Bound by Spells (Bound Series Book 2) by Stormy Smith Page A

laughed and I heard chuckles coming from around the other fires. I relaxed a little and led the way to the pit.
    Elias piled plates high with roasted meat and canned vegetables, even tossing Charlie a bone to gnaw on. Though, every time I opened my mouth to ask a question, he’d start another story. I knew he was reading my mind and I was losing patience with being respectful. We were wasting time. But his people surrounded us and I couldn’t guarantee Bethany’s safety. I wasn’t sure I could stop myself from shifting and I still had no memory when it came to what happened while I was changed. I was more afraid of the unknown than I was frustrated with Elias. And my power was reacting to all of the AniMages around me. Each of them was a distinct energy and it was driving my beast crazy.
    I kept trying to push him down and keep my abilities to myself, but whatever was inside me was going full-bore, ping-ponging in my veins, pushing against my skin, and threatening to come out. Pressure built in my head and power gathered in my hands. A light blue mist enveloped my palms and I clenched my fists so tight, I could feel my short nails embedding themselves in my palms. I hadn’t blown anything up since that day on the beach with Amelia and I thought that part of my change was over.
    “Will you keep denying it, Aidan?” Elias asked. He was picking the meat from a chicken bone and looking up at me like a teacher asking a question when they already knew how you would answer.
    “Denying what?” I answered, challenging him. Giving him exactly what he assumed he’d get.
    “What you are. Why do you disregard what you feel? Why do you not allow it to fully merge into you? All you have to do is accept it. It really is that simple.” Elias spoke softly but clearly. Bethany slid a little closer to me on the log and a guttural growl started deep in Charlie’s throat. I turned to find us surrounded by every person…animal…AniMage. Men stood with their arms crossed, or holding the hands of their women. Some had shifted and approached in their native forms of big cats, wolves, or bears. I was instantly calculating how quickly I could grab Bethany and get the hell out of there when Dillon broke through the circle and ran to Bethany. He postured in front of the crowd, his small hands clenched in fists as he stood beside us and leaned toward Elias.
    “Mr. Elias, sir, what is happening? Why is everyone doing this?” Dillon put more force than necessary behind his small voice. It broke and a few laughs came from the group, only fueling him more.
    “These are our guests. We have rules.” He looked around frantically, his tiny arms locked at his sides. “We don’t treat guests like prisoners unless they really are prisoners and we are tricking them. Are they prisoners, Mr. Elias? Are we tricking them?”
    I was impressed. Dillon wasn’t backing down an inch. He stuck his chin out and refused to look away from Elias. I raised an eyebrow, remaining silent as Elias and I stayed locked on each other.
    Elias chuckled and shook his head, breaking away to look down at Little Man in front of him. “No, Dillon. These are not prisoners and yes, they are our guests. Everyone has gathered around because they want to see whether Mr. Aidan is who we think he is. Do you know who we think he is, Dillon?”
    Dillon grinned as he nodded so fast, he looked like a bobble-head. “I sure do. We think Mr. Aidan is the one. He is our King and her companion. He is the one who will set her free. He will help her stop the Queen so we don't have to hide anymore.”
    “And how do we know for sure, Dillon?” Elias kept up his game, suppressing a smile.
    “Because we can all feel it. If Mr. Aidan told us to do something, we would have to obey. We would only feel that way if he were our King.” Dillon turned to me, pride and hope shining in his eyes. I could only stare—my mouth open and mind blank. Bethany gasped and Charlie let out a thunderous string