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“I beg to disagree,” I said softly. “You turned Soren into a walking spell and forced him to become my ever-constant shadow.”

“Ethan had already done the same before I stepped in.”

“So you did what? Sweeten the pot?”

He mulled my words. “I like that expression. Sweeten the pot. Yes, I suppose I did.”

“Soren can’t physically be away from me for long, can he?”

Cernunnos didn’t answer. “You’ll see soon enough.”

“Break the bargain.”

The god sipped his drink. “Absolutely not.”

“You’re risking Soren’s life for what? To try to prove a point?”

“Soren is risking his own life. He volunteered.”

“Because he felt he had no choice!”

Cernunnos shook his head in wonder. “You truly have no idea, do you?”

“That you’re a crazy person? I knew it the moment I met you!”

“Soren cares about you. He wants to help.”

“Then remove the bargain and let him do that. You’ve turned him into a puppet!”

Cernunnos leaned forward, his eyes swirling with power. “You truly wish me to cancel his bargain?”

“I do.”

The door slammed open. “Don’t you dare,” Soren growled, a ring of gold outlining his eyes. “I went into this fully aware of what I was doing.”

Cernunnos smirked and settled back against the couch.

“You both are idiots,” I said with a sigh.

If you still want to break his bargain, contact me later.

I stilled in surprise. It creeps me out when you do that. And thanks to your little bargain, I can’t be away from Soren for more than what…

I thought about it.

Five minutes before he starts looking for me?

Give or take.

“I know you two are talking without me. Moira, if you do this, I will never forgive you.”

I blinked up at him. “Are you serious?”

“I’m not a child.” He looked at Cernunnos. “Would you truly dishonor yourself by reneging on a bargain you made?”

“Honor.” The god snorted. “What does a shifter know about honor? If the bargain is better than the one before, I’ll break whatever I need to.”

Soren crossed his arms over his chest, the muscles in his biceps bulging against the fabric of his shirt. His eyes glittered. “If you want Moira, wouldn’t it be better to win her fair and square?”