Turn of the Moon (Royal Shifters #1)(19)

Before opening her eyes, she grinned. “My suspicions were right.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, whispering the words.

Tears forming in her eyes, she lifted her hands to my face. “You’re not a Whitehill. You, my child, are royal.”

The crowd gasped, and when I looked at Ryker, he was wide-eyed in surprise. “I don’t understand. Care to elaborate?”

“It means your bloodline is the most powerful of all wolves,” Ryker explained.

Seraphina spoke up next. “He’s right. You are from the direct line of ancient wolves who disappeared about three centuries ago. No one knows where they went or, until recently, if they were still alive. When they ruled, the packs were at peace, living in harmony with one another.

“Over the years, greed poisoned our magic and the packs slowly drifted apart, forming new alliances. Now that we’re separated, the magic of the moon grows weaker. Our abilities to find our mates all but disappeared, making it harder for our wolves to find happiness. It is my belief, dear child, that you are the one who can help us.”

“How is this possible? How can I fix the dying magic?”

She smiled and took my hands. “By sealing the bond with your one true mate. Ryker was born special too. Look around you.” I did as she said and gazed at the people in his pack. “Over the years, he’s brought all of these people together under one united front. No other alpha has the ability to do that anymore. It’s how the royals led their people centuries ago. And when you complete the bond, your combined power will be the first step in setting the natural balance—to restore what we’ve lost.”

One by one, the wolves in the room all dropped to their knees. Confusion swept over me. “I don’t understand. How can my parents be Whitehill’s and I’m not? Wouldn’t they be royals as well?”

Ryker joined me, his gaze wary. “I don’t think they are your biological parents, Bailey.”

“What he says is true,” Seraphina added. “I don’t know how you ended up with them, but they aren’t your family. If they were, they never would’ve promised you to Kade.”

I couldn’t even wrap my head around what she was saying. “How is that even possible? They’re my parents. They’re all I’ve known.”

She nodded wearily. “I’m not saying they didn’t love you. It’s possible they were forced to do what they did.”

Dread settled in the pit of my gut, the anger bubbling right underneath the surface. I didn’t even know who I was anymore. “Why can’t I remember any of my encounters with Ryker, or with my real family? It’s all just a black hole when I try to think back.”

She looked down at my hand, furrowing her brows. “They were wiped clean. When I touched you, I could feel the dark magic still binding itself to your memories, locking down your thoughts. Only a very powerful witch can do such a spell.”

“But who?” Then I glared at Ryker. “Did you have a witch like that in the Yukon pack?”

Releasing a heavy sigh, he nodded. “Her name was Maret.”

I felt violated, robbed. “How do I get them back?” I growled the words.

Seraphina hesitated for a moment. “The only way would be if the witch willingly reversed the spell, or if you killed her.”

“She took away the memories of my real family. One way or another, I’ll get them back.”

She sighed. “I know you want them back, but it’s not worth risking your life to get them. Right now, your only concern should be staying safe until the full moon comes.”

“Which is what I want to discuss with you all,” Ryker announced, turning to the group. “If the Yukon pack is on the hunt, I have no doubt they’ll come this way. If they see me with Bailey, there will surely be a fight. I don’t want to bring that kind of war to your doorsteps. Bailey and I will be leaving tonight until the threat’s passed. Cedric is my second in command; he’ll make the decisions while we’re gone.”

“What if we’re willing to fight?” one of the wolves asked. His name was Rafe, one of the wolves I met at the bar. He was tall and stout, a warrior at heart. I enjoyed talking to him about his building projects. I had no doubt he’d kick ass in a fight.

Ryker was about to answer, but I put my hand on his arm. “Give me a second to speak.” I looked up at him and he nodded.

“If a fight is what they want, I’ll give it to them. I’m the one who killed their alpha.” The room fell silent. “My goal is to lead them away from you, from your children. I haven’t been a part of your pack for long, but that doesn’t take away from the fact I don’t want to see anyone hurt because of me.”

As if on command, men stood and formed a line in front of me. Cedric was first. He knelt down, bowing his head.

“What are you doing?” I whispered.

He chuckled and winked up at me. “Giving you my life.” Taking my hand, he held it in his. “I, Cedric Convel, give you my life, my honor, and my strength. I will fight and die for you, if you so choose it. You are my alpha.” When he stood, he leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I’ve searched years for my mate and haven’t found her. If you can restore the magic of the moon, I will forever be in your debt.”

For the first time since I’d met him, he was completely serious. I nodded with confidence. “I will do everything within my power to see that it happens.”