INICIAR SESIÓNMarions nods in understanding. She seems satisfied enough that I don’t mention the final piece: Owen already has a second mate in Ava, so I’m sure the idea that he has a third mate in Natasha isn’t that far of a leap for him.“I didn’t realize you went to such great lengths to leave your mate to be
NatashaMy first thought when Marion started sewing the patch on my jacket that I was already wearing was that it seemed unnecessary. She could have asked me to remove my jacket, which would have allowed her easier angles and less stress about accidentally poking me with the needle.Then I thought m
“I’m just glad he doesn’t seem to hate me anymore,” I murmur. It’s the truth, even if only one of the many half-truths I’m so used to weaving.If anyone might realize I’m keeping the rest of the story to myself, it might be Marion, so before she can ask any follow-up questions that I won’t be able t
NatashaThe second I lift the flap to Marion’s tent, she lets out an exasperated exhale. “She’ll be fine for the run!”She freezes in surprise when I come through the tent flaps.“Oh,” she says. “I thought you were Sebastian.”It’s strange to see her taken off guard. She always seems so assured and
NatashaI step out of my tent, fully dressed for the day, and nearly run smack into Sebastian. We both pull back at the last second, and I feel highly aware of close we came to touching.“Sorry,” I mutter.“My fault,” he mutters back. “I was just coming to find you.”I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
Owen“What the…” Diego sputters out as I slam the door behind us. I’ve brought us into the music room which is empty save for a smattering of instruments.I stare Diego down more intensely than I mean to. “What of Natasha?”My brother seems immediately on his guard. “What of her?”“Did they believe
OwenIf my mind wasn’t eerily calm and resolute in finding Amelia who I am convinced is alive, I would have space to feel pride toward my guards who are successfully managing to tame the fire. It helps that the palace is made of stone, but the library is basically a tinder box between the wooden boo
“You want to throw around the word mate?” Amelia yells. “Then use it thoroughly! We have a bond, so check it.”I hate that it’s a good idea, but I do check the bond, feeling around for her emotions. I notice a deep sadness that immediately dissipates my anger. I take a step forward, wanting instinct
DiegoI crack my neck back and forth as I shift back into human form, and I cross the border into Chinsin. I offered to make this trip yesterday, but Amelia assured me it could wait, and that I needed to sleep after my encounter with the Sun Warriors. She has a quiet authority about her.She would h
Ava“Well, don’t you look beautiful.”I look up from where I’m lying on a blanket in the garden in nothing but a bikini, chasing that just-tanned glow for when Owen chooses me over his pathetic little pet. I block the blinding sun with my hand to find whoever just called me beautiful, surprised to s







