“I shouldn’t be here.” I shake my head. “I shouldn’t have come.”
Safety was my first concern. I knew Raiden would protect me from Mathias, but perhaps I underestimated Sean. His family is powerful. Maybe he could keep me and my youngling equally shielded.
“You did the right thing.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t. I’m going to Sean. Now.”
“The hell you are!” He’s on his feet in an instant, blocking my path to the door. “You can’t teleport in or out of this house without my permission.” It’s a common safety measure. “As far as I’m concerned, you’ll stay here. I’ll keep you safe, even if it takes my last breath, and you know that. What do you know about Sean?”
That he’s going to shoulder the responsibility Raiden rejected.
Anger boils in me, morphing to a new and sharper fury. I slap Raiden across the face. He recoils from the blow, a tic working in his jaw, but says nothing. A red mark blooms across his cheek, but he doesn’t raise a hand to it. Doesn’t say a word.
“I gave you everything,” I shout. “Everything! I revealed myself to you in a way I’ve never done with another lover. I opened my heart and body to you. Yes, I knew your reputation, but when you came back to me again and again, I allowed myself to hope that you cared. That I meant something to you. And you knew that. You knew how badly I wanted you for a mate, how totally I gave myself over and over. I think I willed your seed to take root, praying that you would…”
God, I sound so stupid. So foolish and naive. I bedded down with one of the most notoriously carnal wizards ever, and I got exactly what I deserved. Still, the debilitating pain of his desertion staggers me.
Something flickers in his eyes—pain? Regret?—before he erases all expression from his face. “You’re right. I took advantage. I…the way you revealed yourself slowly to me, unfurling each time, shedding your ladylike inhibitions to embrace the sizzle between us, how could I refuse when you kept tempting me?” He shrugs. “Sorry. Next time, don’t offer yourself.”
Despite the magical sleep Raiden forced on me, exhaustion weighs on my bones. Worse, as the sun rose, he left me.
How like him.
After dressing and fixing my hair, I wander from room to room in the big house until I encounter a cozy library—and find another wizard inside.
“Hello, Tabitha.” A mirror image of Raiden rises, except his hair is dark as night.
This must be Raiden’s twin.
“Ronan, correct?”
He nods, approaching me slowly. “I’m sorry we haven’t met before.”
That’s hardly Ronan’s fault. Raiden avoided incorporating me into his life at every possible turn. That hurt, and I largely blame myself. I saw his behavior; I felt his distance. And still…I couldn’t refuse him.
I’m shocked he hasn’t dropped me in Sean Blackbourne’s lap and washed his hands of me, particularly after I demanded he do exactly that.
Why is he suddenly reluctant to let me go?
When Ronan sticks out his hand, I approach cautiously. His eyes reveal only concern. His signature proclaims him mated. Nervously, I shake his hand.
He smiles. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“Lovely to meet you,” I say automatically. But it’s true. I knew Raiden had a twin, but not how identical they are. In fact, I know very little about Raiden’s life beyond his bedroom skills.
“I’m sorry we’re meeting under such terrible circumstances, rather than one more auspicious, like the coming youngling.” He nods toward my rounding belly.
“Indeed.” I appreciate his sentiment…but if Mathias didn’t find what he sought when he killed my family and ransacked my home, he’s unlikely to give up. “Forgive me, but could you tell me where to find Raiden?”
Ronan pauses. Because he’s deciding what lie to tell me? “He had an errand and asked me to keep you company.”
More like Raiden left to avoid emotional intimacy, as usual. Or perhaps he’s doing something he’s determined is “for my own good” without first consulting me. Both possibilities chafe. “Is any male in your family capable of open and honest discourse?”
He laughs, his smile self-effacing. “That’s a work in progress. My mate has tried to teach me…”
“You shouldn’t disappoint her, then. Let’s try this again. Where is Raiden?”
Ronan sighs. “My brother said you’re beautiful, but he neglected to mention that you’re a cunning little thing.”
