“What I’m finally able to do.” His expression hardened to steel. “First, we stop the raiding of the children. That depravity will not stand.”
“And Malcarion?”
His brow lowered. “Did you think I’d stop before scrubbing outallthe filth? The bastard’s days are numbered.”
Relief flooded her. “Oh, good. At least Skaldr might forgive you once Vaesarra is freed.”
“Maybe.” His gaze flicked toward the window. “I still need clearance from Michael for time off. He’d likely kick my ass for vanishing without a word if Gaia doesn’t beat him to it. But first,” his gaze held hers, unyielding. “I need you safe. Everything else comes after.”
She brushed aside the comment and sank onto the window seat. Warmth finally seeped through her from the hearth, and exhaustion weighed her down like lead. “Gaia—that’s the goddess who recruited you all into her service, right?”
“Aye.”
“How did that happen?” she asked, reaching for her boots.
“Later,” he murmured, finger-combing his unraveling braid and refastening it into a ponytail. “You need sleep. Let me.” He knelt in front of her, his deft fingers working the laces of her calf-high boots.
Ash stifled a yawn and rested her palms on the seat, her right hand settling on cool metal.
Curious, she lifted the obsidian dagger, tracing the hilt etched with scales and a moonlit gem set in the guard. Heat flared into her palm, and an amber light bloomed beneath her fingers, sweeping along the blade.
“Eeep!” She dropped the weapon on his cloak, clenching her tingling fingers. “Your dagger glows.”
Race looked up, his brow creasing, then at his blade, dark once more.
“Probably the lamp’s reflection.” He tugged off her boots and socks. “C’mon.” He rose and scooped her into his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“You need rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.” He settled her on the bed.
“And you?”
He rolled his shoulders and sat near her. “I’ll wait for the others.”
“Then lie beside me.” She patted the quilt and shifted to the middle of the enormous bed.
After a beat, he sighed, kicked off his own boots, and stretched out beside her. His arm came around her, settling her against his chest.
She shifted onto her side, propped on her arm, and looked at him, at the hard, beautiful face that hid more pain than he would ever admit.
“What?” he asked quietly, his eyes burning neon red in the lamplight.
Ash shook her head and pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss?—
He flipped her onto her back and leaned over her, holding her gaze for a long, charged second. “What?” he asked again.
Ash’s chest tightened, emotions surging, too much to hold in. She touched his face, letting out a small, shaky breath. “I didn’t expect this. You. Us.”
“Neither did I. But you make the damage…quieter.”
Swallowing hard, tears burning behind her eyes, she gently caressed his jaw. “Then I’m glad.”
“By the gods, Ash.” His mouth found hers, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, his touch demanding and desperate. The brush of his fangs only heightened her need for this dangerous male.
His warm, calloused hand skimmed under her tunic to stroke her stomach before gliding up to squeeze her breast. He teased her nipple with his fingertips, and she arched, a helpless whimper escaping.
She slid her hand between them, down his abs, along the hard ridge of his cock, and curled her fingers around his straining erection?—
