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“Ronan…” She levels a reproaching stare my way.
“All right, then. Thank you. Believe me, I won’t rest until Kari is safe.”
“Excellent. You didn’t ask for my advice, but I suggest you teach Kari the Binding.”
“The Renunciation, more like. I won’t have her life end because of me.”
“That curse could be rubbish, you know.”
At one point, I thought so, but… “It’s all too real, unfortunately. Thank you for everything.”
“Of course. I’ll head to the Witch’s Brew tonight.”
After uttering more gratitude, I leave Avalyn’s place and teleport to a shadowed alley a block from the pub. I won’t go inside; I can’t risk endangering Kari again. But I intend to intercept Tynan if he appears. The fighting force he joined spurred Rhea to violence. I won’t have him putting Kari in jeopardy again.
Watching the Brew while avoiding my twin adds another complication. I haven’t been home since the attack. With a single glance, my family will see my altered signature and know that I Called to Kari. Raiden will be the worst. Still, I feel my brother’s confusion turning to concern. I have no bloody idea what to do about him—or the rest of my all-male clan, but I’ll untangle that mess after Kari is safe.
A few hours later, Avalyn emerges from the pub, her tall, curvaceous figure shimmering like a hazy goddess under streetlamps shrouded in fog. It’s too early for her to call it an evening.
“What’s wrong?” My heart pounds.
“Your little human is smart. She’s suspicious of me.”
“Because...?”
“Apparently, dearest Raiden paid her a visit.”
Fuck. I should have known that my more underhanded brother wouldn’t sit quietly. “And?”
“He’s been inside since the pub opened.”
“I must have missed him by moments.” Raiden is nothing if not persistent.
“Indeed. When he spotted me, he wanted to chat. Kari overheard that I once…knew you and surmised that you’d sent me.” Avalyn pushes her waist-length platinum tresses behind her shoulders. “She loves you, and she hasn’t given up. In fact, she coaxed some of her magical customers into teaching her the Binding. You can’t avoid her forever.”
Frustration claws me. I want to claim Kari. I’m needy, hungry, and desperate to make her mine. I’m consumed with the desire.
I don’t dare.
“How is Raiden?”
“His usual charming self. Just before I left, he found some bitch in heat, and they popped out the back.” She leans closer. “I can’t fault your taste in women. I like Kari, which is why I think you need to explain yourself. Keeping her in the dark isn’t keeping her safe.”
Blast her for being right. “Can you just?—”
“Not tonight. My mate has come home early, and he needs me. You should see to yours.”
“She’s not mine.”
But I’m talking to air. Avalyn has already vanished.
Damn it all. How can I convince Kari not to answer my Call? How do I ensure she doesn’t pin her hopes on me and endanger herself because of this blasted curse again?
I can only think of one answer. I hate it, but I selfishly put her in this position. If I want to keep Kari alive, I need to put her first—no matter how much it hurts us both.
Cursing, I push my way into the pub.
The boisterous, smoky atmosphere envelops me instantly. With my peripheral gaze, I catch sight of Kari behind the bar. Refusing to look her way, I scan the pub. My twin is nowhere to be seen, thankfully. Instead, I search for the most available human female…
