a loud-mouth bitch.” I sighed.
“Well, they don’t see it the same way as me. And that’s fine. They don’t need to see you the way I do.” Austin smiled as we pulled into his driveway.
Before he could get out, I leaned over, kissing him. I’d wanted to kiss him since he started talking but didn’t because he was driving. But I can now since we’re parked. Just as I thought he would deepen the kiss, he pulled back.
“Let’s go inside.” Austin whispered, his eyes rimmed with the silver I know belongs to Jax.
“Okay…” I absently agreed, nodding as we exited his jeep.
The nerves were back in full force as we walked up the steps to the front door. The door has been replaced since I broke the last one by punching Dillon through it. I need a distraction, something to get me out of my head with worries about what will happen.
‘Hello, distraction.’ Kayla practically purred as Austin pressed me to the foyer wall, his lips devouring mine in a hot and needy kiss.
I moaned into the kiss, welcoming the distraction the kiss offered and the bliss the sparks from the bond created. Neither of us pulled apart as we helped each other out of our jackets.
I gasped as his cold hands stared to push up my dress, dancing across my thighs. The coldness of his hands was such a contrast to how hot his touch made me feel. I eeped as his hands moved to knead my ass.
“Fuck… a thong? You’re killing me, honey.” Austin groaned, breaking the kiss for only a moment before his lips were on mine again.
I gasped as he lifted me by my ass, my gasp becoming a moan as I wrapped my legs around him and felt just how affected he was through his slacks. That nervous fear started to creep into my mind thinking of where this was going.
‘Don’t you dare back out now. You even went so far as to buy condoms. So don’t back out. You set your mind to something, don’t change it now. Those worries are normal and will pale in comparison to the pleasure.’ Kayla warned.
‘So stop thinking and let the mate bond and our mate distract you.’ She added.
Okay, she’s right. I did make up my mind about wanting to mate tonight, and I shouldn’t back out because of natural worries. Kayla distracted me with her lecture enough that I didn’t realize we weren’t in the foyer anymore until I felt my ass hit the mattress.
I’ve never seen the inside of Austin’s bedroom, and I’m too distracted to pay attention. His hands had moved to untie my dress.
His lips made their way from mine. He kissed my jaw and down my neck, nipping at the hollow where his mark would be before the night ended. I shivered, failing to suppress a moan as he pulled my dress open with an appreciative groan. It looks like someone approved of the sheer black lace bra and thong combination.
“So damn gorgeous….”Austin groaned as his lips trailed down my collar as he moved to kneel between my legs.
I couldn’t even muster words to answer him. Even if I tried, it would have just come out as a moan, especially as he tweaked my nipples through the sheer fabric.
Panting with a familiar need, all the making out we’ve done this past week may not have been like this, but they certainly left me with a need in my core. A need that would be fulfilled tonight.
I hurried to get my arms out of the dress, wanting it gone. Austin groaned again, finding that the bar was clasped in the front. I blushed as he stared when the bra fell open, freeing my breasts.
This is the most of my body I’ve let him see, up close at least. When we’ve allowed Jax and Kayla to run, I've shifted around him, but I constantly change into clothes quickly.
“Absolutely perfect.” Austin murmured in awe.
I moaned, arching into his touch as he gently stroked and massaged my breasts before letting his lips devour them. Thankfully, the sparks of the bond and the sheer pleasure of his touch were enough to distract my mind both from what would happen and how he became so good at this.
“Lay back for me, honey.” Austin encouraged as his lips started trailing down my stomach.
Licking my lips, I obeyed. I propped myself up on my elbows to see what was happening. I don’t know if that was a good or bad idea as I had the perfect view to watch Austin.
I licked my lips, watching as he pulled thongs down, raising my hips to help him. I moaned as his lips started trailing, scorching kisses up the inside of my leg. Instinctively I let my legs open wider.
“Oh fuck…” I gasped as his tongue licked my entrance before slipping inside.
Wow. Just wow. Austin’s going down on me, and fuck, it feels good. I may be a virgin, but it’s not like I haven’t touched myself, but this is different as he added his fingers, one at a time, teasing and driving me crazy.
“Fuck… you taste just like you smell.” Austin groaned as he took a breath before going right back to driving me to that edge.
“Ooo… oh, Austin….” I moaned, reaching down with one hand to grip his hair.
My grip didn’t deter him. It seemed to encourage him as he picked up the pace. My hips bucked against his fingers and his face wanting, needing more.
“Cum for me, honey. I want to taste you.” his husky voice encouraged as he expertly curled his fingers to find the right spot to send me over the edge.
“AUSTIN…” I moaned loudly.
I collapsed on the bed as I started to come down from well cumming. I raised my head, hearing Austin softly chuckling. I blushed, realizing I was completely naked, and he was still fully dressed. I blushed, knowing the wetness he was licking from his lips was from me.
“You’re overdressed.” I smirked, biting my bottom lip as he kissed back up my body.
“I can fix that.” He smirked.
“No, I can fix it.” I retorted, sitting up more to reach the buttons of his shirt.
He chuckled but didn’t stop me, moving to stand again so I could undress him. I’ve seen him naked but never got close or touched him anywhere below his waist. And well, seeing his cock after shifting is very different from having it hard and quite literally in my face.
‘Lick it! Touch it! He gave us pleasure, time to return the favor! What was the point of watching those videos if not for this?’ Kayla encouraged me.
Hesitantly I licked the tip, noticing how he growled in approval, and grabbed my side ponytail. I’ll take that as a good sign because I have no clue what I’m doing.
I continued my exploration, sure that I was probably doing something wrong. But Austin doesn’t stop me. He growled, groaned, and moaned, even rocking his hips, pushing himself deeper into my mouth.
Just as I thought, I was finding my rhythm when he pulled my hair just enough to pop his cock out of my mouth. I furrowed my brow looking up at him in silent questions since I thought he had been enjoying it.
“I don’t get to have multiple orgasms, and unless you tell me oral is as far as we are going, I’m not blowing my load in your mouth when a much better place is available.” Austin panted.
I blushed. I’d been so caught up trying to give Austin the pleasure he’d given me that I forgot that we weren’t nearly finished. I’m still an unmarked virgin.
“Right… um, I did bring condoms. They’re in my purse…downstairs.” I groaned, realizing my purse was abandoned with my coat.
“You really did plan things, honey. But I have some in my nightstand. And before you ask, they are new and not bought with anyone but you in mind.” Austin smiled, leaning down, tilting my face up, and kissing me.
Well, I can at least appreciate he was responsible too. Plus, I like that they aren’t condoms he got when he was with that bitch. At least I know she’s never been in his bed.
“Okay, good. No offense, but I am not looking to start a family yet.” I smiled, moving further onto the bed.
“None taken. I’m not looking for that yet either.” He assured, reaching into his nightstand and taking out a condom.
Clenching my thighs in anticipation as I watched him roll the latex down his length. I was a mixed bag of emotions inside but at the moment, and the one winning was horny. I want him, and I want him now.
“Last chance. Are you sure you want this? Want to have sex? To be marked?” Austin questioned, positioning himself between my legs.
“More than anything. So stop stalling.” I smirked.
My bravado crumbled into a cry of pain that became a moan of pleasure as he entered me. It hurt at first, but as my body became accustomed to his size, the rhythm of our movements created a pleasure that left the pain to fade away. At least mom was right about that part.
As the pleasure started to build, I knew we should mark each other. Mom said it was essential to mark during the act, before the climax, to ensure the pleasure could balance the pain.
“Au…Austin… we should mark each other.” I moaned.
“Don’t have to tell me twice. Jax has wanted this since day one.” Austin nuzzled against my neck, licking where his teeth would soon sink.
“He’s loved you since the day he knew you were for us. Hell, so did I.” He admitted, his words whispered against my skin, but I heard them.
“You… you love me?” I blinked.
“Of course I do. I was already falling for you before you got your wolf.” Austin smiled, pressing a kiss to my neck.
I smiled because who wouldn’t smile to be told they are loved?
“I love you too, Austin. Now mark me so we can make this official.” I encouraged tilting my head to give him more access.
I howled in pain as his teeth sank into my tender flesh. The mate bond half clicked into place as he left his mark on me.
As if knowing or at least sensing my pain, Austin started to move again, reaching between us to tease my clit to draw my body from feeling the pain to feeling pleasure instead. I was panting, hovering between pleasure and pain as he licked his mark, offering me his neck.
“Your turn, Suzie.” He encouraged.
Kayla didn’t need to be told twice as she half pushed forward, eagerly sinking my canines into his neck. He howled as well in pain, picking up his pace.
I licked his mark, eager to find out what they would look like. But any thoughts fell to the wayside as I was pushed over the edge, moaning his name as I came.
“Suzanne…” He groaned as he found his release. I kind of like that he used my proper name. I’m not a little girl, not anymore.
He kissed me deeply before moving to lay next to me. While I tried to catch my breath, I barely noticed him throwing out the condom or taking off his prosthetic. I know he wrapped me in his arms, whispering that he loved me as I fell asleep.
HOT!
I wasn’t sure what I expected after we completed our bond. Okay, I had a vague idea based on other people talking about the completion of the mate bond. It wasn’t something Dad and I discussed. Partially because I spent more time with my dirtbag grandfather and because I thought asking him might bring up sad memories of mom. I didn’t want him to be sad and lost in memories of what he had lost. Last night when she marked me and the bond clicked into place, it was euphoric. But even that word seems to pale to how I felt. The only thing that felt even better was hearing her say she loved me. And when the bond clicked fully in place, I knew her words weren’t just said in the heat of the moment. Until Suzie, no one outside my parents and grandma loved me unconditionally. After a night of her in my bed, I don’t think I’m ever sleeping away from her. And to think, just last week, she was telling me how she wouldn’t be in my bed, let alone naked in it. Well, I got both right. I smiled, p
I swear to the Goddess, if he wasn’t holding my niece and we weren’t in a very public place filled with humans, I’d have knocked my brother to the exit with one punch. First, he not only swears in front of Grace, but he also degrades my mating with Austin by calling it ‘fucking’. And don’t get me started on him calling Austin by that name he hates. I take offense with anyone that calls him that. I don’t care who they are; I will knock them out. Again my brother is lucky he held Grace, and there were too many humans around. At least we managed to get him to see reason. And I’ll temporarily excuse his behavior on stress. He did, after all, just have a son and his mate is in the hospital from complications. “So… when the heck did this happen? And why didn’t anyone say something?” Stephen glanced at the review as he drove the SUV back to Madonie. “It is a recent development. And you were a tad occupied with the pending birth of Asher.” Dad shrugged in the front passenger seat. “And th
I can’t believe it’s been over two years since Austin and I mated. It has certainly been an eventful couple of years. Things between Austin and I are fine. I won’t say perfect because we still push each other’s buttons with our attitudes. But I can’t even complain about that since it often ends with us having sex either right there or if we aren’t alone back in our room. My brother and Amelia are doing great as a family of four. Asher is just the cutest pup since Grace. They have come around about Austin being in the family. It probably helps that they don’t see him in person. He does sometimes join me on my video chats with them. And his LIS has seriously improved. He’s been busy between work and returning to college to further his education, working towards his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science. He was about to get a scholarship from Kinsley Industrial, which took a lot of weight about affording the program. So he’s enrolled at the University of Portland, where I’ll be starting in
“Suzanne, I didn’t need someone to complete me. I needed someone to accept me completely, and you are that someone.” Austin had a sincere expression on his face as he spoke his vows. I sniffled back tears because I’d be damned if I ruined my make-up. I took a calming breath, passing my bouquet to Diann as his father handed him the dark cherry wood rings with rose and coffee gold-tone edges and a thin strip through the middle. “With this ring, I Clement Austin Shelton, take you, Suzanne Bernice Walterson, to be my wife. I vow to value our differences just as much as our common ground. I’ll love you forever on good or bad days, rain or shine. I’m so lucky you’re mine.” He smiled as he slid the ring onto my finger. Now it was my turn. I worked hard on my vows, hoping they come out right. “Austin, I choose you to be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know. You make me feel happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever though
Reflecting on my life, it’s crazy to think how much it’s changed. I was an insufferable asshole. Not saying I’m fully reformed. Ask my mate, and she’ll tell you I’m still an asshole at times. But I guess I’m not an insufferable one makes all the difference. One misstep, one wrong choice in battle, and my whole world changed. My life goals were gone, just like my left leg below my knee. Wolfsbane laced bite from a magic roided-up werewolf is no fucking joke. That moment changed everything. My dream of joining the military was gone. And at my lowest moment, as the realization that everything I’d been working towards would never happen, the least likely person gave me advice. Alpha André visited me in the hospital, a man I’ve insulted more times than I wanted to count. He didn’t have to see me, let alone talk to me. But he left me with the advice that the Goddess guides us on our paths. But we all have to put in the work to find our destinies. He told me to look within and find who I
Living closer to the hospital meant we got there before our parents. Mikali already had a room ready, so Suzanne was already in active labor when our parents arrived. She was actively trying to break my hand as I did my best to help her through this. So they didn’t get to come into the delivery room. But I think that’s okay. I’m glad I didn’t have to share this moment with any of them. No offense to my dad or her parents, but this is our pup. This is the start of our family. And it was all worth it. Five hours from the time we left the house to when our daughter entered this world. Now I’m standing in the recovery room with a pink bundle in my arms. Her blue eyes squinted at me, blonde hair poking out of the pink and white striped cap the hospital put on her. I can’t begin to describe this feeling. I thought I felt complete when Suzanne and I marked each other, but this feeling in my heart is different. I smiled down at this new life we had created. She’s perfect. “Hi, Jennifer. Y
The chapters will be for the short story Love After 40 from this point forward. Hale Shelton: I gave up on love eighteen years ago when my mate and wolf died. I only lived for my son, and I limped through that. Now that he’s grown and found his mate, they think I need to find love again. I highly doubt I’ll find it on a dating app, but here goes nothing. Erin Carlisle: I just moved across the country for my new job at Kinsley Industrial. It’s a fresh start for my kids and me. Now my kids seem to think this fresh start should include daddy shopping. I have always attracted the wrong kind of men. I doubt this dating app they signed me up for will yield results.
There is nothing weirder and more unsettling for someone my age than to be lying on a twin bed in their childhood bedroom. I haven’t been in this room in twenty-six years. Not since I moved out to be with Jennifer. It’s like a time capsule here. Anything I didn’t take when I moved out was still exactly where I left it. Though I think it was cleaner than when I moved out. Not a surprise my old room is still spotless. Mom never did like things to be untidy. I furrowed my brow as I thought back to living here. Mom was always trying to keep things clean and in order. As I reflect on it, I don’t think it was because she needed it to be spotless, but because he did. Shit, I’m a terrible son. How much abuse did I not notice growing up? How much did I turn a blind eye to? If I had noticed back then, I could have done something. I still had Jason back then. I’d have been more than strong enough to take my father on with Jason. I could have taken it to Alpha John, and maybe then mom would
The bathroom mirror reflected Evie and me standing side by side, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but marvel at how surreal everything felt. My soft pink lace dress hugged my figure, the delicate floral appliqués shimmering faintly under the warm bathroom light. The fitted bodice gave way to a flowing A-line skirt, and the soft curls of my hair framed my face, half pinned up at Evie’s suggestion. It was rare that I felt this beautiful, but tonight wasn’t just any night—it was Valentine’s Day, and for the first time, I had someone to share it with. Evie adjusted the sweetheart neckline of her lavender mermaid gown, and I turned to watch her. The dress hugged her figure like it was made just for her, the appliquéd beads catching the light with every slight movement. Her brown curls cascaded over her shoulders, soft waves framing her glowing amber eyes. She caught me staring and smirked, her cheeks flushing faintly. “You’re staring again, you know.” “Can you blame me?” I teased, step
It was well into the evening when persistent knocking pulled me from blissful sleep. My body felt heavy, and I blinked in confusion, slowly realizing that Sophie’s bare back lay beneath my hand. Memories of our bond flooded back—her teeth at my neck, the thrill of becoming mates. The knocking came again, sharper this time. As I lifted my head, I noticed Sophie sleeping peacefully, her dark hair splayed around her. I almost ignored the sound to stay curled around her warmth, but my wolf, Noria, grew annoyed. My phone lay dead on the sofa; I had missed any calls. Reluctantly, I slipped from her side, pulling on some clothes and tying my messy hair into a ponytail. I glanced at my reflection—happy but tired. I shut the bedroom door quietly and moved to the front door, where the knocking continued urgently. I peered through the peephole and recognized my parents, Andrew and Roxanne. A wave of unease washed over me. My parents rarely showed up unannounced. Taking a deep breath, I open
Evie placed her hands on either side of my head, trapping me against the door. My heart fluttered, filled with anticipation. Her gaze dropped to my lips, the questions swirling in her mind. Before she could speak, I gripped her sweater and pulled her closer, our torsos bumping together. A soft gasp escaped her, and our restraint snapped. We kissed hungrily, with a fervor that bordered on desperation. All the pent-up longing, the nights I’d lain awake in France, imagining my mate and our first night together, now guided every motion. The taste of her lips intoxicated me, and I sighed against her mouth, letting her slip her arms around my waist. A strangled moan escaped my throat when her fingers skated under my sweater, brushing the warm skin beneath. Between kisses, we shed more layers. First, my sweater, then hers, tossed onto the floor. A flush heated my skin when I realized I was standing here in my bra and pants. Under normal circumstances, I might have felt self-conscious, but E
I stood in the doorway of my apartment, my heart pounding so loudly that I was sure Sophie could hear it. The overhead lamp cast a warm light across the living room, illuminating the scattered evidence of my messy lifestyle—music sheets, guitar cables, and a precariously tilted cello case. She and I had come all this way—quite literally, on her part—and the reality that she was truly here, in my space, felt surreal. Sophie’s breath fanned across my cheek as she leaned in, and the tension in the air crackled with electric anticipation. My pulse raced, every inch of me straining toward her. The fresh scent of her skin—warm and a little sweet—curled around my senses, chasing away the lingering chill from outside. Her gray-blue eyes searched my face, and I realized she was waiting for me to close the final gap between us. I whispered her name, unable to control the tremor in my voice. The corner of her mouth quirked with the slightest hint of a smile, and I felt a surge of daring race th
Standing in my childhood bedroom in Paris, I considered canceling my flight for a Valentine’s Day mate gathering in Silverclaw. My father insisted I wouldn’t meet my mate if I stayed in Les Hurleurs Sanctifiés, the pack I grew up in. At twenty-one, I was well past the age when many wolves find their mates; friends had found theirs by eighteen or nineteen. My mother encouraged me, saying the bond was worth the effort. So, as Valentine’s Day approached, I gave in and booked my flight to Portland, Oregon, the nearest major airport to the Silverclaw Pack in Washington. It all made sense on paper: attend the mate gathering, meet wolves from other packs, and perhaps walk away with the partner fate had promised me since birth. In my heart, though, I was nervous. What if it turned out the same as all the other mate gatherings? What if I left, still feeling that lonely ache in my chest? I pushed away the thought as best I could. The flight was long—from Paris to Amsterdam and then to Portland
Winters in Bloodmoon have always been beautiful, but it’s the kind of beauty best shared with someone else. I had no someone else. I was alone in my tiny apartment, in that awkward in-between place where my wolf demanded companionship I still hadn’t found. I’m eighteen, living on my own for the first time, enrolled at the University of Portland for music…and mateless. It was lonely in ways I couldn’t describe to my friends. At university, my classmates saw a seemingly normal freshman, a girl with a bright smile, wavy brown hair, and a knack for the cello. They didn’t see how my wolf, Noria, prowled inside me, restless and craving that fabled mate bond. It was a Friday night, one I should have spent partying or doing anything with friends. Instead, I planned an evening of tragic solitude. I’d just flopped onto my sofa, halfheartedly scrolling through N*****x. My reflection in the dark TV screen caught my eye first: hair tumbling past my shoulders in loose brown waves, warm-toned skin w
Dear Readers, Love has a way of surprising us—especially when fate steps in. Thread of Destiny is a story about friendship, longing, and the magic of fated mates. It’s a sapphic paranormal romance that blends the thrill of unexpected love with the warmth of a second-chance connection. If you’ve been following my stories, you may already be familiar with Evie and Sophie. Evie Rock is the younger sister of Rohan Rock, whose love story with Shikoba Thorn unfolded in Cult of Love (featured in The Genius Delta). Sophie Blanchett was first introduced as the French nanny caring for Rohan and Shikoba’s twin daughters. Their paths crossed in the past, but they were just side characters in someone else’s love story. Now, it’s their turn. Evie also made a small cameo in Her Second Chance Mate, and some of you may remember last year’s Valentine’s novella, A Moonlight Valentine, where love took center stage. This year, fate is weaving a new thread, one that connects two hearts who never expected
Dear Readers, Thank you for taking the time to read this Anthology. I hope you have enjoyed all the stories it contained. With the conclusion of The Hybrid’s Vampire, we have come to the official end of this Anthology. I will take the rest of November off to work on a project. You can follow me on social media to stay current on what I'm working on. I will return to Goodnovel in December with Her Second Chance Mate, Alex Whitland and Holly Boland's story. Bring tissues! See you son and thanks for all your support! Bryant
As we entered the hall, I locked eyes with the various members of our family, and my vampire bandmates posted up around the room. Someone I knew was truly loyal to us was watching all the exits, which made me feel safer. The elders and their sons were already waiting on the stage. Christian, Elton, and Otto spotted us and hurried over with concerned expressions. “What’s wrong?” I asked, skipping any small talk. “Something feels… off,” Christian whispered, beckoning us to an alcove away from others. “Define off,” Sage said. “Beyond that, your families and the vampires are on high alert and watching all the exits?” Otto folded his arms. “They were weird all day. What’s up with that?” Elton asked. “Back to what’s off.” I nodded my chin to Christian. “Our dads and grandads. They... I can’t place it, but they’ve been acting weird the closer we’ve gotten to the ceremony.” Christian whispered. “Spit it out, kid.” I hissed. “Auðr.” Sage elbowed me. “I’m gonna need you to elaborate.