***Falcon POV***Eagon being gone has bought us some time, but not much. Once word gets back to the coven that he’s dead and so are many of the vampires he brought with him, it’s going to be open season on us. I am wondering, though, why they continue to take Laney, rather than just kill her. Once or twice, the thought that Abbie may have a backup plan crossed my mind. But my existence right now is her doing penance for the crime I committed against her, and she built in a failsafe way for me to never fail. Even if I want to let Laney live, she won’t, and it won’t at all be because I want to kill her. It will be because I literally have no choice in the matter. How strange to live for thousands of years and never truly have full control of your life or body. It’s kind of how I feel about Laney now. I have no control over myself when I’m near her. It is getting harder and harder to resist her and the fucking pull to her. It’s not the mate bond, I know that for sure. I’m banned from t

Joffrey stumbles over his own feet, barely looking up from the journal as he walks through the rough terrain. I can’t help but laugh at his desire to crack the code and learn more from his journal. We all want to know what secrets it holds, but his encounter with gifted magic seems to ignite a need for information greater than mine.Not that I am all that much in wanting right now. For the time being, I am perfectly content being me and being loved without the added drama of what happens when I take the throne and Falcon finds his mate. Warm fingers snake into mine and I look over in surprise to see Falcon walking beside me, watching the trees we pass as if in deep compilation. I try to hide my giddy grin, but I know I’m doing a shit job of it. I’ve never held a boyfriend’s hand before. If that’s what we are, maybe we aren’t. I mash my lips together in thought. If we have professed feelings, does that mean we are together or just in an open relationship like the people that date other

***Falcon POV***Joffrey has already eaten half the pizza by the time Rome comes back from checking on Laney. She smiles brightly, but the worry is etched on her face and it only makes me more nervous. “What is it?” I ask dropping the paper plate I put together for Laney.“What is what?” Rome drops onto Monty’s lap and Monty watches her closely.“What’s wrong with Laney?” I ask her again, my voice firm and angry. Fear prickles up my back the longer Rome avoids eye contact with me and eats her pizza. “Rome?” Monty whispers before standing. We both run to the door.“Laney!” I call out, pushing it open.She squeals in shock, clinging to a white towel, her hair wet around her shoulders. Monty’s body bumps me into the room and immediately turns to look away. I, however, can not take my eyes off her. The look of shock gives way on her face and I see the streaks on her cheek. She has been crying. The question is about what.“Get out!” she hisses. I shake my head no. “I’m not going anywhe

***Laney POV***My heart thunders loudly in my ear as Falcon drops the shirt to the ground. His eyes trace the curves of my bare chest, a hissing sound releasing low from his lips as he reaches out to touch my waist. His thumb caresses my side, creeping up as our chests heave up and down violently. I reach out with shaky hands, taking hold of his hem and tugging on it. The blue fabric stretches with my nervous pulling before I gulp and ease it up his stomach slowly. Falcon’s dark eyes lock on mine, watching me as I take in his taut muscles and flawless skin. He releases my waist, taking over the task for me as I gape at him. He pulls the shirt over his head, tossing it to the side, his pecs rippling with the movement. “Come here,” He murmurs, stepping close and placing a palm on my waist, the other landing above my breast as he rubs his calloused hand up and over my collarbone, gently massaging my skin as he roams me. It’s impossible to control my breathing as I silently beg for him

I pull out my phone, texting Edgar furiously that we are finally on our way to him. I ask him to send me the coordinates, but I know it’s early and the old man takes pills to help him sleep. He won’t get back to me for a few hours. Until then, we will just have to drive west and hope to find it. Though the packs and covens he warned me about are making me anxious, and I can tell that it’s not going unnoticed by Laney. “Why are we going to the temple already?” She asks, looking around the car. Joffrey turns in his seat to join the conversation. “The temple is the safest place for you.” He says, “It’s your home.”“Ok, but Falcon said I had to regain memories first before going back. I have to know who I am and what I was in order to claim the throne.”Joffrey frowns, but nods. “I’ve made it further in the book and have seen nothing about that, but I guess Falcon could be right.”“What have you learned?” I ask.“The history of the Luna. A few spells to help protect our location.”Rome c