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“The gate is physical this time. She won’t be astral projecting. We should be able to get in and get out,” Dason reasoned. “But I agree, there’s definitely some risk involved.”
“I think the risk is greater if we don’t try.” Jolon looked to Sy, who signed for us. “Syler doesn’t want Lorn in the veil any more than you do, but he’s not sure there’s another option. Lorn’s the veil keeper. We need to support her in that role and keep her safe.”
“Thank you.” I sent an appreciative smile in Syler’s direction.
“Lorn.” Axel cupped my face gently, cradling it in his hands. His brown eyes implored me not to do this. “I almost lost you once, and it nearly killed me. Please don’t do this. We’ll find another way. There has to be a better way.”
I reached for his wrists and stroked my thumbs along his skin. “I can’t see another way, and we’re losing time. They know the grimoire is here. What if the shades or their master find their way to it before we do? Now that the barrier is down, they’ll tear every inch of this town apart to find the gate. This is our chance, Axel.” I motioned toward the mausoleum. “Everything hinges on this moment.”
“I fucking love you,” Axel declared fiercely, and I leaned up to kiss him, pouring my heart into it.
“I love you too.”
“Can we at least try the bite again?” Axel pleaded to the group. “Maybe it will be different this time? You saw Lorn using her powers out there. Maybe it’ll work.”
“It’s not a bad idea,” Chayton murmured, then sheepishly added, “But we shouldn’t get our hopes up. There’s an equal chance it still won’t take.”
“Lorn’s still adjusting, and while she’s doing great, she’s not fully settled into being a vampire, let alone being a tribrid. She needs to find the balance between each side of herself. I think it’s too soon.” Kota crossed his arms, sticking with his firm assessment.
“I don’t see the harm in trying as long as we all know that no matter the outcome, Lorn gets to decide if she goes through the gate,” Jolon argued, throwing down his alpha logic. I appreciated that he was giving me the power to choose.
My heart hurt for Axel, so I held up my wrist, extending it as a peace offering.
“Bite me, Axel, but please don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work. My heart can’t take seeing another one of you distraught over the bond failing. Not tonight. Can you promise me that?” I leaned into him, pressing my body flush with his, imploring him to agree to my terms.
He swallowed, and rasped, “I’ll try.” Gripping my arm in his, he brought my wrist to his lips. Fangs erupted from his mouth, turning his smile feral as he leaned down and slowly clamped them around my arm. I gasped in pain as they sunk into my flesh, pressing hard to get past my slightly tougher skin—another vampire perk.
I felt his soul dance with mind for a moment before the emerging bond flamed out, turning to smoke on the wind.
“Fuck,” he roared, dropping my arm and stalking away before bending at the waist, digging his palms into his eyes.
Tears sprung to wet my eyes, and I blinked the water away. My gaze was glued to Axel and his obvious devastation as Kota took my arm and poured his healing magick into the failed mate bite, healing my skin and easing the pain. Unfortunately, his powers didn’t extend to matters of the heart.
“Axel,” Dason snapped, reminding him of the vow he’d made.
“Yeah.” Axel straightened, and I saw him wipe his face before he turned back around. “I’m sorry. I know what I said. I just didn’t expect it to hurt so goddamn much.” Axel’s face was ashen, all the color drained from his golden skin.
“I know how you feel.” Chayton clapped him on the back, pulling him in for a brotherly hug. I leaned into Kota, seeking the comfort he freely offered.
“You okay, kitten?” he murmured into my ear, keeping his question just between the two of us.
“No, but I will be.” I closed my eyes and soaked in his strength, then pulled away and headed toward Jolon.
“Let’s get this over with.”
He nodded resolutely and split the pack into teams.
“Dason, since you’re not bonded to the pack, you’re staying here with Axel and Chayton.” Axel opened his mouth to contest Jolon’s orders, but Jolon shushed him with an alpha look, donning the role as the current undisputed leader. “Axel, I need you outside the gate because you’re the best tracker we have. If something happens, we’re going to need your skills. Chayton is staying behind because he fed Lorn before we left and he’s not up to full power yet.”
Axel sighed but accepted the command, understanding the truth of Jolon’s proposal.
“Syler’s my beta, and Kota’s our healer, so they’re both with Lorn and me. Chayton,” Jolon called, drawing my mate’s attention. “Keep Dason informed on all our communications. Just because he’s not in the pack bond doesn’t mean I want him to feel excluded.”
“On it, boss. Besides, Axel’s with us. I’m sure he’ll be giving us all a play-by-play.” Chayton tried to use a teasing tone, attempting to lighten the mood. Usually, Axel was up to that task, but he wasn’t in any condition to make anyone else feel better at the moment.
“If I could communicate directly with you, I would.” Jolon nodded to Dason apologetically, realizing how hard it would be on Dason to be both sidelined and out of the loop.
Axel blew out a breath and shook his head, unbelieving that he was about to let me walk into danger. “Stick with the group, and you take no, and I mean absolutelyno, extra risks. This is an in, grab, and get the fuck out kind of job. You got it?”
