Taken by the Outcast Alpha (Whispers of Fate)

14. Sage

Chapter fourteen

Sage

I tighten my grip on Finn's waist, my heart pounding as we speed away from the diner. The wind whips around us, but I can't shake the feeling of dread creeping up my spine. We're not safe yet.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and focus my energy. The words of a protection spell rise to my lips, familiar and comforting. I begin to recite, my voice barely audible over the roar of the motorcycle engine.

" By earth and air, by fire and sea,

A shield of safety surround us three.

From harm and danger, keep us free,

As I will, so mote it be."

I repeat the incantation, pouring my intent into each word. The magic builds within me, a warm, tingling sensation spreading from my core to my fingertips. I can almost see the shimmering barrier forming around us, invisible to the naked eye but potent against malevolent forces.

As I chant, I realize Finn's back has stiffened slightly. Despite the confines of my helmet, I'm pretty sure he can hear me. For a moment, I hesitate, wondering if I should stop. But no, I'm determined to do my part to protect us. If he has a problem with my methods, well, he'll just have to deal with it.

I continue the spell, my voice growing stronger with each repetition. The magic pulses in time with the thrum of the motorcycle, and I feel a connection forming—not just between Finn and me, but between us and the machine carrying us to safety.

The motorcycle lurches suddenly as Finn takes a sharp turn. My arms instinctively tighten around his waist, and I press myself closer against his back. Despite the abrupt change in direction, I can feel the confidence in Finn's movements. He knows exactly what he's doing.

We veer off the main road, the bike's engine growling as we navigate the rougher terrain. Finn slows down as we approach a large bush, carefully maneuvering behind it. He cuts the engine, and the sudden silence is almost overwhelming.

"Stay low," Finn whispers as he dismounts, helping me off the bike. We crouch down, hidden from view of the street. Finn's eyes are alert, scanning our surroundings with predatory focus.

"I need to shift," he says, his voice tight with urgency. "I'm stronger and my senses are keener as a wolf."

I nod, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Then do it."

Finn looks at me, his amber eyes searching my face. "It tends to freak people out the first time they see it."

I smile, despite the tension in our situation. "I promise to confine my freaking out to the assholes trying to ambush us," I assure him. Then, remembering how private shifting can be, I add, "Do you need me to turn my back or something?"

I start to turn around, but Finn's hand on my arm stops me. Finn pulls me into his arms, and his lips crush against mine. It's a kiss born of urgency and something more—a spark that ignites every nerve ending. For a fleeting moment, I forget about the danger we're in and the secrets we've kept from each other. All I'm aware of is the searing heat of his body, the demanding pressure of his lips, and the gentle scrape of his stubble against my skin. It's like being consumed by a wildfire, and I find myself surrendering to it, my hands tangling in his hair, pulling him even closer.

When we break apart, I'm breathless, my heart racing for reasons that have nothing to do with our pursuers. Finn's eyes are glowing, a hint of gold overtaking the amber.

"For luck," he murmurs, a hint of a smirk on his face.

Finn winks and pulls his shirt off in one easy movement, dropping it to the ground. Then, eyes still locked on mine, his fingers move for his belt. Undoes it. Then he flicks open the button of his pants, and I can’t bring myself to look away, or to keep the red hot blush from coloring my cheeks.

He shucks off his boots and slides his pants—and underwear—down so smoothly, kicking them off, eyes still firmly on mine, filled with amusement and not an ounce of self consciousness. “Don’t want to ruin my clothes,” he explains simply.

And then I watch in awe as Finn begins to shift. His body contorts, muscles rippling beneath his skin. Bones crack and reshape, fur sprouting across his form. It's a primal, raw process that should terrify me, but I find myself mesmerized.

In mere moments, where Finn once stood, a massive wolf now crouches. His coat is a rich blend of grays and browns, with hints of russet and gold catching the light. But it's his eyes that captivate me—the same intense amber I've come to know, now glowing with an otherworldly intelligence.

My breath catches in my throat. I've seen magic before, performed incredible feats myself, but this... this is something else entirely. It's nature and magic intertwined in its purest form.

Finn—the wolf—takes a tentative step towards me. I should feel afraid. After all, I've spent months looking over my shoulder, fearing Damien's next move. But as I lock eyes with Finn, I feel something else entirely.

There's a connection between us, a bond I can't explain. It resonates deep within me, like a chord struck on an instrument I didn't know I possessed. I know, with absolute certainty, that Finn would never hurt me. This powerful creature before me, all muscle and fang, is my protector.

I reach out slowly, my hand trembling slightly. Finn lowers his massive head, allowing me to touch the soft fur between his ears. A low rumble, almost like a purr, emanates from his chest.

"You're beautiful," I whisper, running my fingers through his thick coat.

Finn's wolf's form is intimidating, yes, but there's also a grace to his movements, a nobility in the way he carries himself. I can see why he was an Alpha. Even now, exiled and on the run, he exudes a quiet strength that makes me feel safe.

As I continue to stroke his fur, I feel my own magic responding, reaching out to intertwine with whatever power flows through Finn's shifter form. It's unlike anything I've experienced before—a harmonious blending of two very different magical natures.

I freeze as the distant rumble of motorcycles reaches my ears. Instinctively, I crouch lower behind the bush, my heart pounding in my chest. Finn's massive wolf form turns, angling himself between me and the perceived threat. His muscles are taut, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

As the sound of engines grows louder, I marvel at Finn's posture. He's completely focused on the unknown danger, his ears pricked forward, his nose twitching as he scents the air. In this moment of stillness, I'm able to truly look at him, to appreciate the power and grace of his wolf form.

One word crosses my mind: protection.

It's not just his size or strength that strikes me, though both are impressive. It's the way he's positioned himself, using his body as a living shield. Every line of his form speaks of readiness, of a fierce determination to keep me safe.

I've spent so long looking over my shoulder, relying only on myself and my magic for protection. But now, watching Finn stand guard, I feel something shift inside me. It's a warmth that spreads through my chest, a sense of security I haven't felt in months.

The roar of the motorcycles grows louder, and I tense, preparing for the worst. But Finn remains steady, a bulwark against whatever may come. His presence grounds me, and I find my own resolve strengthening. Whatever we face, we'll face it together.