Page 49 of Broken

To her surprise, she was getting very little information through the bracelet. Except a feeling of caution, and something else he was hiding from her.

How was he doing that? Was it because he was used to wolf bonds, and had practice hiding his feelings from the other wolves?

That was certainly going to make things more difficult, if he was holding back from her. It would get in the way of the magic.

She shook her head, wishing Riker had told her something. “Not details,” she said. “Just that it was a Bright Fae stronghold. That’s why it needs Bright Fae magic to get in.”

“Makes sense,” he said. “We’ll have to use our own sources to find out more.” There. He was definitely holding something back.

“There’s something you’re not telling me,” she said.

He looked surprised, then speculative. “Just an idea. I don’t want to talk about it until I see how it pans out.”

“I hate it when you’re inscrutable,” she told him. “Also, if you keep shutting down the bond between us, we’re going to have a hell of a time making this magic work. Just sayin’.”

His eyes met hers, and his expression softened. He reached out and lightly touched her cheek—just the briefest feather touch. “I’ll keep that in mind, Tinkerbell.”

The air seemed to shimmer between them, and then he broke their gaze. “But you want to do this? Risk your life for Thanatos’ sorceress, whoever she is?”

Ireland worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I’ve been imprisoned by the Bright Fae my whole life,” she said finally. “I can’t turn my back on another Fae in the same situation.” She paused. “But it’s not just up to me, is it? As long as we’re wearing the bracelets, you’d have to come too. Risk your life.”

Cole gave a little half-shrug. “I do that every day,” he said. “Well, not every day, because I get days off. But it’s my job. Taking down bad guys. Rescuing people.”

Ireland nodded. That might be hard to get used to—the danger he put himself in. Except… as long as he was tied to her, he wouldn’t be able to do those missions with the team. She wondered if he’d thought of that.

She said, “The only thing I worry about is… what if she really is evil? She must have done something, for them to have imprisoned her all this time. Besides disagree with them.”

“They’re keeping you prisoner, and you’re not evil,” Cole pointed out. She flinched. His eyes narrowed, and then he said gently, “But they told you that you were. Didn’t they.” It wasn’t a question.

Ireland bit her lip as old feelings flooded into her. The shame over who and what she was, and the constant fear that the darkness lurking inside would take her over.

And now it had. The wolf had come out.

She felt like she was eight years old again, standing in front of the Bright Fae Council. Tall, stern, beautiful beings who radiated power, who seemed to loom over her, ready to crush her at any moment.

“They told me I would be, if I let my wolf out. That shifters were evil.” She lifted her eyes to his. “But… you’re not. Everyone here has been kind to me. Except maybe that Sanchez guy.”

That got a wry grin from Cole. “How could they not? Sanchez doesn’t count. He doesn’t like anyone except Madison, and his cousins. And maybe Breanna.”

He took her hands in his. “You’re not evil. You’re brave, and loyal, and determined. And you have a—a light inside you, and a warmth, that makes people feel better when they’re around you. Even be better, maybe.”

His sincerity took her breath away. She could see it in his face, hear it in his voice. Even feel it through the bracelet. “Really?”

“Really. And I’m always right. You might as well know that up front.”

She gave him a little smack. “That was a beautiful moment. Don’t ruin it.”

“How about I give you another one?” He slid off the stool and moved closer to her, reaching up to stroke her hair back off her face, trailing his finger down her cheek.

“You’re not evil. You’re full of light and life, like a real Bright Fae should be. And so is your wolf.”

Slowly, he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. Wild energy fizzed through her—like the feeling of sharing magic through the bracelet, only ten times more. It was exciting and comfortable at the same time—like coming home after a long cold journey, only to a surprise party.

She leaned into the feeling, bracing her feet on the footrail of the barstool and sliding forward, one arm around Cole’s neck, the other around his waist. He was warm and solid, all hard muscle in contrast to the softness of his lips on hers.

He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth, tasting and teasing. Ireland heard herself growl, and for once was completely in agreement with her wolf. Wow.

After a few moments—or maybe an eternity—Cole broke the kiss. Just barely.