Hope stirred in Nadia. “You mean they won’t hunt us down if I give the grimoire back?”
Bussy sighed loudly. “No, that’s not true. But there’ll be less of a fiery demand if you return it. You know you can’t keep it.”
Nadia’s heart sank. “I know. Okay. We’ll meet you tomorrow.”
Caidrik shook his head slightly.
“Excellent. Let’s keep this between us,” Bussy said. “Where should we meet?”
Nadia kept her gaze on Caidrik. “I’ll call you in the morning with a location.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you then. Bye,” Bussy said.
The call ended. Dread slithered through Nadia. She dumped the notebooks onto the small round table. “We’ve only got a few hours.”
Caidrik looked at her and then at the now roaring fire before glancing up at the bed in the loft. “Well then, let’s make use of it.” He crossed the space in two strides and picked her up.
“Hey. You’re all wet,” she said, struggling half-heartedly.
“You’re right.” He tossed her right up into the loft, where she bounced on the bed.
She settled herself and peered down to see him tearing off his shirt, his hands already going to his pants. Her body went all warm and loose. “Caidrik, we don’t have time for this.”
He kicked the jeans away. “We always have time for this.” Naked, he bounded up into the loft.
Chapter 30
He landed on his feet at the edge of the mattress and tackled her, careful to roll and keep her safe. She felt perfect in his arms.
“What are you doing?” She breathed, her arousal already filtering through his senses.
He rolled on top of her, careful to balance his weight on his elbows. She was too light, and he could still feel the silver in her system. Hopefully it would be gone soon, especially if they had to run. “I figured we should talk.” Never in his life had he suggested a chat with anybody.
Her dark eyes gleamed. “You’re not much of a talker.”
No shit. He’d rather be pounding inside her right now, showing her how much she meant to him. But the pack was chasing them, and while he’d get her to safety, he wasn’t a runner. Wouldn’t make her run for her life. So he’d return to take out the threat. There was a good chance he’d get taken out at the same time.
But he’d make sure she was safe. “Just wanted you to know that I’ve felt you in my skin since the first time you smiled at me.”
She blinked, her lips pursing. Vulnerability shone in her eyes for a moment.
He kissed her, trying to be gentle. It wasn’t easy for him.
She returned his kiss, her eyes remaining open.
He paused.
“You’re not leaving me,” she whispered against his mouth. “Not sacrificing yourself.” She obviously didn’t know him very well.
“The second you became mine, your safety became all that mattered.” Truth be told, her safety had become his obsession from day one, but that was too hard to explain.
She stretched out beneath him, her pretty breasts brushing against his chest. All of his hurts disappeared. “We’re taking this life on together, Caidrik McGregor. If we have to fight the pack, we do it together. If we have to run and explore the world, then it’s you and me.” She pushed both hands through his hair, scraping gently along his scalp.
He wanted to purr, but wolves didn’t do that. So he growled instead.
Her grin was slightly lopsided. “Maybe we start our own pack somewhere and come back and save the Slate Pack members.”
His mate was a planner, that was for sure. “We’re not running,” he rumbled.
