Rationally, I know he’s right, but my beast isn’t concerned about enemies. None of those threats feel nearly as dangerous as that unmistakable pull I feel toward a singular fae woman.

  For some, the idea of a mate might be desirable. For me, it’s another prison sentence. I’m done being captive to any sort of bond—even one that comes with an all-you-can-fuck buffet for life. Now that I’m free, I’ll die before I let anyone else trap me ever again.

  Chapter 9

  Tori

  Ipull my gloves higher on my arms, making sure they overlap with my long sleeves. My scarf smells strongly of the magic Juniper used on it earlier, but at least it remains firmly in place, covering my deadly skin. I wish she’d come with us today, but she promised to ward the house from intruders, and she can’t keep up the protections if she isn’t there. Trees are very forgetful, apparently.

  At least the Crimson Roses have yet to come looking for me. I know it’s Uziah’s “deal” with them about me bringing the dragon in my place. But I also know the time left on that reprieve will run out soon. And Natalia has been silent ever since I texted her about letting Kendall stay with her, which hasn’t left me any options for relocating.

  The only real solution I have left is to kill the death dragon. I keep telling myself I would have done it if he hadn’t flown off last night, but the truth is a bit murkier than I’m ready to admit.

  In the mid-morning sun, Kendall dances around me, her attention captured by the goods displayed in the booths we pass. This farmers market bullshit was her idea and, frankly, I owe her some semblance of freedom. She isn’t Rapunzel; I can’t keep her locked in the house forever. I did, however, require Juniper’s gift of charms to help alter Kendall’s appearance so that she wouldn’t be recognized. The process had reminded me a lot of my friend Stella and her love of makeovers.

  My thoughts drift to Niamh, whom I still owe drinks. I make a mental note to text her later to see if she’s heard anything during her shifts about the Crimson Roses and their plans for me.

  Meanwhile, Kendall is in her element here. She stops occasionally to ooh and ahh over fabrics and jewels.

  Our ultimate goal, though? Donuts.

  Alisha makes the best in the city and always sells out before the market closes. It used to be a tradition with our parents to come score the sugary treats on a Saturday morning, so when Kendall suggested the outing, I couldn’t say no.

  I’m trying hard not to regret that decision.

  But I also need to talk to Natalia, preferably without Kendall within earshot.

  I trail behind my sister, a silent—grumpy—sentry, exhausted by her enthusiasm, while the pit in my stomach grows heavier and more bitter with every casual contact she makes. I can’t blame her, though. I’d gladly suffer twice over if it meant sparing my sister from this kind of darkness.

  In the crowded square, someone bumps my shoulder, and the scarf around my face comes loose. I scramble to tuck it in again though Juniper’s charm does its work, ensuring the scarf molds right back into place. I’m determined to keep every inch of my skin covered. This is about more than just my skin being a weapon.

  Juniper didn’t glamour my appearance like she did Kendall’s.

  I scan the faces of the people around me for anyone who might have recognized me. Or anyone who looks like a Crimson Rose. No one looks my way, though I can’t shake a sense of being watched.

  I tell myself I’m being paranoid.

  Up ahead, Kendall continues shopping, oblivious to the tension I feel. She’s talking to a warlock whose jewelry, even from a distance, is nearly as fake as his charm. I get close in time to hear him ask if she wants a reading on her future. I roll my eyes at his obvious pick-up line. Not to mention the fact that my sister doesn’t need anyone else to do that for her.

  Kendall, however, widens her eyes and leans in. “Can you do that?” she asks.

  “Of course.” He holds his hand out, and she places hers in it.

  I wince.

  He pauses dramatically then says, “I see you and your mother having a fight over a handsome male.” He winks at her.

  Ugh. What a crock.

  I clear my throat.

  “We should keep moving,” I say pointedly. “If we want to catch Alisha.”

  “I’m not finished,” the warlock says.

  Kendall flashes him a tight smile. “Maybe another time,” she tells him as she withdraws her hand.

  “I look forward to it,” he says.

  I wait until she moves away and then follow her. She slows her pace, forcing me to fall into step beside her.

  “You’re ridiculous,” she says.

  “I’m trying to keep you safe.”

  “He was harmless.”

  “He was a fraud.”

  “I know.” At my questioning look, she adds, “He had a dagger he claims can kill a dragon. I needed to know if he was trustworthy.”

  I give her a sideways glance.

  “What?” she scoffs. “You think you’re the only one good at intel in this family? You know what? Don’t answer that. There’s Alisha. Come on, I’ve been craving her lemon meringue.”

  I leave Kendall with Alisha and slip over to Spells. I’m so distracted by my own thoughts that I don’t see the familiar female exiting until it’s too late. My shoulder bumps hers, and I reel back, fear pulsing in my throat as I double-check that my skin remains covered.

  “Are you all right?” I ask quickly.

  Spencer’s eyes narrow as she peers back at me. “Who are you?” she asks warily.

  “Shit, right, it’s Tori.” I pull my scarf down to reveal my face.

  “Oh.”

  “How are you?” I ask.

  “Just another day in the Crossroads.”

  I’ve met Spencer a handful of times—all of them here at Spells. She doesn’t talk much and is even more standoffish than I am, but the fact that Natalia seems to trust her led me to extend the olive branch.

  “Did Natalia give you my number?” I ask. “I told her it was fine.”

  “Oh. Yeah. I just haven’t needed…you know.”

  “It’s fine. I just wanted to make sure you know you can reach out.” I don’t even know why I’m saying it. My own life is in chaos, and I might not even survive long enough to answer her texts. But something about her makes me want to be friends. Maybe it’s because I see so much of myself in her—in the way she holds herself apart from others.

  “I appreciate it.” Her gaze darts past me with impatience.

  “Well, I better get going,” I say. “See you later.”

  She looks relieved at parting ways. “Bye.”

  I don’t let myself take it personally as I watch her walk off and then hurry into Spells. Natalia is waiting behind the counter. She doesn’t look surprised at the way I’m dressed.

  “You haven’t answered my texts,” I say, the words veering toward accusation.

  If she’s offended by it, she doesn’t show it. “Did you speak with Kendall about your request?”

  “Kendall understands why I need her to go,” I say, confused. “Besides, I want her to keep up her training.”

  “Your sister’s gifts are developing at a rate beyond my own skills to teach her.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I’ve done all I can for her.”

  I blink, stunned at the brush-off, especially at a time like this.

  “Natalia, I am asking this as a friend. Not as her boss. I need to make sure she’s safe while I… take care of some things.”

  “You should speak with your sister about that.” She turns away, busying herself with organizing various jars behind the counter.

  “I-I don’t understand. We’ve known each other for years. You… you knew my parents.”

  She looks up, empathy lining her expression. “I am not turning my back on that friendship, Tori. But I trust Kendall. Talk to her. Trust her like I do.”

  I stare at the witch, anger churning inside me. Out of the handful of folks I call a friend in this city, Natalia is the last person I would have expected to turn her back on us. The reality leaves me sick. Reeling, I turn and walk out of the shop, all my best plans gone.

  Twenty minutes later, I’ve managed to wrangle Kendall away from Alisha, and we’re headed home. The day is chilly, but we opted to walk the three miles anyway since parking would have been a nightmare in this part of town.

  “Well?” Kendall prompts when our donuts are eaten.

  She carries a small bag for Juniper, but otherwise, we’ve already destroyed the evidence.

  “Well what?” I ask moodily.

  “You went out into public and didn’t kill anyone,” she says brightly. “I told you it was going to be okay.”

  I snort. “I wouldn’t call today’s outing ‘okay.’”

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing. Natalia—Forget it.”

  “Tor, talk to me.”

  I open my mouth to answer when the hairs on my neck stand up. I whirl, scanning the streets, but I find no one out of place. The mate bond pulses inside me just like it did the night the death dragon showed up at my workshop.

  He’s close.

  I can feel it. But I can’t spot him.

  “What’s wrong?” Kendall asks, following my gaze.

  “Nothing,” I say, turning back. She looks unconvinced. “I’m just being paranoid,” I add.

  She doesn’t know about his visit the other night. I tell myself it’s because I don’t want to worry her, but the truth is I’m not ready to explain why I didn’t kill him.

  “Come on,” I tell her. “We need to get Juniper’s donuts home, or I might eat them myself.”

  Kendall snorts. “I’m not risking her wrath, so that’s all you.”

  I glance over at her and do a double-take.

  “What is it?” she asks.

  “Your glamour,” I say quietly. “It wore off.”

  “Relax.” She doesn’t look nearly as worried as I feel. “We’re almost home.”

  We’re passing the last of the retail shops before our neighborhood when Kendall waves to someone and calls out, yanking me from my thoughts. I look over in time to see a guy her age crossing the street to meet us.

  “Who is that?” I ask, instantly tense.

  “Chase,” she whispers. “The one who asked me out.” She cuts me off with a look. “Be nice,” she hisses as he reaches us.

  “Hey,” he says.

  “Hey.” She beams up at him.

  I roll my eyes, which isn’t technically not being nice since he’s not paying attention to me or even knows I exist, considering the consuming look he’s giving my sister.

  “What are you up to?” he asks.

  “Oh, Tori and I were just at the farmers market, stalking the donut vendor I told you about.”

  “Sounds like fun.” Even at the mention of my name, he still doesn’t look away from her. And despite my efforts to continue my cynicism, I can’t help the stab of jealousy I feel at watching someone look at my sister the way Chase does. Like she’s the only thing in the world that matters.

  Considering my touch is death, I doubt that kind of devotion is in my future. And it certainly hasn’t been in my past. Even my mate looks at me like he wants to eat me alive. There’s no worship in his dark gaze, only threats.

  “Are you free tonight?” Chase asks, and the question jolts me back to the present moment.

  Kendall pauses as if actually considering it.

  I’m nearly ready to interject when my senses prickle with awareness again. My gaze shoots toward the shadows, scanning the streets for some sense of danger. But the few pedestrians nearby don’t pay us any attention as they come and go. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched.

  Unlike before, the mate bond is quiet.

  “Tor,” Kendall prompts when I continue scanning behind me.

  “Hmm?”

  “Chase asked if I’m free tonight.”

  There.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a figure watching us from beneath a heavy cloak. I blink, and they vanish like smoke. Dread curls in my gut, and I fight the urge to toss Kendall over my shoulder and flee. Instead, I turn back to Chase and keep my voice as even as possible.

  “She’s not,” I tell him, earning an immediate glare from Kendall and a sad blink from Chase.

  “Oh.” He doesn’t bother to hide his disappointment, which would’ve been adorable under other circumstances. Now, it only prolongs our exposure.

  The figure is out there, watching us. I can feel it.

  “Tor,” Kendall begins in a low voice.

  “We have to get home.” I loop my gloved hand through her arm and use it to drag her away. “Now,” I add, letting my urgency leak in.

  Kendall looks at me sharply, concern marring her features. She looks back at Chase. “Sorry, I’ll call you.”

  He says something that I don’t even hear. Blood pounds in my ears as I hurry us home.

  Up ahead, the street is clear, but clouds move over the sun, adding a sense of foreboding.

  “Tor, what’s wrong?” Kendall asks as we speedwalk toward our little cottage house.

  “Nothing.”

  “It’s not nothing. You’re scaring me.”

  “We have a tail,” I say as calmly as possible.

  “Where?” She cranes her neck, but I yank on her arm.

  “Don’t look,” I whisper.

  “Is it a client or a mark?” she asks, surprising me with how focused she is suddenly. How calm.

  “I don’t know. I didn’t get a good enough look.”

  Lie.

  It’s him.

  My mate.

  “Okay, we’re almost there,” she says, matching my speed easily now.

  “I need you to go inside and lock the doors.”

  She shoots me a look I recognize well. “No way, I’m not leaving you to deal with⁠—”

  “I can’t concentrate unless I know you’re safe,” I tell her.

  “I can help you. My magic⁠—”

  “Kendall, please.” We reach the front steps. I stop to face her, letting her see my fear. I hate to make her worry, but I need to convey how serious this is.

  In the backyard, a branch snaps.

  Kendall jolts.

  I tense.

  Our eyes meet.

  “Go inside,” I tell her.

  “But—”

  “Go.”

  She finally disappears through the front door. I start for the backyard, drawing a blade from my boot as I go. A moment later, there’s an ear-splitting scream from inside the house.

  Kendall.

  Fear grips me. I race up the steps and shove my way through the door in time to see two vampires dressed in black, cornering Kendall against the wall. One of them has a knife pressed against her throat.

  “Get away from her!” My heart squeezes, and I launch myself at the one with the weapon.

  The unarmed vampire intercepts me. A crimson rose tattoo peeks out from beneath the collar of his shirt, confirming my fears. I raise my blade, but he knocks it out of my hand in a move so fast I feel the sting in my wrist before I even see him move.

  He uses his size to shove us both back—away from Kendall and the other man. My skin is the only weapon I have left, and I don’t hesitate to use it. Wrapping my hands around the vamp’s throat, I squeeze and wait for my skin to do the rest—only to realize I never took my gloves off.

  The vampire snarls at me. My gaze darts up to his face where a pair of angry red eyes stare back at me.

  “Uncover her face,” the other vamp says.

  My attacker uses his size to shove me back, easily breaking my hold on his neck. I stumble, and he lunges, snagging the edge of my scarf. It unravels and falls to the floor, revealing my face.

  My attacker’s eyes narrow. “It’s her.”

  “Finish it,” the other one says. He still has Kendall pinned. She watches the scene with wide eyes and shallow breaths.

  “With pleasure.”

  My attacker closes the distance between us and plants his fist in my stomach. Pain explodes through me. I fall hard, the hit a shock to my senses. The air is sucked from my lungs, and I wheeze, struggling for air until black dots dance in front of my eyes. When my vision clears, the vamp looms above me, eyes blazing as he waves my own blade in front of my face.

  “You don’t have to do this,” I say, willing to beg if it saves Kendall.

  “True. Our orders were to bring you in dead or alive.” His eyes flash.

  “I … had a deal. I could bring you the one responsible…”

  “Now you’re dealing with me. You killed my cousin, bitch. I’m going to enjoy this.”

  “Wait. My sister has nothing to do with this. Let her go, and I won’t fight you.”

  His eyes gleam with twisted malice. “Who said I wanted you to stop fighting?”

  A loud crash fills the house as the front door splinters into a hundred pieces. My attacker snarls and pushes to his feet as a dark figure looms in the open doorway.

  “Who the fuck are you?” my attacker demands.

  There’s no answer, and my blurred vision makes it impossible to see his face, but I sense his presence in every fiber of my being.

  The death dragon.

  “You have touched what doesn’t belong to you,” my mate snarls. “And now you will pay.”

  He steps forward, grabbing my attacker’s shoulder with one hand and his wrist with the other. The knife clatters to the ground, and the vamp cries out in pain.

  Legion releases his grip on the vampire and, for a second, I think he’s going to show mercy, but then his fist slams against the vamp’s chest. Not against. Through it. The sound of bones snapping is quickly overshadowed by the asshole’s wretched screams. I watch as Legion yanks the heart free, clutching it in a tight, bloody fist. The vamp’s cries cut off, and the life leaves his crimson eyes. Legion steps back just as the vamp’s body crumples to the floor in a pool of blood. There’s a beat of silence, and then the heart lands on the floor with a juicy thud.

  My mate turns to look at the second attacker, who still has his knife pressed to Kendall’s throat.