Page 47 of Moonlight & Mayhem

Tempest took the intercom. “You’ve got five minutes to tell us why you’re really here.”

“To offer a trade,” Morrigan said immediately. Mayhem’s wolf snarled. Of course, because there was always a fucking trade.

Tempest said, “Go ahead.”

“Moonlight comes with me,” the woman said.

“No,” five voices answered simultaneously. Mayhem looked around the room, and Moon stared at them. For one second, her eyes filled, and Mayhem squeezed her hand.

Morrigan sounded almost amused. “And in exchange, I remove the night root from Mayhem.”

“No,” Mayhem said.

Moon looked up at him. “Mayhem.”

“No,” he said again.

“You don’t even know—” she started.

“I know enough,” he insisted.

Morrigan continued. “If she stays, the night root will eventually consume his wolf.”

Moon went pale, but Mayhem didn’t. He’d already made his choice. “So what?”

Moon spun toward him. “So what?”

He shrugged. “I’ve had a good run.”

“You unbelievable—” Moon spat

“Moon,” he said.

“You could die,” she warned.

“Yep,” he agreed. Her eyes flashed silver, and Mayhem lowered his voice. “And you think I’m trading your life for mine?”

“You don’t know that she’ll hurt me,” Moon said.

“I know she sent wolves to kidnap you,” he reminded.

“Those wolves disobeyed her,” Moon insisted.

“And you believe that?” he asked.

“No,” she whispered.

“Good,” he said.

“But if she can cure you—” Moon said.

“Not happening,” he growled. Moon stared at him, and Mayhem stepped closer. “You told me I don’t get to make choices for both of us.”

“Yes, I did,” Moon agreed.

“Well, neither do you,” he said.

Her jaw tightened. “Damn it.”