Marcus POV
As I approach the spot that has been a place of solace for me, I don't expect to find Esme, but I still feel the flash of disappointment. I continue to grip the stone as it seems to guide my body like a compass. "What is this, Wilder? How is the stone doing this?" "It has to be spelled. I wasn't with you when the witch gave it to you. I was still buried in your subconscious. Why would Esme give you a spelled stone? Maybe she isn't who we thought she was," he asks.
I can hear the pain in his voice. The sound of loss echoing in his words. No, I won't believe she is anything like her mother. She may not be my mate, but I know her in here. My hand touches my chest and Wilder whimpers. Before I can ask him if he truly disagrees based on his reaction, a pain rips through me. I drop
