Filed To Story: A Claim of Fortune Book PDF Free by Jaymin Eve
My beast was so strong that I never gave any consideration to the other side of being a shifter. For me, there were no other sides. There was my dragon, and then there was me waiting to release my dragon. “I’m not sure I have another side,” I admitted, tilting my head back to stare into the darkened ceiling. I wanted to keep staring into her eyes, but I couldn’t think clearly when I looked upon her.
I sensed her movement, and didn’t physically react when she grasped my hand, holding on tightly. Fires lit in my center like we were about to level the world.
My gaze lowered back to her. “You are so much more than just your beast, Talon. Your life is just beginning, and there’s an entire world to explore out there. I’ve been limited too. My life was about running and survival. I didn’t pick up hobbies or interests. I don’t collect plants or weapons like Kellan, I can’t skate or create incredible origami like Finley. I wouldn’t know where to start with inventing cool shifter tech like Hunter, and I sure as shit can’t work a computer or fight like Slade. They’re all far more well-rounded than me, but you know what you and I have in common…?”
“A mate bond?”
She chuckled. “Besides that, and just as a little aside, it’s probably too soon to bring that up so casually.”
Noted.
“What we have in common is time. We still have time to grow and learn about ourselves and our world. We have time to find hobbies and habits and become more productive shifters in this world. All of which could be lost under the control of your Alpha. There, we would be nothing more than his pack to control. We cannot let that stand.”
“Even if it weakens the beast?” I questioned, unable to argue with a lot of her logic. “War could come for us, and most shifters have no idea how to survive it if that happens.”
Finley was fully awake, listening intently, but Emme hadn’t noticed as she stared at me like I was the only shifter in the room. It was fucking intoxicating to hold her attention so thoroughly. “There’s more to life than just surviving war. What if the Alpha’s plan weakens our souls, Talon? What if it weakens our spirit? You can die in more than just a physical sense.” Her voice wavered as she finished. “I was dying before I met my pack. I was slowly, day by day, turning into a shell. My spirit was broken, and I didn’t even understand how badly I’d hurt myself and my wolf until I was finally set free.”
When I met the bear’s gaze over her shoulder, his eyes shone as he nodded his agreement.
For the first time, I started to consider that maybe… just maybe, I stood on the wrong side of this battle.
EMME
The buzz of my phone reminded me that I hadn’t checked it for days. There was never a need with one of my alphas in constant proximity, but Kellan and Finley had left this morning for hockey, and I was already feeling the strain in my chest from their absence.
My wolf whined, but she didn’t retreat as she had the last time; my bond with Kellan was strained, but not debilitating.
Golden: We made it safe and sound. I hope you’re all missing us. We’re totally fine though. No sadness or tears, except from Finley when he got his bear paw caught in the door of our room. But I’M totally fine. *broken heart emoji* *Howling emoji*
My heart hurt even as I chuckled. My poor golden had been all misty-eyed when he’d left me this morning, even after kissing me stupid until I was breathless and throbbing. He’d been late for his ride to the airport, and it was all my fault, but there were no regrets from either of us.
Another ding sounded.
Yogi Bear: He cried for half the movie on the plane.
Yogi Bear: Kellan, I will not tell you again to change my fucking name. I’ll even take Grouchy at this stage.
*Golden has changed Yogi Bear’s name*
Golden: The movie was sad! Everyone cried.
Boo-Boo Bear: It was the Fast and the Furious. You were the only one who cried.
Boo-Boo Bear: Who the fuck is boo boo bear? These names are getting worse!!
The dings kept coming, and I was amazed to find that with the newly adjusted font, I kept up well. Definitely much better than before, even with the previously adjusted style.
Golden: Are you telling me that you know who Yogi Bear is but not Boo-Boo Bear? Blasphemy. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Boo-Boo Bear: I’m telling you that if you don’t change my name, or show ME how to change my name, I will tell them all about the time you drank a bottle of tequila with additives and passed out in the locker-room.
*Golden has changed Boo-Boo Bear’s name*
Finley Grouchy Thornton: I knew we’d see eye to eye on the situation.
Before I could reply in the text thread, though the boys appeared to be doing just fine on their own, Hunter popped into the conversation.
Daddy-o: Is Kellan sending out SOS signals with his eyes? Annoying pup doesn’t want that story to get back to our omega, I bet.
And now I absolutely needed to know what happened.
Golden: Look, we all have stories to tell. Just remember that.
Slade: I don’t.
Golden: Look, MOST of us have stories to tell, and I have a very long memory.
I quickly finished my message and sent it across.
Pretty Mate: Wait, I want to hear these stories. How long is your memory, Golden?
Finley Grouchy Thornton: It took him five minutes to remember our teammates’ names this morning. They’ve played together for two years.