“Agreed,” Gage said gruffly, though his eyes softened as he looked down at her. But any reply was forestalled as Raphael called out.
“We are near the witch’s territory. Be on guard.” The demon’s gaze constantly roamed their surroundings. The trees had taken on an ominous bend, gnarled branches clawing at the hull as they passed.
Katy shivered, exhaustion creeping back over her. “It’s getting worse,” she whispered. Her chest tightened, and breathing was becoming a struggle. Gage smoothed a hand down her back. “I can give you more blood.” His body was taught, and she hated seeing fear in his steadfast gaze.
“No blood offerings.” Raphael came to stand near them. His eyes roamed over Katy, but not in a flirty way. It was as if he was assessing her. “Marissa can draw energy from any blood, especially freely given. This is her domain, and that of the souls that serve her.”
Katy’s legs trembled uncontrollably as the boat crept through the foreboding bayou. The thick, oppressive air was saturatedwith malevolent magic that weighed down on her like a lead blanket. Gage held her tightly, practically carrying her weight as she struggled to stay upright. His jaw was clenched so tightly it looked ready to shatter, his eyes dark and filled with concern beneath furrowed brows.
“I’ll be okay,” she whispered, trying to reassure not only him but herself as well. “I haven’t gotten to drive you crazy long enough yet. I should at least get a decade.”
Gage shook his head. “You get eternity,” he said sternly, as if his tone could somehow keep her here with him.
Katy heard a sniffle, and she turned her head to see tears in Lola’s eyes. Katy reached out a hand to her, and Lola practically lunged at her to grab it. She pulled it to her chest and pressed a kiss to the top of Katy’s knuckles. “No crying allowed during an eerie boat ride through a dark-magic infested bayou.” Katy’s voice was rough.
“Shut your piehole.” Lola huffed. “I’ll cry if I want to.”
Katy’s lips turned up in a smile. She loved her friend and, damn, she didn’t want to die. The thought pierced through her, and she had to clench her jaw to keep her own tears at bay. This was not the time to lose her crap.
“Mistress.” Otto was suddenly there, standing in his baggy clothes, his head reaching her knee. He placed a clawed hand on her leg, and the pain in his eyes nearly broke her. “Otto make it right. I…” He paused, and the scales on his face changed color several times before going back to the green she was used to. His eyes closed briefly and then opened, staring straight into hers. “I love you.” Then, in a streak of green, he turned and lunged from the boat.
“OTTO!” Katy tried to reach for him.
“Dammit,” Gage cursed. “Bane, can you follow him?”
Katy looked over at the panther. He gave a sharp nod, then looked at Taras. The Prime inclined his head. “Go. Watch yourself.”
In a flash Bane went from man to sleek panther and jumped from the boat just as it came to a halt, bumping up against the shore. Katy’s heart felt weak in her chest, though Otto’s little stunt had definitely made it beat faster. She was going to strangle him. Her body felt so heavy, and she suddenly just wanted to sleep. So she’d strangle him after she took a nap.
“You can’t go to sleep.” Lola patted her cheek. “All hell is about to break loose, and I need you present and accounted for, Katy Dire.”
“Gage,” Talbot said. “I came to bear witness to what happens here tonight. My mate and I will have to give testimony to the shaman and our kingdom. But this is notmybattle. I will keep her safe, and Callon, I will keep your mate safe as well.”
Gage looked down at Katy and then helped her sit up. “I don’t care what that demon said. You need my blood.” He bit into his wrist and held it up to her mouth. The look he gave her made it clear that there would be no arguing with him. As she took his wrist in her mouth, her mate looked back at the snake king. Katy didn’t think there was any chance that Gage would allow someone else to guard her, so she was shocked to hear what he said next.
“If anything happens to her, I will kill you and leave your mate to live a life broken and alone, and I will destroy your kingdom until all that is left is dust.” His voice was flat as he spoke, but the look in her mate’s eyes made her shiver. He wasn’t bluffing.
“I understand.” Talbot’s words came through clenched teeth. He was a good diplomat. She’d give him that.
As her mate’s blood filled her, energy renewed Katy’s lungs and muscles. Nothing like it had before, but she could sit up andeven stand on her own. She released his wrist and took a deep breath, filling her lungs with, well, not fresh air. It was putrid, but at least she was breathing.
Zeena moved suddenly, jumping to her feet, and everyone else who had been sitting stood as well. Katy looked at the former queen, her eyes focused on the dark clearing in front of them. “I can feel him. He’s coming.”
Taras leapt off first, his wild mane of hair flying behind him like a banner of war. Lyra followed close behind, with a look of determination across her delicate features. Nico followed, whistling a happy tune like he wasn’t about to fight some fallen snake king and an evil witch.
Callon looked at Lola and took her face in his hands. He pressed a quick, firm kiss to her lips. Katy probably should have looked away, but dammit, they might all be dead soon. She wasn’t going to miss a second of what might be the last of her life.
“Stay close to Talbot,” Callon told her. “Shift if you need to.”
Lola nodded and patted his cheek. “Don’t die. I will be beyond pissed.”
He grinned, and his sharp teeth gleamed. “I love you, too, Sazzi.” Then he turned and sprang over the edge of the boat with the grace and ease of his beast.
Gage turned to Katy, and she held up a hand. “I know. Stay with Talbot. Don’t do anything stupid and don’t die. I’ve got the rules memorized.”
He pressed his forehead to hers and took a deep breath. “You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Katy Dire.” His voice was gruff as he spoke, his hands resting on either side of her neck. “Whatever happens tonight, it’s going to be okay.We’regoing to be okay.”
She frowned, not really understanding this version of pep-talk. She’d totally thought he’d be giving her the “don’t dosomething stupid” speech. Then she realized why he was sayingthisto her. “Otto.” She breathed out as if the air had been punched from her lungs. “What’s he gonna do, Gage?”
