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“I’m fine, Meera.” Emptying the last drawer in his desk, I gather the land ownership title and place it with other important papers. They’ll be locked inside weatherproofed metal boxes. “Just a little tired.”
“I can see that.”
That stops me and I look up, raising a brow. “Definitely need a bath, but I’m not that bad. It’s just a bit dusty in here and—”
“You’re carrying the weight of the world on those shoulders.” Meera’s eyes have seen so much—she survived her father's wickedness. The betrayal and abuse. But right now, her worry is for me; she sees what I’ve kept hidden for so long. “Who do you lean on, my princess? Who helps with those burdens.”
“Promise, Meera. I’m okay.”
“You’re not, but I’m not going to push you.” She shrugs, smile small. “Just know I’m here if you ever need me. After everything you’ve done for me and my—” Meera chokes up, and I’m around the desk and wrapping my hands around her fragile frame in seconds.
Two days ago, she’d been alone in a darkened cell and chained to the ground. Thin, dirty, and bled for the dark magic her coven wielded.
She’s strong, though. Salicio didn’t break her spirit.
I’ve also seen that she’ll meet her mate soon. He resides with the vampires and will treat her like a queen, even if their start will be rocky.
I don’t tell her this. Instead, I hug her close, mindful of her bruises. Then I give her a bit of my strength, the same way I’ve done with my sister in the past. Witches can do this with someone they care about, and I feel the change in her almost immediately.
Her posture straightens and legs no longer shake. “Someday you’re going to have to let someone be there for you, Isa. Giving is both good and admirable, but accepting is just as humbling.”
“I will. One day.”
“Good.”
“What’s good?” Gabriella asks, stepping into the room. She’s freshened up since I last saw her hours ago while she tended to the master bedroom; the removal of everything important or sentimental in there. Those were placed in another hidden depository. “Did something happen?”
“No, but what’s with the satchel and candles? Are we—”
“We need to be with them. Who knows when we’ll be back.”
“Are you sure?” From the corner of my eye, I catch Meera slipping from the room. She closes the door behind her to give us privacy. Bruises and memories fade with time; her shifter will make it so. He will make her so happy, and they both will be there for Gabby when the time comes.
“Yes, sister. Especially if we’re leaving tonight.”
8
XADIEL
I can still taste her on my lips. So sweet and decadent.
It’s all I’ve been able to think about since waking from the erotic dream more than a week ago; the heady pleasure of having her against me, in my arms, and then the feeling of dread soon after waking with a hard cock and sweat glistening on my skin. She wasn’t there beside me. No mate to love, cherish, or sink into.
This is the second time; a warning Isabella Moore gave me and I believe it—her—that the moment we shared was real. Of that, there’s no doubt in my mind. We played a game of hunter and prey; I wanted to mount and mark. Seal our bond with my bite.
Even if I regretted it after.
Even if it hurt us and tore our lives apart until the day we reunite again. Late in this lifetime of the next. Or maybe once we reach our final resting place where wolves and their mates find eternal solace. There, I could give her what physically, fate stole.
How the visit came to be? No clue, but I won’t deny I’m grateful for the gift.
“Please let me open your eyes.”
A plea I ignored, knowing that words won’t change our reality. However, the finality in her parting words struck a chord deep within my soul and made me doubt for the briefest of seconds.
Heavy and honest, she warned me.
“I’ll remove you from my flesh. I iurare.”
