Page 17 of Sight Unseen

Was I actually going to pet a wolf?

Hesitating a moment, wondering if I should reconsider, I reached a hand out to the marvelous animal. Its fur was soft like silk, her head reaching my waist. This was incredible. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this; just then a growl erupted to my left.

Jerking my head so fast, I gave myself whiplash; I caught sight of a brilliant white animal coming straight towards me. Holy shit, the wolf climbing down the boulders headed right toward us was massive. Its coat looked like freshly fallen snow, and it had icy blue eyes.

He was much taller than Orpheus, the top of his back reaching my waist. Stopping a few feet away, his eyes burrowed into mine. Like he could see into my soul. The world seemed to turn on its axis, and everything suddenly fell into place. Like stitchwork sewing up the hole in my soul, it suddenly made sense.

This was my familiar! I can’t explain how I knew it. I just did.

It’s nice to finally meet you face to face, Diana. I have been watching you for a long time. Keeping you safe and killing every demon that tried to cause you harm. My name is Isarr, the ice warrior.

Holy shit! I had a fucking familiar! A badass wolf at that!

Chapter 16

Apollo

Images of Diana flooded my mind, being sent directly from Orpheus. She was in the training ground with Eros. She looks terrified; my wolf will do that to people.

Laying back in bed, I let the scene unfold. She slowly walked her way, reaching out to pet Orpheus. I was overwhelmed with emotions from her. Love and longing being the strongest of the mixed feelings she was sending my way. I watched as the white wolf descended the rocks, and Diana’s face lit up in delight. So she did have a familiar after all.

Why did it have to be that one, though?

Isarr, the pack alpha and my wolf’s bonded mate. The emotions from Orpheus suddenly made sense. She was delighted her mate finally connected with his person. He must have been away with Diana the last three years, leaving Orpheus here with their pack. Over the years, I knew she longed to be with her mate, but she remained here to fight at my side. Protecting me when my back was turned.

She is quite stunning.

I chuffed at her comment; there is no way I’m getting wrapped up in that mess. Besides, Atlas and Eros both cared deeply for her. Maybe even Phoenix, too. Plus, I vowed never to love another woman, not after losing her to the demons.

It was difficult even to say her name. The pain in my chest was still raw thinking about that day. We had just finished killing seven monsters plaquing a town full of gifted children. As we made our way back to the truck, a bat-like demon swooped down, taking Hera, my fiancé, from me. It happened so fast none of us even had time to react. All I could do was watch in horror as her

body hit the ground and the life left her eyes.

It’s why I didn't date comrades. We would all die; it's inevitable. Watching someone you love being ripped so suddenly from this world was a pain I vowed never to feel again.

She’s different, strong, powerful; give her a chance. She might prove you wrong.

Nope, not happening. Not in this lifetime. I would not let Diana Nephus melt the ice I formed around my heart. No matter how strikingly beautiful she was. Watching her die would surely break me. My team needed me strong; to do that, I needed to keep Diana out of my heart. A

challenge that was proving difficult when images of her were being flooded into my mind from my familiar.

She looked awestruck as she lay on her belly across from her wolf. Talking to him like she didn't have a care in the world. Smiling wide as she listened intently to what he was saying to her. She was absolutely stunning, agreeing with the earlier statement from Orpheus, and I was completely fucked.

Chapter 17

Diana

Hours passed as I lay in the field of lush grass, talking to Isarr. The flowers tickled my face, blowing in the wind. I don’t know how I never knew it was him in my head. It was so obvious to me now.

You didn't know because we did not bond until just now. I kept my distance for your safety. People do not appreciate wolves living in apartments, and after the bond, I would not be able to leave your side for very long before the tether connecting our souls would draw us together again.

“Wow, that is so cool.” I could lay here all day talking to him, but the rumble that came from my stomach told me we were here way past dinner.

The sun was setting in the West, turning the sky a brilliant shade of pinks and purples. Making the field glow a beautiful orange color.

“Come on, sweetheart, I think it's time to get you some food before your stomach decides to start feasting on itself.” Eros offered me a hand up.

Only slightly flinching at his words in surprise, forgetting he was here while lost in conversation with Isarr, I took his hand in mine and let him lead the way.