Taken by the Outcast Alpha (Whispers of Fate)

24. Sage

Chapter twenty-four

Sage

A week later

I grin as Finn guides me through the Pack's lands, my vision obscured by a soft blindfold. "Are we there yet?" I tease, my hands outstretched. "Or are you just leading me in circles to mess with me?"

His warm chuckle sends a shiver down my spine. "Patience, little witch. We're almost there."

I feel the air change, cooler and earthier. We must be underground now. My witch senses tingle with anticipation.

Suddenly, Finn's breath tickles my ear as he whispers, "I've never shown anyone this place." His fingers brush my skin as he removes the blindfold.

I blink, taking in the dim, cavernous space. "Does it count if you didn't let me see how we got here?" I quirk an eyebrow at him.

He smirks. "If I made it that easy, you'd be bored with me."

I pull him close, breathing in his woodsy scent. "Never bored, wolf boy. Never bored."

Finn growls playfully, then moves to the center of the room. He kneels down and opens what looks like a trapdoor in the ground. My eyes widen as I see a soft glow emanating from within. "How?" I breathe.

"I don't know how it works," Finn admits. "My father mentioned magic, but he didn't know—"

I drop to my knees beside him, my fingers hovering over the opening. The energy pulsing from it is unlike anything I've ever felt. "A protection spell, I can feel that immediately. Gentle but powerful—" I close my eyes, letting my senses explore further. "There's a binding element, ancient... and something else. It's like... it's alive somehow."

My mind races with possibilities as I continue to investigate the mechanism. "The craftsmanship is incredible. Whoever created this wove multiple spells together seamlessly. There's an illusion component, probably to keep it hidden from those who shouldn't find it."

I watch in awe as Finn reaches into his bag and pulls out the Fate Weaver. The ancient hammer seems to pulse with energy, responding to the magic in the room. As he lowers it into the hidden space, I hold my breath. The hammer slides in perfectly, as if it was made for this exact spot.

A jolt of understanding hits me. "The witches," I whisper, my eyes wide. "We were part of this all along."

Finn nods, his amber eyes intense. "Yes. Or at least I've always believed so."

I stare at the Fate Weaver, nestled in its magical cradle, and feel a surge of emotions. All this time, I'd been worried about how I'd fit into Finn's world—his Pack, his responsibilities. But now I see it clearly. This isn't just his world.

"It's been waiting for a witch's touch," I murmur, reaching out to brush my fingers along the hammer's handle. The magic responds instantly, warm and welcoming. It feels right, like coming home after a long journey.

I look up at Finn, seeing the same realization in his eyes. "This isn't just about you or me," I say softly. "It's about balance. Wolf and witch, working together to protect something greater than ourselves."

Finn takes my hand, his touch grounding me. "I think you're right," he says. "My family has guarded the Fate Weaver for generations, but we've always known there was more to it. Something we couldn't access on our own."

I nod, feeling a sense of purpose settling over me. "And my ancestors created protection spells for the guardians. We've been connected all along, even if we didn't know it."

"Let me show you," I whisper, leaning in to claim Finn's lips. The kiss is a celebration, the passion between us burning away every worry I'd tried to bury.

Finn responds with a fierce growl, his hands tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss. He lifts me off my feet, our bodies pressed together, and carries me away from the small cave where we'd hidden the Fate Weaver. Our movements are fueled by a desperate need to mark this moment, to seal what had just been revealed to us.

The cool, damp air of the cave washes over us, but neither of us notices. We are consumed by a fire that rages within, ignited by the revelation of our connection.

In the blink of the eye he has stripped off our clothes and he lays me down gently on the soft moss, his kisses becoming more urgent, his hands pulling me closer. I claw at his back, my body arching against him, every touch only fueling the inferno between us.

As he thrusts into me, I feel a sense of completion, the world dissolving into a whirlwind of sensation. My breath catches in my throat as pleasure consumes me, and for a moment, I am lost in the heat of our passion.

Finn's touch is everywhere, igniting a fire in my veins. I feel his teeth at my neck, his breath ragged against my skin. He's claiming me, marking me as his. I cry out, my nails digging into his shoulders, and my magic responds to the intensity of the moment.

In that instant, I understand the true power of our connection. It's not just about the Fate Weaver or the protection spells. It's about us, Finn and me, and the magic that surges between us. My healing magic envelops him, and in that moment, I know he feels it, too.

The pleasure swells within me, consuming every part of my being. My body trembles on the edge of release, and with his final, desperate thrust, I climax, crying out his name. My magic rushes through him, and he groans, his mark on my neck burning with our passion. I can feel the mark of his teeth and tongue, a brand on my skin between my neck and shoulder. It's his, a sign of our bond.

Finn collapses beside me, breathless, his eyes shining with wonder. "What... just happened?" he asks, his voice hoarse.

I smile, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "I think... I healed the mark." I sit up, turning to show him the spot where his mark had been. But instead of a blemish, there's a beautiful silver glow, like a crescent moon. My touch of magic had transformed it into something even more meaningful.

Finn stares at the mark, his expression softening. "It's beautiful, Sage. Like you."

I turn to face him, my eyes shining with unshed tears. "It's us, Finn. Our magic, together." I pause, reaching out to stroke his cheek. "I think we've unlocked something powerful. Our connection. It's like our magic knows it belongs together."

Finn pulls me into his arms, holding me close. "I've never experienced anything like this. It's like we've tapped into something ancient and wild."

I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "We've connected the Fate Weaver to its true power source. It chose us, Finn. Witches and wolves, together."

I watch in awe as Finn sits up, his muscles rippling under his skin. Suddenly, a dark shape swoops down from the shadows, landing gracefully on Finn's broad shoulder. My heart skips a beat as I recognize the familiar form of Nox, my bat familiar.

Finn's hand instinctively moves to swat away the unexpected visitor, but I quickly reach out to stop him. "Wait!" I exclaim, my voice filled with wonder.

Finn freezes, his amber eyes meeting mine with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What is it?" he asks, his voice husky.

I can barely contain my excitement as I explain, "Nox has never landed on another human before. Even my mother and Sylvie have never been able to touch her." I pause, letting the significance of this moment sink in. "This is... incredible."

Finn's brow furrows as he glances at the small creature perched on his shoulder. "Nox?" he questions, his tone softening.

I nod, a smile spreading across my face. "My familiar. Nox. She's landed on your shoulder, Finn." The realization hits me like a bolt of lightning, dispelling any lingering doubts I might have harbored. Nox recognizes him as my mate, too.

As I watch Finn and Nox, my heart swells with joy and certainty. Throughout my life, Nox has been my constant companion, my magical guide. She has never steered me wrong, always sensing danger and guiding me towards the right path. And now, here she is, accepting Finn without hesitation.

Finn's expression softens as he carefully raises a hand to gently stroke Nox's sleek fur. To my amazement, Nox doesn't flinch or fly away. Instead, she leans into Finn's touch, her small eyes closing in contentment.

"I've never seen anything like this," I whisper, my voice filled with awe. "Nox has always been wary of strangers, especially other supernatural beings. But you..." I take a deep breath as the weight of what I am about to say settles on my shoulders, "are my true mate."