“You would likely be dead.”
Ava’s words made me tense. It was true. And I didn’t like it one little bit.
“Me?” Shannon’s laugh was forced. “I’m indestructible.”
Ava cupped her face. “No, sis, you’re not. You hurt and bleed just the same as the rest of us.”
My nostrils flared, my fingers flexing into fists so tightly my joints ached, and I had to work damned hard not to snarl when a tear fell down Shannon’s face.
“Not anymore. I have nothing left.”
Rawson pulled Ava back against him, supporting her. “Okay, that’s enough. Ava, you need to rest. Shannon, you’ll see her when Stone agrees you can.”
Ava glared at Rawson but didn’t argue. “He’s right. I’m done. I need to sleep. I’ll see you soon, ‘kay?”
“Sure.”
I bit back a growl at the despair I could sense in Shannon. But I also saw the weariness in Rawson’s eyes and the tense set of his shoulders. He was done.
“I’ll keep watch over your town until your Beta is around and healed.” Hope had been attacked by the Mades before. I didn’t know exactly why they’d taken Ava. It had something to do with a communications relay or code, but it didn’t really matter. Connor and Rawson would tell us when they were ready. For now, I’d make sure we had enough guards patrolling the town to keep everyone safe. He’d rest easier knowing his town was safe.
Rawson nodded at me, the tightness in his shoulders easing a little. “Thanks, brother.”
I took hold of Shannon’s arm. “We’re leaving now that you have seen her.” Keeping a firm hold on her arm, I guided her away, surprised that there was no resistance. “I’ve already checked in with Becca. She’s happy for you to stay with her tonight.”
“I don’t need a babysitter again. Nor do I need her psychoanalysing me.”
“She won’t. For a start, she’s not like that. And don’t bullshit me, Shan. We both know you’d run to Eli’s if I left you alone. Becca knows the score and won’t let you leave the house. You’ll stay at her place until morning. I’ve asked Jedediah to come and collect you in the morning and to bring you to me wherever I am. You’ll go with him and cause him no trouble.”
“Or what?”
Her words were so quiet I almost didn’t hear them. I smiled. At least she had some fire left.
“There are always consequences to our actions. You know that.”
She scoffed. “Oh, please. What are you going to do? Spank me?” She laughed, though there was little humour in it. “That’s a fucking privilege. And one I only give to someone I choose.”
Jealousy flared through my blood. My wolf growled, his own fury matching the sudden storm of mine, and the Fae part of me that I fought to control every day reared its ugly head.Truthfully, I was surprised at my reaction. I’d always detested the thought of Shannon with anyone else, but I’d always curbed my response to it, never giving into my urge to rip her away from them. Instead, I’d shift and run in the forest or bury myself in a female for a few hours. Never again. Everything about imagining her with another male made me want to kill someone.
I spun her up against the side of the building we were walking past. Her rapid breath formed clouds of steam that puffed into my face. I was tempted to hold her around her throat, but I wasn’t that stupid; she’d see that as a real threat and would fight me. That kind of dominance was for another time and place. Besides, I didn’t want to hurt her, but she needed to remember who held the power—for now—in our relationship. I anchored her to the damp wood of the cabin with thick ribbons of purple magic that gently illuminated the darkness and leaned my face close to hers, power pulsing through my veins.
“No, thatwasa privilege you gave someone of your choosing. Now, it’s only mine. You forget your King, your Alpha, gave me total control over your health and safety, over your life. You’re mine, and if you do anything to hurt yourself, including running away or disobeying orders that are to keep you safe, you’ll be reminded that it is a bad idea.”
“It’s my body and my life, you dick. If I want to ruin it, it’s up to me.”
I cocked my head. “No, it isn’t. Shifter society doesn’t work like Human society. And you know Fae society doesn’t. You are my responsibility, which means I will do what I must to ensure you are safe. And something tells me a big part of that is changing how you feel about yourself.”
“I feel just fine about myself.”
I inhaled, not happy when I smelt that lie. Silence lay heavy between us. She was waiting for me to call her out to continue our confrontation. It dawned on me that she was spoiling for averbal sparring match. Is that what she did to feel something other than despair? Seeing Ava had left her drained. It was in every part of her weary, trembling body. She was trying to fight with me again even though she was exhausted—and sick. I thought back over the years, over the times she’d viciously pushed me away with her words and actions. Every part of me hated that I hadn’t seen it earlier. She’d never been my responsibility before, and I’d run from any feelings I had for her, but I wasn’t running now. Maybe not ever again.
My wolf rumbled his agreement.
Shit. I was totally fucked. We both wanted her. And even though I knew it was a bad idea, that I was more dangerous to her than any other fucker she’d been with, there was no turning back. My soul was drawn to her now that she needed help and protection. Maybe it was being in Faery that had awakened that feral response in me, or perhaps it was because she was more vulnerable than she’d ever been. Either way, she was mine. And I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe and well.
She looked away from the assessing look I aimed at her.
We had a long way to go before there was any chance of the connection that had always simmered between us turning into more. “We need to go. Becca’s waiting up for you.” I released my magical hold and stepped back.
