“We should go to the mystics now,” he said, his deep tone commanding. “We don’t have much time, and the stronger Mischa and Jess are, the better chance we have of thwarting the evil twins and preventing the rise of the king.”

Mischa’s smile was genuine. “Max is right, I feel so much going on inside right now, but there is so much more. I want more.”

Maximus’ smile was light. He seemed happy that some of the tension between Mischa and him had eased, which of course only pissed off his newly minted mate. Cardia didn’t say anything, but I was reading her narrowed eyes and furrowed brows.

Mischa’s ghostly dragon and shining eyes started to fade away; she’d either learned how to pull it back or had lost control of the marked power. Either way, Maximus was right, we needed to learn about our power. What being a marked meant exactly.

It was time to find the mystics, get this training shit out of the way.

It was mutually decided that Jacob, Maximus and Cardia would grab us some food for the road. Who knew how long we would be training with the mystics. And I was quite worried about my recent weight loss. I needed cake. Lots of freaking cake. Cardia paused beside me, just before everyone dispersed. I could tell it was a deliberate pause.

She didn’t vamp out on me, and wasn’t even close to powerful enough to roll me, so I could stare her straight in the eyes. “I hope we can be friends,” she said, her voice smooth and sweet. I had the strangest feeling that she was speaking the words but wasn’t feeling them. I hated fake. I really hoped it was just that she was trying to get a sense of our pack before jumping right in.

I ran my eyes over her. Damn, she was so freaking cute, all petite and pretty, not the type I thought Maximus would end up with. I’d expected tall and strong. But I wouldn’t underestimate Cardia. She’d been chosen for him and that had to mean something.

I threw her a bone. Sort of: “The Compasses are my pack, my family. You’re now family. But it’s going to take time, there are dynamics which will need to slowly adjust.” I got to my main point. “The reality is: don’t fuck with my boys and I’m sure we’ll be friends.”

I’d never had much use for chick friends, so competitive and annoying, but having Mischa around had demonstrated that there were benefits. I needed to give Cardia a chance – for Maximus.

She gave me a measured stare before smiling, seemingly satisfied with our conversation, and crossing back to her mate. They three of them – Jacob included – wandered off toward the food street.