Page 37 of Tell Them That I’m Coming

And, unless I figure out a way to stop him, I’m about to see what Thane Aurex looks like naked.

Only… do I want to stop him?

I should. I know I should. And, yet, the most I can do is call out an offer: “If you want, I can turn my back until you’re in the lake.”

Thane snorts. “We’ve been traveling in close quarters. Eventually, you’ll see me out of my clothes.” Even from the distance, I can see the way his eyes gleam. “Besides, I already saw you.”

My cheeks flame. “A good and honorable male wouldn’t remind me of that.”

His grin is wicked as he slips off his cloak. In the next moment, his top is gone, silver moonlight kissing bare golden skin, giving me a perfect view of lean muscle and quiet strength. “Ah, but I’m a bandit, Alana of Sombra. And bandits aren’t known for being honorable, are they?”

Though they’re under the water, I cross my arms over my breasts. “So why should I continue to let you accompany Binx and me on our hunt for Rafe?”

Besides the fact that, if I hadn’t, I’d be dead countless times over already. The goldcaps, the troll… they weren’t trying to capture me. Oh, no. They wanted to end my existence, killing me before the second prophecy has the chance.

“Because I’d just follow behind you anyway,” is his answer as he kicks off one boot, then the other. “Understand this, demoness. I’m not doing this out of the kindness of my heart. While you’re in the Shadowed Woods, you’re a target. My fellow bandits will come after you the same way I did.”

I suck in a breath as Thane briskly shoves his pants down, adding them to the pile of his discarded clothing.

Unaware of how he’s affecting me, Thane steps into the water, the lake parting around him. I keep my eyes carefully fixed on the far bank, trying not to peek at his delectable body any more than I already have. But, well, I’m only (part) human. I can’t help myself, and my mouth goes dry as I take in the golden cock dangling invitingly between his legs.

As though he can sense my hungry stare from halfway across the lake, he takes his time before plunging into the water. When he resurfaces, he shakes his head, sending the water flying everywhere, his dark curls plastered to his forehead.

I swallow the nervous lump lodged in my throat. “So this is all about gold?”

Thane chuckles, the sound carrying all the way to me. “It’s always about gold.”

Of course. Well, that explains why he hasn’t left my side yet. Not because he feels the same pull toward me that I feel for him, but he cause he’s a mercenary deep down in his shadowed heart.

Worse, he’s a charming bandit who is oblivious to the fact that I’m mere demon’s lengths away, and I’m naked…

I try not to let my disappointment show. It’s become clear to me that Thane is like the humans of Earth: he has no idea that he’s meant to be the one true mate of a halfling demoness. And, well, I’m not about to tell him. Not yet. Not until I’ve saved Rafe and I can look at what my future will be like after that.

Besides, Stevie and Corbin have known they are mates for three gold moons now. If they’ve managed to hold off on bonding for that long, I can wait until Rafe is safe and back in Sombra.

And who’s to say that I want to take a fae bandit as my mate? The gods have given him to me, but if they’ve made a mistake, I can accept that and move on myself. Sure, I wouldn’t have that elusive fated mate to hope for as we only get one, but there are plenty of males in Sombra who might suit me better. All I have to do is share my essence with him, then finalize a bond through mating, and I would be his for eternity as he would be mine.

Having Thane near is a tease to my senses—especially my eyes as I watch the water cling to his skin, remembering the quick glimpse I got of him completely unclothed—but if it’s all about gold… at least that’s a reasoning I can understand. It’s a selfish one, triggered by greed, but if that means I can trust him enough… fine.

“A dead demoness can’t help you swindle your fellow bandits,” I remark.

“Exactly.” There’s a triumphant note to his voice as he runs his fingers through his curls. “I’m so glad you see it my way. Maybe then you’ll stop doubting my swordsmanship. I’ll keep you safe, and if you end up with blood spattered on you, there’s always another stream or lake where we can bathe.”

Oh, goody. More times where I’ll be around my one true mate naked.

If only I was the type of halfling to resist temptations…

I have to. I have to. And if that means I stay as far away from Thane as I can, busying myself with finishing my bath, and waiting until he’s dressed again and making another circle to see if anyone’s come close before I scurry from the water… that’s exactly what I do.

For Rafe.

For… Rafe.

Godsdamn it. Where is he?

The rush of bathing with Thane—even with the distance between us—wears off as my worry for Rafe comes back. I want to believe that he’s okay. That whoever has him is keeping him safe… for now. After the way the goldcaps attacked us with a frenzy, then the bandits challenged Thane, I’m finally understanding just how dangerous the Shadowed Woods are.

Whatever happens after, I’m determined to save Rafe first. I suggested we keep walking after we both were ready to go again, but he insisted that we look for a place to bunker down again for rest.