Warlord began stirring through things. Tugging out a small black bag and stuffing a few vials in it and a few clothes.
“What are you doing?”
“Preparing to go on a mission.”
“So soon?”
You’re leaving me? I was half afraid of being alone. Worried someone else might come up here and do to me what Warlord had this morning.
He paused to look at me. “No one will get to you.”
“How do you know?” My voice quaked.
“I wouldn’t let them. You’re mine.” There was such confidence in his voice that I found it somehow reassuring.
Even though it means he’s coming back.
And he sees me as no more than a possession.
He gave me another quick look but said nothing.
***
He slung the back over his shoulder. But he paused when he heard my question.
“If you can’t leave, why doesn’t
Lyra Lani was holding her arms out in welcome. I noted that her arms were slightly bloodied and there was another splash marring her delicate chin and silky blonde curls. But both women were heedless as Vanna Rae embraced her. Clearly old friends. I was a bit jealous. Having never had a she-wolf to confide in like that. Only those that raised me. But now I had a mate, and it would be nice to discuss what that meant with someone. As if sensing my thoughts, Vanna Rae peered back at Killian. Returning to hug him as well. Then she turned her attention to me. I was astonished by how truly striking she was this close. With gorgeous blue eyes. Smooth light blonde hair and a figure that one as skinny as me was sure to envy. “And you,” She shook my shoulder lightly. “You I must thank for helping bring my brother back to me.” She smiled up at Killian. “Am I to understand you are his mate?
It was nearly too much for King Detry to bear. “Irasus!” He roared. Expecting her to skitter from the trees for the sound thrashing he’d execute on her. He was faintly surprised when she didn’t come out with her head ducked like a whipped hound. He called for her again. Slowing his horse. “Do you think she’ll come back?” Callum asked. Helping his mentor onto a horse. “She’d be a fool too.” Roderick whispered as he mounted. “What are you looking at?” Callum asked. Seeing Roderick staring over his head at the bleak mage still standing in the center of the camp. “I suspect, our future.” “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking that is a King that I’d serve.” “Why?” “Did you see the way the others rushed to defend him. His own willingness to be in the thick of battle?” He looked over his shoulder at their retreating King. “I did…” Callum said thoughtfully. “You’re thinking on joining h
“I cursed myself.” Irasus proudly admitted in answer to Killian’s question. “To what?” She smiled evilly. “To feel nothing.” He murmured. Eyes widening on her. Sensing she was about to strike, he moved before her. Sending lashing strands of smoky magic out to devour her. But she bent the trees to her will. Forcing them over to weave and intertwine before her. “No, you don’t.” She heard a feminine whisper somewhere near her right but didn’t give it the credit she should’ve. Suddenly the trees ripped from her grip. Leaning away to weave behind her. Pushing her forward and out into the opening. Despite all Irasus’ efforts at using magic to hook into them, they no longer obeyed her. She spun her head and saw the pretty young woman touching a tree far too her right. She sent rocks flying that direction but that smoky magic struck first. Blocking them with an invisible barrier. So, they toppled haplessly to the ground.
“What is she doing?” Callum coughed. The young knight fighting to breathe as he sent the older knight, Roderick a worried look. “Making the perimeter. They won’t be able to breathe if they try to leave.” “We have to ride through that!” “We can get through faster than they can. We’re on horseback. Just hold your breath boy.” “This is foolish.” Callum jerked his horse’s rein. Tempted to turn back. Despite all his brave words from the night before. Rodrick didn’t argue. “Forward.” Detry waved. But he waited for Roderick, Callum and many of the others to go through first. There was much coughing and gasping. And many knights immediately turned back. Afraid of the place where breathing became nearly impossible. “What are you waiting for!” Detry bellowed. Drawing his short sword to point in the direction. “Get through!” They were surely creating enough racket that the wolf pack would be sure to know they were
“I’m a very good Healer.” “Yes, you are.” Killian remarked. “I envy the Asara for your presence.” “They’ve been very good to me.” But she was already looking off into the distance. Looking for Fury. I realized. Wondering if her suffering under the Mating Moon had been as great as the rest of ours. “Come, Jade.” He lifted me into his arms. “I want to get you back indoors until you feel a bit better.” “What are you going to do?” “First I’m going to send my sister and those vicious mates of hers, after the NightHunters trail.” “You want her to get out of this camp before Detry gets here.” I called him on the truth of his intentions. He gave me a chiding look. “You know me a bit too well.” “I know how protective you are.” “I wish I could send you ahead.” “I wouldn’t go.” He snorted. “I know.” “Which is why you wanted to lock me indoors.” I gave him a pensive study. “
I swung my back end around and knocked the door closed. Jerking it from his hand. He freely let it go. Giving me severe study. “You understand what you’ve done, She-Wolf?” I bobbed my head. Walking further in, I lowered to my chest on the pile of clothes. Dropping the front of my body but leaving my backside up in offering. He didn’t hesitate. Turning he lunged across the room. Black fur peeling through his skin along his arms and shoulders then up his neck and along his cheekbones until those blue eyes were entirely surrounded by midnight fur. Just as striking as I’d first guessed he would be. He loped the last couple steps and climbed over me. Catching my scruff in his teeth as he slid into me again. The night was rough. And I was sore. My mate returned to human form just as daylight crested. He was exhausted and disheveled and barely managed to slump to the floor. Fur falling away and skin smoothing i