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

of barks. Cheering erupted from every angle and Elias could barely be heard over the sound.
    “You, Aidan Montgomery, are the key to the prophecy. You are your father’s son. You are our King and you are meant to lead us to victory.”
    KING? The word rang loudly in my mind and my reaction was completely out of my control.
    The beast roared to life inside me, responding to the overwhelming onslaught of power, emotion, and shock. I had only seconds to leap from my seat and take off running. As I pushed off one foot, I heard the ripping of seams and a fur-covered paw was the next thing that landed.
     
     
     
    I had no idea where I was when I woke up. I was flat on my back and it was pitch black. My body ached and all I heard were Dillion’s words. His high-pitched pre-pubescent voice telling everyone I was a King. Something about a prophecy. That I would free her . Her had to be Amelia.
    “Are you going to lie there all night? I’m really tired and want to go home.” The voice from my head was suddenly in my ears. I squinted and barely made out the small, half-naked body sitting a few feet from me on a low branch.
    “Don’t you have parents? Shouldn’t you be in bed or something, kid?” I pushed myself up to sitting and had to duck as something flew at my head. Gym shorts.
    “I’m not a kid. And no, I don’t have parents anymore. They died. Just put those on and come on.” He huffed as he dug behind a tree and pulled out a shirt for himself. “We’re close enough to walk. Mr. Elias said I should give you food and show you where to sleep. Come on.”
    Dillon didn’t wait another second before tromping through the brush. I struggled against my pounding head as I yanked on the shorts and ran after him.
    When he finally pointed to my “room,” I was exhausted. I’d eaten a few protein bars he tossed my way and was dead on my feet. Bethany and Charlie were pacing the small space and she looked like she couldn’t decide whether she wanted to punch me or hug me when I stumbled in.
    “Where in the ever-loving-hell have you been? As if it isn’t bad enough that I watched you poof ,” she snapped her fingers, “yourself right into a damn animal, then you go and leave me with the dog and all these…these…people!” She was trying not to yell and it was clear her southern manners wouldn’t let her call them what she wanted to. But I was too tired to do this right now.
    “Gotta sleep. Sorry. Will try not to do it again. Just…gotta sleep.” I might have actually been sleeping before I climbed into bed and the last words were out. It didn’t last long, though. Just a few short hours later, I found myself covered with a blanket, wide awake. I tossed and turned a few times before giving up.
    “Stay,” I quietly commanded Charlie as I got out of bed. He eyed me and stood up. I considered grabbing his paw to see whether I could control our exchange from my end, but I wasn’t ready for another adventure in a dog’s mind. “I’ll be fine. Just stay with her.” He exhaled in a huff and sat back down, begrudgingly.
    I went back out to the clearing and sat by a dwindling fire. I heard a few hoots and looked up to see two large owls with bright blue eyes circling above me, likely lookouts. Throwing some smaller logs on, I stared into the dancing flames and let my mind wander. Amelia filled my thoughts. I was worried about her. I had no idea what she was up against. I only had vague notions of what the Queen was like from stories I’d heard. Some Bethany had told me, but others were just there. I was certain the Queen wasn’t someone I wanted Amelia left with for long. And then came the question, who was I? And how did Elias know my parents’ names so quickly? So easily?
    “You are the spitting image of your father.”
    I jumped, so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t heard him approach. I chastised myself for letting my guard down.
    “Don’t. Don’t worry about it. It’s been a big day.” Elias spoke