My gaze traces the glittering black glove up to her face, and the smile I find on her face is different. Still teasing but softer.
Something new. Something she’s never given me before.
“Is this the first time a woman has touched you, Reaper?”
My head dips as a laugh escapes me. I try to play it cool, but my heart is pounding so loud I’m sure she can hear it.
I tug her closer, shamelessly using my hold on her hand to my advantage. “How about you take a day off from bullying your mate?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” She laughs, and the sound hits me square in the chest.
Fates, she’s beautiful.
Grace and Nevaeh’s giggles snap me out of it, forcing me to stop staring at my mate.Hazel’s in a good mood, but if I keep staring at her like I’m dying to taste every inch of her, she’s going to knee me in the balls.
Anxo clears his throat. “Ready to go?”
We were invited to the Diablo Towers for the annual gathering of supernatural heads. The King of Hell hosts an extravagant event every year, inviting all leaders to gather on neutral ground to discuss current affairs.
Elijah uses the event to make sure no internal conflicts are brewing and everything is running smoothly.
Harvey is opting out this year to stay with Grace. He doesn’t like the idea of her attending a stressful event just to keep up appearances.
Akihiko and Yua won’t be attending either, as they left last week to visit Yua’s parents. Yua’s mother is growing weaker, and she wants to be there when her mother passes to Azure, her soul beginning a new journey in the supernatural afterlife.
Officially, only Horsemen and our Warriorheads are required to attend, but Elijah’s mate decided to throw her own party and insisted Nevaeh and August come, so they’re tagging along with Anxo, Hazel, Khatri, and me.
Hazel drops my hand when we reach the horses.
If it were up to me, I’d tie us together, but I’m trying not to come off like a desperate, possessive lunatic.
I’m still surprised by her sudden change of heart, and terrified that if I let it show, she’ll go back to building her walls… only higher this time.
As I help Hazel onto her horse, much to her displeasure, Diamond whines like someone’s yanking his tail.
Nevaeh said he’s a little attached to Hazel, but the way he huffs angrily tells me we’ve crossed into obsessive territory. I don’t know whether to be proud or concerned.
I circle Diamond, ready to mount, but he trots forward, shaking his head like he’s offended I thought he’d let me ride him.
He keeps going until he reaches Hazel, headbutting her leg and nuzzling her with a whine.
Fates, now he’s begging her to pick him over the stallion she’s sitting on.
I stand back, and I watch. Interested to know if she’ll change her mind because if begging works, I’m not above trying it myself. I’d get on my knees right here.
Hazel glances at me, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she debates giving in to my stubborn horse.
Except she takes too long.
Before I can stop him, the possessive asshole sets her horse on fire.
“Stop it, you crazy bastard!” I shout, trying to drag him away from the poor horse crying in pain. Hazel jumps off before she’s thrown.
I don’t run to Hazel because I know she’s fine. Diamond might be a menace, but he’d never hurt her.
Me, on the other hand? He’d stomp my skull in if it didn’t make him an orphan.
Hazel plants her hands on her hips. “Cut it out.Now.”
