lyn

valent of a siege engine against a fortress gate. Luciu

erately lowered a fraction of the

light in their depths, the red of banked embers. His hands were driven through the dark tangle of his hair. Behind him, on the great stone table, l

Mind-Link, a sound so forceful it mad

ughts deliberately flat, s

smoothly. I thought to take a walk.

re dispensation from the Godd

aggression surged through the link, a heat so intense

ed, his thoughts dropping into a dark, possessive

nto fists in the

reminded him, my thoughts turning to ice. Yo

d at the altar! he shouted back. The bond is wounded,

ing like a m

he mental bridge. Tell me the truth, or I swear upon the ruins

the ragged edge of his breathing. I could feel a crush

ies, he finally said. His thoughts were exhausted, hollowed o

augh escap

esied mate to secure your power, yet you wish to kee

yn, that

ing them higher and thicker than before. I locked him out. I even blocked

his words, in the exhaustion that bled through every syllable.

aid for a room with a single gold coin, ignoring the innkeeper's curious stares. I bolted

t heavy. The Pack Mind-Link Network-the ceaseless, tel

a prepares the mating

ble, Evelyn, was but

provide him with a

the hissing of adders. Rosalind was moving qu

losed my eyes, and with a great effort of will, I severed my connection

clear: Rosalind wanted me erased. And

ht. Confirmed. You carry the Alpha's heir. I pressed the parchment to my lips. You are all that matters no