Wolf's Claim (The Royal Heir #3) - Jen L. Grey Page 0,56

pack that lives here. I was hoping we could meet with Agnes."

"And why would she want to speak to you?" The girl moved slowly over to the passenger side of the car, heading toward James.

"Well, we helped you with the vampires a short while ago and we're hoping you're willing to return the favor."

"Aah, so you're here to cash in a favor." The girl nodded her head. "We cannot harm anyone if that's why you're here."

"What? No." James shook his head.

"That's real funny coming from them," Kassie muttered in the backseat.

Within a flash, the witch was at her door, knocking on the glass. "What does that mean … dog?"

I jumped out of my skin. Holy shit. She moved fast.

"She didn't mean it like that." Tommy used his usual smooth voice to calm the situation. "We're not here to harm anyone or ask for any favors. We just need some answers."

"All things come with a cost." The witch’s smile spread wide. "Are you sure you want to pay the toll?"

"If it requires me cashing in on our favor, then that's fine." James glanced in the back at Mason and me. "Can you please allow us in to see her?"

"Fine, but you must leave your vehicle here and walk with me."

"This could be a trap," Kassie muttered.

"Then turn your vehicle around and leave." The girl narrowed her eyes on Kassie. "Our sacred grounds will not be spoiled by your vehicle."

"Let's go." We were here and talking with them. It'd be asinine to turn around now. I began climbing out of the car while Kassie mumbled under her breath.

Wait for me. Mason followed right behind me as we climbed out the side where the witch wasn't standing. There's no telling what we might be walking into with such a warm welcome.

Tommy turned the car off and joined us. "I'll follow you two."

James’s and Kassie's doors shut as we headed over to them.

As soon as I appeared, the witch glanced right at me. She took in a deep breath and shook her head. "You didn't tell me the queen was here."

"Oh, well, that's my daughter-in-law, and that's my son." James slowly pointed at us as though he was afraid she'd think his finger was a weapon.

"Had I known she was here, I wouldn't have allowed you entrance." Her breathing picked up as she took a step in my direction.

Mason moved to stand in front of me, which pissed me off.

She's got a problem with me being here, and you standing in front of me will only make it worse. I had to face this head-on, and he couldn't do it for me.

"The last time a royal was here, it resulted in the death of one of our own." Her words were tight and thick. "Why should we allow another one in this time?"

I had no clue what she was talking about, but her light gray eyes bored into mine. I had to say something. "It isn't a question of whether you should. It's one of whether you will. I'm not here to cause problems. Only to talk leader to leader with your high priestess."

The girl's face didn't change. It was a mask of indifference closely locked into place. She took a deep breath and leaned toward me.

It took everything in me not to lean away.

"Fine, but no one will be leaving with you." Her voice was tight and strong. "Do not try to lure any of our members away by promises of modern technology."

"Promise." It was an easy vow to make seeing as I wanted to get the hell out of here as soon as possible.

"Fine; then follow me." She turned and immediately began walking through some trees instead of the main road.

Is this what happened last time? This was one of the nice advantages of the mate bond.

No, not at all. Mason took my hand, and Kassie walked right in front of us as Tommy took the back. Granted, they all met us around here. We never went into their premises, just the outer edges of it.

Tommy stepped closer to us with his voice low enough that only a shifter could hear. "Neither one of you is allowed out of our sight."

It surprised me that he was the one who said it. "Are you that worried?" Unlike Kassie, Tommy had never acted like this before. Unease coursed through me.

"I'm not quite sure yet." Tommy took a few steps closer and lowered his voice even more. "James trusts them, and that means something. But