Veiled Spirits

CHAPTER 5

IZZY

Tucking the loose strands of hair behind my ears to get them out of my face, I start walking out of the alley.

“Where are you going?” Luca questions as he reaches me in a few strides.

Man, having long legs seems super handy. He takes one step to every one of my two. Walking next to him like this, I’m reminded of just how colossal he is.

How does someone even get that tall and built?

Did he sacrifice virgins or something?

Footsteps behind us break me out of my internal musings. Glancing behind me, I see Bishop, Archer, and Cain following a few steps behind us. “To the gym to spar,” I tell him. “But I don’t want to spar until the gym closes for the night.”

“Why?”

“You’re, like, seven-feet tall and four hundred pounds of solid muscle. I’m getting my ass beat tonight. I’d rather the whole gym not witness it.” I could win against him with magic, but that’s pretty much the only way. With how aggressive my magic is tonight, there’s no way I’m pulling on it. I’ll have to do this without the speed or strength to match him. It’ll be impressive if I last even a few minutes against him.

Luca barks out a startled laugh. When I turn to look at him, I see a small grin playing across his lips. He’s handsome as hell when he smiles. The rough edges soften just enough to make his face inviting. With his teal eyes crinkled with laughter, he actually looks his age.

What has he been through that his eyes are so hardened normally?

Not that I’m going to ask him. That’s dangerously close to giving a shit, and I’m on a strictly no-shits-given diet.

“I’m not seven-feet tall, and I don’t weigh four hundred pounds. If you know you’re going to lose, why offer me the deal?” Luca peers down at me curiously.

I shrug. “I don’t know. It was an impulse decision. I can always take it back if you want.”

“No,” he immediately growls.

I snort. “Okay, then, wolf boy. No more questions, and I’ll hold up my end of the bargain.”

We reach the front door to the gym. Luca quickens his steps to get to the door ahead of me. He pulls it open before gesturing for me to go first. Shaking my head at the confusing wolf, I step through while mumbling, “Thanks.”

Bishop follows behind me. Turning to him, I ask him something that’s been bugging me all night. “How do you know the wolves?”

Bishop’s eyes widen at my question. He scrubs his hand over his face, seeming reluctant to answer me. Blowing out a breath, he says, “I’ve been doing some work for the Nightshade Pack.”

My lips part in shock.

“Are you fucking kidding me, St. James?” I ask louder than I mean to. But I’m hurt that he’s been keeping things from me. It quickly turns into anger, an emotion I’m infinitely more comfortable with. “What the fuck happened to no secrets?”

Bishop’s annoyance flares in response to mine. “Like you’re one to talk. I know you don’t tell me everything you do.”

He’s not wrong. But that’s really not the point here.

Rounding on him with my hands on my hips, I hiss, “Those are secrets I have to keep to protect you!”

He leans down so we’re practically nose-to-nose. “Why do you think I’m working with them, Isabel? To fucking protect you!”

“What?” I breathe.

“When they come for you,” Bishop tells me, not needing to explain who they are. They haunt every one of my nightmares, after all. “You’ll need allies. Why the fuck do you think I’m working with one of the most dangerous packs out there? To find someone strong enough to protect you because I’m not! And I fucking hate it!”

Bishop is breathing heavily. His chest rises and falls rapidly as he stares me down.

All the wind is knocked out of my sails at his admission. “It’s not your job to protect me, Bishop,” I tell him quietly.