"It moved so fast," she mumbled, looking down at the burns on her arm like she couldn't understand what had happened.
"They are incredibly powerful," I agreed, gently grasping her wrist and pulling her arm toward me.For the first time, she didn't resist and I felt a bolt of fear through my chest.
Taz fought me at every turn, I didn't want her docile.I wanted her healthy and vicious.
I poured the steaming poultice over the burns, waiting for the flowers to do their work as I held her hand.Taz stared at our clasped hands, and to my horror, a tear slipped down her cheek.
"Are you in pain?"I demanded, twisting her arm to check for more injuries.
"I can't save Penny if I can't even keep myself alive," she wailed, her head falling forward as her shoulders shook."She could be anywhere and I can't find her and there-there aremonstersall over the place."Her words had devolved into hiccuping stutters and I wrapped my arms around her, pressing her tear stained cheek to my chest.
"I promised that your friend is safe," I reminded her, wishing I could convince her to let go of this fear.
She shook her head, soft hairs tickling my face as she moved.
"You'd say anything if you thought I'd sleep with you."
"That's not true," I argued, a little offended."I told you I wouldn't lie to you."
"Bullshit!"she wailed.
I grasped her shoulders and pushed her back so I could look at her face.
"I will help you find your friend."Anything to bring back the little Firebrand that had captured me.
She glared up at me, her tiny nose red from crying.
"What's the catch?I have to agree to be your mate?"
I started to deny it and then realized what a good idea it was.It wasn't really lying if she didn't know I'd help her either way, but it definitely turned things in my favor.Feeling a little shameful, I nodded.
"It's a good deal.I'll keep you safe, and help you find Penny, and in return you get a mate any female would love to have."
Taz's shoulder's slumped and she sniffled again, looking so defeated and worn out I almost took it back.Then she straightened her spine and looked up at me.Her red rimmed eyes still shiny with tears, even as her jaw was set with determination.
"It's a deal."
I couldn't believe she'd said yes.
"Turochs mate for life," I hedged, praying she didn't take it back even as I told her the ramifications of our deal."I won't let you run away as soon as we find your friend."
"I said it's a deal," she barked, eyes snapping with fury."Don't back out on me now."
"Just a moment."I got my hooves under me and ducked outside the supply tent.A crowd of males stood outside, every ear swiveled in my direction as I grinned and announced my claim.
"I claimUltoon the female."
A wave of mutters passed over the camp and I saw several males angling to get a better look inside the tent.There'd be challenges until Taz was properly gentled, but I wasn't worried.I'd fought to the death a hundred times and that was before I had a mate waiting for me.
"You did not just call me 'the female' you asshole!"Taz shouted from the tent.
My worry over her mental state disappeared.If my Firebrand was well enough to curse at me, she wasn't broken after all.
