Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
I nod, but the promise feels like I’m handing him a gravestone. “I don’t want this.”
If he’d say one word—one single word—I would stay. Damn the danger. Damn the consequences.
Instead, he holds out a hand to me. “It’s time. Let’s go. Blackbourne is expecting you.”
Dying inside, I link my hand in his. I struggle to stay on two legs, to stop from throwing myself against his chest and begging. My heart hates every moment of this…but my head fears he’s right.
Together, we venture through the cavernous structure, then exit to the rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The winds are calm today. The sun rising over the water looks magnificent with the promise of a new day, a new beginning.
“I can make my own way from here,” I whisper.
Raiden shakes his head. “I’ll see you there safely.” He hesitates then, squeezing my hand. “Don’t make me let you go before I must.”
I hold back tears and nod. A moment later, the vacuum sweeps around my head, and I stagger, my balance off as Raiden transports me to Blackbourne’s estate.
When we arrive, he gives my hand one last squeeze…then releases me. He won’t disrespect Blackbourne when the wizard is stepping up to take care of what’s his.
I want so badly to grab him again, hold him one last time, but in front of us are the imposing black wrought-iron gates protecting Blackbourne’s rambling estate from intruders. On the other side, Sean walks toward us in the morning light with a purposeful step.
He’s still in his prime and a handsome man in his own right. I should feel fortunate.
I don’t.
Sean raises a hand. Moments later, the gate opens. Raiden guides me through until we stand before my mate-to-be.
“Thank goodness you’re safe,” he murmurs, taking my hands in his. “After I heard of your family, I worried for you and the youngling. I looked everywhere. I didn’t know where to find you.”
“I’m fine.” Physically. On the inside? I’m dying. How can I mate with this man? Or any other besides Raiden?
Sean directs a firm stare his way. “You’re giving her to me, correct? You understand that once you leave this estate, she will be mine and you will no longer be welcome to see her?”
Raiden doesn’t look at me, doesn’t hesitate. “I understand. It’s as her parents wished. You will keep her and the youngling protected.”
“With my life.” Sean curls an arm around my shoulders and eases me close. I go, but some part of me stays behind with Raiden, refusing to move.
Nothing about the wizard who will soon be my mate repulses me. But I don’t love Sean Blackbourne. And I never will. There’s no heat between us. No spark. No pull. Just…nothing. And after Raiden, nothing feels like death.
“That’s the only thing that matters.”
“Well, then.” Sean’s mouth curls up in a painfully polite smile. “We’ve nothing more to say.”
“Actually, I have one request.” Raiden swallows like this is killing him, too. “When the youngling comes, if I’m still…”
Alive. That’s the word he seeks.
He clears his throat. “If I’m still…fighting, will you send word of his birth? I’d simply like to know that he’s delivered safely. And that Tabitha is well.”
Blackbourne hesitates. “All right. But never ask me for anything else.”
Chapter
Ten
Raiden
* * *
I pace the barren turf around the perimeter of Blackbourne’s estate like a damn stalker, sinking into the newly rain-soaked soil as I eye the towering gates and the imposing house beyond. I should leave. Tabby—Tabitha—is no longer mine. But I remain. Wind whips my hair, tugs at the bare branches of the trees above, and echoes hollowly around me.
Two damn days have passed since I dropped her off with Blackbourne and the wizard took her into his home. Has he Called to her already? Claimed her?
I clench my fists. Likely so, and it’s best for Tabitha. But damn if it doesn’t hurt like I’m ripping my heart out of my chest with my bare hands. Gritting my teeth at the futility of my pain only intensifies it.
Suddenly, the hair on my arms stands up—no breeze, no sound, just the sinking certainty that something foul has stepped into the world behind me. A whooshing sound behind me breaks the silence. Then another. Followed by several more. Heart pounding, I tuck myself deeper into the shadows, crouching behind a massive tree. I peer around the gnarled trunk.
Mathias materializes from the shadows at the perimeter of Blackbourne’s gate first, his presence bending the air around him. A dozen Anarki scramble after him, their eyes glowing with that sick, deadly gleam. This isn’t a social call. Everything about their manner screams violence.
Fuck! Why are they here? Between the Blackbourne family connection to Mathias and the fact he already knows the Untouchable’s identity, Tabitha should be safe now. This show of force makes no sense.
Except Mathias’s expression says he has revenge on his mind.