“Put some damn clothes on, Ceira. I need them distracted, not horny.”
I rise, wash, and start pulling on my trousers.
My muscles ache like a bitch, reminding me of last night—of Domanikk’s words, as hard to bear as his dick. I’d lain awake long past dawn, my head pounding as I replayed it all over and over, obsessing.
His words only confirmed the growing beast that screamed her name, flooded my mind with her face, and tore my insides with longing and need. He suggested I talk with her, and I’m so completely out of ideas on how to stop my obsession from consuming me that I grasped onto his words like salvation.
I tug on a shirt over my head, almost tearing the fabric.
Domanikk.
That little shit managed to get under my skin again. We’ve been through a lot together—my closest companion. Our relationship is bound by loyalty, our love complicated and messy but held together by a gentle, quiet respect.
I pull my boots on and leave my tent. It’s nearly midday; our late-night exertions made me sleep in.
I watch as Domanikk, Rawson, and Ceira head towards the track to the Barrens, then make my way to Domanikk’s tent.
I don’t announce myself, hoping to catch her off guard. She may be more susceptible to my proposal of a chat if she doesn’t have time to think it through.
Alaya is lounging on the bed, thankfully dressed, and she does look surprised when she notices me watching her.
“Would you join me for a walk? I’d like to talk to you.”
She looks at me, her eyes wide and questioning.
“You want to talk?”
“Just talk. I need to visit the Meadow; do you want to join me … please?”
She studies my face, searching for deception, and the weight of her mistrust makes my chest tighten.
“Sure.”
I nod. At least it wasn’t a no.
We don’t get a chance to talk until we reach the track that leads to the training area—I’m stopped repeatedly by various Equitae to discuss Herd issues.
“This is Domanikk’s suggestion, by the way. He told me I should speak with you,” I admit as we leave Heartwood.
“He’s quite persuasive.” She laughs, unrestrained and unguarded.
Something stirs inside me at the sound. I tilt my head slightly—an involuntary reaction—my own lips curving upward in a quiet, mirrored smile. I hold my breath to catch the lingering tail end of that laugh, grateful I got to hear it.
“Persuasive, annoying. Same thing. Look, you probably know by now I’m an arsehole. A product of survival and being the Alpha. I’m—I’m sorry you got caught up in the middle of it all.”
“Not by choice.”
I sigh.
Take a breath. Control.
“No, not your choice. How did you end up married to that—to Prince Kiernan?”
“Answer for answer.” She shoots me a cheeky grin. My dick twitches.
Gods help me.
“I’ll answer your questions if you answer mine.”
