Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
I’d love to lie, but… “No, I was. When we were…”
“Shagging?” she supplies.
I intended to put it more politely, but… “Yes. I had no interest in taking a mate then. That wasn’t fair to you.”
“You’re forgiven. We would have made an awful pair, and I found the perfect wizard for me, so everything worked out. But you didn’t come to apologize or share your family secrets. What do you need?”
Avalyn is a powerful witch who grew up on the fringes of dark magic. If anyone can watch over Kari unobtrusively while I address the threat, it’s her. “Can you pop into a little pub for the next few evenings and keep your eye on its owner? She’s human and…”
After I fill Avalyn in, she peers at me through a long silence. “You love her.”
“Yes, and I’m terrified.”
“I don’t know this Rhea witch, and I’m no fighter.”
“All I ask is that you watch over Kari temporarily. You don’t have do anything but contact me if something goes sideways.”
“Once upon a time, I would have loved to see you brokenhearted so you could understand how that feels.”
I try not to wince. “I deserve that.”
“But I’m not angry anymore. I’ll watch over Kari for a few days. Longer than that, and my mate, who is away on a family matter, will come home. He’s quite protective, and he will balk, especially once I give him my news…” Avalyn strokes her still-flat belly with a smile.
“You’re expecting a youngling?” I see it in her magical signature now. Faint, but there once I look for it.
She nods, looking giddy. “We’ve finally been blessed.”
I stand and shake my head. “Then I can’t ask this of you. I won’t put you at risk.”
“Nonsense. Sitting in a pub and watching the woman who managed to capture your black heart will be quite entertaining. Just…make her safe as quickly as possible.”
“You’re sure?”
“Ronan…” She levels a reproaching stare my way.
“All right, then. Thank you. Believe me, I won’t rest until Kari is safe.”
“Excellent. You didn’t ask for my advice, but I suggest you teach Kari the Binding.”
“The Renunciation, more like. I won’t have her life end because of me.”
“That curse could be rubbish, you know.”
At one point, I thought so, but… “It’s all too real, unfortunately. Thank you for everything.”
“Of course. I’ll head to the Witch’s Brew tonight.”
After uttering more gratitude, I leave Avalyn’s place and teleport to a shadowed alley a block from the pub. I won’t go inside; I can’t risk endangering Kari again. But I intend to intercept Tynan if he appears. The fighting force he joined spurred Rhea to violence. I won’t have him putting Kari in jeopardy again.
Watching the Brew while avoiding my twin adds another complication. I haven’t been home since the attack. With a single glance, my family will see my altered signature and know that I Called to Kari. Raiden will be the worst. Still, I feel my brother’s confusion turning to concern. I have no bloody idea what to do about him—or the rest of my all-male clan, but I’ll untangle that mess after Kari is safe.
A few hours later, Avalyn emerges from the pub, her tall, curvaceous figure shimmering like a hazy goddess under streetlamps shrouded in fog. It’s too early for her to call it an evening.
“What’s wrong?” My heart pounds.
“Your little human is smart. She’s suspicious of me.”
“Because...?”
“Apparently, dearest Raiden paid her a visit.”
Fuck. I should have known that my more underhanded brother wouldn’t sit quietly. “And?”
“He’s been inside since the pub opened.”
“I must have missed him by moments.” Raiden is nothing if not persistent.
“Indeed. When he spotted me, he wanted to chat. Kari overheard that I once…knew you and surmised that you’d sent me.” Avalyn pushes her waist-length platinum tresses behind her shoulders. “She loves you, and she hasn’t given up. In fact, she coaxed some of her magical customers into teaching her the Binding. You can’t avoid her forever.”
Frustration claws me. I want to claim Kari. I’m needy, hungry, and desperate to make her mine. I’m consumed with the desire.
I don’t dare.
“How is Raiden?”
“His usual charming self. Just before I left, he found some bitch in heat, and they popped out the back.” She leans closer. “I can’t fault your taste in women. I like Kari, which is why I think you need to explain yourself. Keeping her in the dark isn’t keeping her safe.”
Blast her for being right. “Can you just—”
“Not tonight. My mate has come home early, and he needs me. You should see to yours.”
“She’s not mine.”
But I’m talking to air. Avalyn has already vanished.
Damn it all. How can I convince Kari not to answer my Call? How do I ensure she doesn’t pin her hopes on me and endanger herself because of this blasted curse again?
I can only think of one answer. I hate it, but I selfishly put her in this position. If I want to keep Kari alive, I need to put her first—no matter how much it hurts us both.