The Beast And The Blessed

Nineteen: Joselin

Joselin's P.O.V.

The food I had gathered for us was long forgotten in the kitchen. My plans for the evening were gone as well. The air in my tower swirled angrily with the threat of a storm caused by me. It had been a very long time since my emotions ruled my magic.

It made me feel inept, and the lack of control was worrisome. I hadn't lost control since I was a teenager.

The pain in my chest was unwelcome, and a few stray tears slid down my cheeks.

My body's betrayal and willingness to show emotion were infuriating, but I knew my true anger was directed at the man downstairs. I was sure he hated being there. With so many people around and trying to talk to him, I knew he would be uncomfortable. Even that knowledge didn't satisfy the petty part of my mind that wanted him to be miserable for hurting me.

If he wanted to go to a mating mixer and look for a wolf to mark, contradicting all the sweet words he shared with me last night, he could.

I was a big girl. I could find a way to get over him. Nothing had worked so far, but that didn't make it impossible.

I could warn Natalie about the unknown threat and have it be her problem. She would be taking over my job soon anyway, so there was no point in letting her get her feet wet. She might as well jump right in.

With her handling that, I would be free to escape and find myself outside this castle.

My gut twisted at the idea of leaving Tobias, though. No matter how upset and angry I was, I would hate it if I left without getting answers. I had loved him for too long just to turn away and never look back. There were so many questions for him, but the most important was why I wasn't enough.

Rona's words played on a loop in my head, reminding me that a man like Tobias wouldn't want a woman who looked like me. My teeth ground together, and my hands were in tight fists as I stopped pacing.

There was only one way I could get an honest answer to ease or confirm my concerns.

It was something I swore I would never do. I had learned to embrace who I was long ago, and while I knew this experiment would be damaging to my mental well-being if it confirmed my suspicions, I didn't see myself having another choice.

to be in a relationship without that fear hanging over me. I just had to hope that what I was about to do wouldn't bite me in the ass. I needed to go

I could do this.

particular enchantment had been shoved up on the highest shelf of my bookcase so it would stay out of sight. With a quick flick of my

volume, and I knew what I wanted would be

my skin tingling. The usual vibrations of the runes and knots on my skin could still be felt. But when I looked down, I

enjoyed being tan, I felt sick.

version of me, the fake one. A stranger stared back at me with smooth, flawless skin, long brown hair, and

was bound to drop

on, knowing it was not as formal as these events expected, but I didn't have the patience to choose a new outfit. No one beyond the staff had

get there before Tobias left or chose someone. He had been attending these for years but

think he had a reason to show up tonight. I thought he had chosen me. If not as his mate, then maybe to

ignoring all the gawking men and women around me. There was surprise on their faces as they watched me, knowing with the glamour, they would

the crowd, and my breathing caught when he didn't look away. I

him, enjoying how the crowd parted for me. My body buzzed with excitement with every step, and while I knew this moment could completely shatter me, it also almost felt like one

softer than usual and sounding strange to my ears. Only it wasn't mine. It was hers. Whoever this woman was that

narrowed, and I could see the question in his glare, wondering why I was bothering

of the servers walked by, grabbing a glass from the tray in their hand and taking a small sip of the sickly

stepped forward, placing my free hand on his chest, gasping when he clamped his tightly around my wrist. His grasp was firm, but

down, giving me his ear. The closeness caused my breasts to brush against his arm

nipped his earlobe, and he growled in response. If he hadn't held me so close, I would have considered the

each other, and it wouldn't be long before this room was full of naked men and women. Many wolves and Lycans enjoyed fucking in front of others, claiming their partner for all to see.

by the tip of my tongue trailing up his neck. I could

made my stomach hurt, but I also didn't want to stop. He couldn't know it was me behind the enchantment, yet he openly displayed