My stomach flipped with disgust. I bit my tongue to hold back my retort that I would rather die than have sex with him.
“Make him comfortable,” Zenon ordered Silas. “If we are to waste months bringing this child to term, I won’t have it be lost. Bring him everything he demands.”
Silas scowled at being ordered around formysake again. “Yes, master.”
Zenon shifted back into his dragon form and lumbered off. “I’m returning to my den. Do not bother me unless it’s urgent. And Silas?”
“Yes, master?” Silas said, perked up.
“We need more food, especially since Halo is pregnant. Go hunting again.”
Without waiting for his confirmation, Zenon left. I could practically see the irritation radiating off Silas in waves. With a single glare in my direction, Silas shifted into his wyvern form and shot out of the cavern, leaving me completely alone.
I sighed and collapsed into my pile of blankets. I’d bought myself time, but how much? My child would be born in six months, and then hell would truly begin.
Kass wouldn’t leave me here for six months… Would he?
I opened my palm and felt the trickle of magic in my blood. It was loose and thin, like it had been diluted, but it was there - definitely more so than before Kass and I had sex during my heat. The pregnancy would probably speed up the rate of my magic’s return.
And if I can get my magic back, then…
Suddenly filled with hope, my mind raced with possibilities. I didn’t need Kass to break out of here - I could do it on my own. My magic would peak with power from my pregnancy. But for that to happen, I needed time. A few months, at least. Could I handle being stuck in a cage for that long?
I let out a groan and slipped further into the blankets. If I could only talk to Kass…
Suddenly, I sat upright. Maybe Icouldspeak with him. I’d heard stories of fated mates having a mental mind link, a sort of telepathic connection that only two shifterstrulyin love could achieve, but I’d never seen it done.
Fuck that. If anyone can do it, it’s me. I’m Halo fucking Fire-Eater.
I threw myself down into the nest of blankets and pulled one over my head to block out the torch light, then closed. Everything went dark. I needed all my concentration if this was going to work.
In my mind’s eye, I imagined Kass, wherever he was. He must have escaped the mountain by now, but with a flicker of doubt, I remembered that our big - fake - fight must have upset him. I prayed he recognized that it was a lie.
Nothing happened. I couldn’t see Kass, or hear him. I groaned.
Please, gods!
I clenched my eyes shut. This time, I tried summoning a bit of magic to aid my concentration. Time seemed to slow as my consciousness dissolved into the quiet darkness. At the far end of my mind, I sensed a figure, shifting and loose, like he was made of smoke.
Kass?I called into the shadows.
He didn’t reply at first, and my hope wavered. But then his voice echoed hesitantly.Halo?
My heart leapt with joy.Kass! It’s me!
I couldn’t see him, past his smokey silhouette, but I could hear the relief and confusion in his voice.Oh my gods. Are you okay? Are you safe? Wait, how are you talking to me? Is this a mind link?
Yes!I cried.I’m fine, but Zenon has me locked up.
Kass growled.He hasn’t touched you, has he? James told me his plan.
I didn’t have time to be relieved that James didn’t just run off.No, don’t worry. He’s treating me fine. But he knows I’m pregnant - I had to tell him to avoid him… you know.
Kass sighed, overwhelmed.Good. Just wait, Halo. We’re planning to get you out.
We?I asked.
Determination filled Kass’s voice.Yes. The fox skulk is on our side, and we’re looking for help in Cinderhollow, too. I’m not going to let you rot in there, Halo. I’m coming for you.
