Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
He liked my reaction to him.
“I want to make you mine in all ways,” he rasped.
“You are temptation itself.” Emboldened, I sank my fingers into his silken hair, clinging to his strength. He gripped my hips and yanked me closer, only clothing separated us.
The kiss turned fevered, spinning out of control, becoming a fiery exchange I never wished to end. Thoughts realigned, each centered on a single word: More.
But. Footsteps. Nearby. Shifters?
With a ragged roar, Viktor wrenched his face from mine. We both panted, breath sawing between us. Actual claws sprouted from the tips of my fingers.
“It’s only Bodi.” He traced his thumb over my cheek, studying me as if I were some kind of exotic creature worth more than anyone could afford. “At the first opportunity, we’ll pick this up where we left off.”
My claws retracted—something I’d consider later. At the moment, I was a little too drunk on him to do anything but nod.
When Malachi had found me and thrown me into this unwanted adventure, I’d been alone with no idea of my lineage. Now I had a sister and a possible firebrand within reach.
There. I’d admitted it. I might have a firebrand, too. Something else to consider later.
Bodi emerged from a thicket. Gashes littered his face and torso, and crimson streaked his skin. Leaves were scattered throughout his sandy golden hair. He stopped when he spotted us, grumbling, “If your goal is to cross the terrain without drawing notice, you’re failing. I heard you a mile back.”
“What happened to you?” Viktor demanded, releasing me. “I ordered you to go home.”
He had?
The prince swiped his tongue over a scab on his upper lip. “A contingent of shifters has chased me nonstop since the incident at camp. Rather than do battle at the traveling stones, I’ve gone in circles, slaying my tail one by one. I just killed the last shifter an hour ago.”
Poor Bodi. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you if other shifters show up.” I flipped my hair over my shoulder. “Excuse my humble brag, but I’m kinda really strong now.”
The prince didn’t spare me a glance, but arched a brow at his brother. “She broke then?”
Guess the pair had discussed the possibility. “She did,” I answered for him.
Viktor’s chest puffed with pride. “I’m her firebrand. I calmed her rage.”
His delight affected me as staunchly as his kiss, and I nibbled on my bottom lip to halt a smile. So I’d only known him a short while. I wanted a chance with this man. Wanted to be with him today, tomorrow, and forever. He’d saved my life. Protected me. Peered at me as if his entire world orbited around me. Kissed me as if my lungs held the air he required for his survival. And look at him. A wild man with gorgeous white hair in total disarray, sparkling eyes, and lips puffy from my kisses. Even now, in conversation with another, he sought contact with me, pressing his hand on the small of my back.
I’d have to give up my spa, but I wasn’t exactly human and had zero desire to bottle my emotions again. Something that would be necessary around humans. Besides, berserkers had pets too. I could open a new shop. Legends and Lather? Celestial Pet Spa?
Bodi glanced between us, a tinge of disgust infiltrating his features. “We should go. The goal is still to reach Deco’s fortress, ja, and not be sitting ducks?” He marched ahead of us.
Viktor twined his fingers with mine and ushered me forward, staying near his brother. “Have you seen any others?”
“Ja, and I wish I hadn’t,” Bodi replied, his tone tight. “Kellan shifted, and we fought. I injured him, but I couldn’t bring myself to slay him. But leaving him alive cost me. He came after me with Deco’s men.”
Shoulders rolling in, Viktor sighed. “So less than a handful of us remain.”
Guilt pricked me. I’d killed four of them.
My boyfriend, for lack of a better word, sensed the direction of my thoughts, lifted my knuckles to his mouth, and kissed. “They attacked you. They deserved what they got.”
Bodi missed his next step, surprised, but I nearly floated out of my body.
Suddenly Viktor jerked as though struck by a bolt of lightning. He stopped, released me, and pounded his fists into his temples before pulling at hanks of his hair. “What, what, what?” he bellowed.
Concern punched me. “What’s happening? What’s wrong?”
“The Valkara. Something’s wrong. She’s trying to speak with me,” he said, his voice ragged. He swung around and slammed his forehead into a tree. Bang, bang, bang. Cracks spread through the trunk. “But she’s so quiet. Too quiet. Be louder!”
On instinct, I wedged myself between him and the tree to prevent his next blow. Jagged cuts dripped blood all down his face, and the sight hurt me. I cupped his cheeks, cooing, “Breathe in, baby. Good. Now out. Yes, yes. Now, picture yourself throwing your frustration out of your head through your ears.” Something my father used to say to me before I learned to bottle. “Go on. Picture it.”