“I love you.” He inhaled her scent and nuzzled her. “Don’t leave me.”

  “Again,” came the command. His scales were superheating. Her body couldn’t take the rising temperature. If he didn’t release her, she might burn up.

  A battle cry ripped through the air, followed by the sound of metal hitting metal.

  “Leave off, Viking.”

  Lucius knew only one Viking. He raised his head, expecting to see Bjorn Knutson, another member of the Brotherhood. This male was the same height and build as his friend, but this wasn’t Bjorn. This stranger was wrapped in an aura of power and wielded a battle-axe as though it was an extension of his hand.

  He had no idea who the man was but, since he was targeting the angels, Lucius would count him as a friend until proven otherwise.

  Taking the reprieve, he shifted back to his human form, carefully laid Raine on the ground, and opened a vein with a sharp claw. Tilting her head back, he let the drops fall down her throat.

  “You leave off, angel. Maccus Fury sent me to inform you that you have no authority here.” The stranger even sounded vaguely like Bjorn. “He’s currently up in Heaven getting to the bottom of this. The Forgotten Brotherhood is off-limits.”

  Ignoring the drama unfolding behind him, he focused his attention on Raine. “You must drink. You must live.” The cut closed and he opened it again and again. He’d bleed himself dry if necessary. Without her, he had no life.

  Two booted feet came into view. “They’re gone,” the newcomer told him. “At least for now.”

  Lucius kissed her, breathing into her lungs. “Please, little one. Try for me.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll keep watch until you’re ready to leave.”

  Ignoring the stranger, he lifted her into his arms, rocking back and forth. The Fates could not be so cruel, to give him his heart’s desire for such a short time. He, a drakon, whose blood had been sought for millennia for its healing properties, could not save the only person who’d ever mattered.

  A cloak of numbness settled over and around him. This was all his fault. He’d broken his promise, hadn’t protected her.

  Use what you are to save her. Rivka’s parting words echoed in his head. He had, but his blood hadn’t worked.His breathing deepened as he searched his memories for answers in something he’d read a long time ago.

  Heart thundering, he jumped to his feet with her in his arms. There was no door and a corner of the living room ceiling was gone, but the other side of the house was intact. He carried her into her bedroom and kicked the door shut.

  This was probably crazy, but he was out of options.

  A papyrus scroll he’d read centuries ago had suggested that a drakon might share his life-force with his mate. Sex was supposed to be part of the deal, but that wasn’t possible.

  “This has to work.” The alternative was unthinkable. He had no idea what the results would be, how it might change her, or if she’d even still be human. She loved him, but she hadn’t agreed to eternity. He was effectively taking the choice out of her hands. If she lived, she might end up hating him.

  He clenched his jaw, ignoring the doubts beating at him. So be it. The alternative was to let her die, something he wasn’t willing to do, not without exhausting every possibility.

  He put her on the bed and stripped away her clothes. Bruises mottled her skin, an abomination. The colorful light spilling over her from the night-light mocked him. They’d been so happy here such a short time ago.

  “Don’t leave me,” he begged. “What would I do without your chatter and laughter? There’s no one else to help me find goodness and magic in this world.” There was only Raine.

  Unsure how to go about this, he stretched out beside her and pulled her against him so her head rested on his chest. Her skin was cool, but retained some warmth. There was still time. There had to be.

  Closing his eyes, he called on his dragon, who was unusually silent. “Share what I am with her. I don’t care if it diminishes me. Give her what she needs.” The swirls of his tattoos rippled beneath his skin. A light emanated from them, changing color rapidly, going from rose gold and pink to a shimmering rainbow.

  Blood was next. He manifested a claw and drew it across his chest over his heart. “Drink.” He needed her to take him inside her. His blood. His energy. His very essence. He’d already given her his blood, but wasn’t taking any chances, trying to follow the ritual as closely as possible. He pressed her mouth against the wound, praying some of it was getting past her lips.

  His tattoos seemed to rise from his skin. It wasn’t painful, more a tingling. Pink and gold tendrils of energy spread from him to her, lovingly wrapping around her. Closing his eyes, he willed it to continue.

  “Whatever she needs.” He’d give the last breath in his body if that’s what it took for her to live.

  Heat surrounded them. The rainbow of light bathed them. Holding his breath, he waited, listening intently for a heartbeat, a breath. Any sign to let him know his desperate plan was working.

  Nothing.

  He rolled so she was on her back and brushed away the damp hair that clung to her forehead. She was so pale, so still, when she was always so animated, so alive.

  His vision blurred. He tried to swallow but couldn’t get past the lump. “I’ll turn to stone again,” he threatened, trying to get a rise out of her. But it was the truth. He couldn’t be in this world without her.

  The taste of defeat was bitter. He’d failed the only person he’d ever loved. The only one who’d ever loved him.He pressed his lips to hers in one final kiss.

  A tear rolled down his cheek and landed on her face. She twitched.

  Lungs seizing, he yanked her upright in bed. “Raine?” Had he imagined it? Seen what he’d wanted to?

  She rolled her lips together, her tongue flicking over the bottom one. “Tired.”

  His heart was thundering so loud he wouldn’t hear a host of angels if they stomped into the room. “Open your eyes.” He tapped her cheeks lightly. “Look at me.”

  Her eyelids fluttered before finally parting the smallest amount. A frown turned down the corners of her mouth. “Don’t cry.” Raising a shaky hand, she swiped at a tear. It changed as soon as she touched it. She blinked several times, looking from the gemstone in her hand to him. “I…” She trailed off and licked her lips again. “I don’t understand.”

  A rare pink diamond shone in her palm as more fell around her.

  “It’s a drakon tear.”

  “Why are you crying?” She dropped the diamond onto the mattress and cupped his face. “Oh crap.” She clutched her chest, her entire body bowing back. “What’s wrong with me?”

  Catching her so she didn’t accidentally harm herself, he held her tight. “You were…” He swallowed heavily. “You were dead. I brought you back.”

  “The angels?” She tried to get up again, but he kept her wrapped in his arms. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to let her go again.

  “They’re gone. Two of them were destroyed.”

  She cried out and clawed at her chest, leaving long red marks on her skin. “Too hot.” Her breathing came so hard and fast she was almost hyperventilating.

  Fuck, had he given her more of his blood than she could handle? Too late to worry now. “I had to take drastic measures.” Her whole body shook, her teeth chattered. If he hadn’t been holding her, she would be thrashing around the bed.

  “Blood?” Her lips were pale, her skin flushed, feverish. Her golden-brown eyes were even brighter, the color becoming more gold with each passing second.

  “And more.” He rocked her, trying to soothe them both. “I couldn’t let you go.”

  “What did you do?” It was almost impossible to understand her, she was shaking so hard.

  “I gave you some of my essence.” He pressed frantic kisses to her forehead and face. “Breathe through it. I’m here with you. I’ll never leave you.”

  “Love you.” She gasped, as though not getting enough air. He sat upright, putting his back to the wall with her securely perched on his lap.

  “I love you. Now breathe.” Orders of any kind always got her back up. It scared him senseless when she nodded and tried to do as he’d asked instead of arguing. Wheezing, she took a few shallow breaths.

  Had he brought her back only to kill her again?

  “Burning.” Sweat beaded her entire body.

  “I’m so sorry. There was no other way.” Closing his eyes, he concentrated on drawing the intense fever from her skin. There was resistance, but he was relentless. If there was one thing he could handle, it was heat.

  “Ah.” Her sigh of ease was all the reassurance he needed that it was working. He swallowed heavily and kissed her damp temple. Relief flooded him.

  Her entire body went rigid and she cried out.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  All her inner organs were on fire. Pain enveloped her. She couldn’t think, could barely breathe. Every inch of her hurt, inside and out.

  I’m in Hell. She had shot an angel. It was self-defense, but she doubted that mattered to the powers that be. That wasn’t fair, but no one could ever claim that life was.

  Lucius! She had to get to him, protect him. Had she talked to him or was that wishful thinking? Tears rolled down her cheeks at the thought of him being alone.

  “I’ve got you.”

  His voice sounded so near.

  “Breathe through the pain. Fight for us.”

  That was definitely her bossy drakon.

  Her reply was lost in the low cry that ripped from her. Panting, she clung to him. It was his powerful arms around her, his thick thighs under her, his chest supporting her.

  The left side of her chest began to sizzle. It didn’t burn, but something was happening. Head lolling to one side, she blinked, unable to believe what she was seeing. Deep rose gold swirls pushed upward from beneath her skin. They continued down her left arm, stopping at the elbow.

  So pretty. Just like her drakon’s markings.

  That snapped her back to reality in a heartbeat. “Lucius.”

  “I’m here. I’ve got you.” His voice was hoarse. She got the sense he’d been talking for a long time, but she’d been locked in pain, unable to hear him.

  “What did you do?” Had he already told her? She rubbed her forehead, wishing she could order her thoughts.

  He kissed her temple and the top of her head. “What I had to.”

  Blood. His essence. “Stop it.”

  “I can’t.” His anguish made her want to soothe him, but she had to be firm.

  “Don’t hurt yourself.” If he gave her essence, he’d weaken himself.

  His laugh was ragged. “Always worried about me. I’m fine.”

  She wasn’t so sure, but whatever he’d done, there was no going back. The pain lessened. A cooling balm washed over her, bringing blessed release. Breathing became easier, her head cleared. With it came awareness.

  “I’m naked.” It was more an observation than a concern. After all she’d been through, that was the least of her worries.

  He shifted her in his arms so she was lying across him. His skin was pale, his cheeks almost sunken, as though he’d lost weight, but his eyes burned with love.

  Concerned, she touched her hand to his face. “What happened?” He looked positively drained.

  “What do you remember?”

  Frowning, she concentrated. “We fought. The angels—”

  “Are gone.”

  That didn’t seem right. “They were so intent on carrying out orders.”

  One corner of Lucius’s mouth kicked up. “Seems Maccus went to Heaven on our behalf.”

  “He can do that?”

  “Apparently. He also sent someone to help.”

  “Who?”

  “I have no idea, and, right now, I don’t care.” His arms tightened around her, and he buried his face against the curve of her throat. “Don’t ever do that again.”

  “Die?” She shuddered. “Believe me, I plan on holding that off as long as possible.” The lightning bolt from the angel’s sword had hit her in the chest. The pain had been unbearable. She should have broken bones, massive bleeding, at the very least a scar. She touched the area with wonder. There was only smooth, healthy skin…and a tattoo. She traced one of the swirls. “This is pretty, but why do I have a tattoo like yours?”

  A muscle in his jaw flexed. “You have part of my drakon inside you.”

  She tapped her hands against her ears. “A part of your drakon?” Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out. Surely, she’d misunderstood.

  “Yes.”

  Her breathing quickened and the world began to dim. “Raine, take a breath.” If his jaw got any tighter, a bone was going to snap. “There was no time, no way to ask your permission. I couldn’t let you die. I apologize for making the choice for you, but I’m not sorry, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

  His eyes were glowing and scales rippled beneath his skin. He seemed to be waiting for her to pronounce some kind of judgment. She licked her dry lips. “I can’t say I’m happy you had to make a unilateral decision.” There was no denying it, he was tied to her permanently now, whether he wanted to be or not.

  He flinched and lowered his gaze, but she caught his jaw in her hand and applied pressure until he looked at her. “But I understand why you did. I’m glad to be alive, to be with you.” It sure as heck beat the alternative. The battle with the angels would cause nightmares for years to come, but at least she had those years, thanks to her drakon. “Thank you. I owe you my life.”

  He shook his head and growled. “You owe me nothing. You are my mate.” The possessive way he said it sent a sensual shiver down her spine.

  A random thought occurred to her. “Does this mean I can shift?” That would be cool.

  He shook his head, his gaze softening. “No.” He smoothed her hair away from her face. “I’m not sure what any of this means, beyond that it brought you back to me. I read a scroll a very long time ago that suggested a drakon could share his essence with his mate so she’d live as long as he did. I’d forgotten about it until now.”

  Holy crap, he’d done more than simply bring her back to life. It was one thing to think in terms of drinking his blood to live longer, but this took their relationship to a whole other level. They hadn’t known each other for that long and forever was…well, forever. Okay, maybe not quite that long, since he wasn’t immortal. But he’d likely live for thousands of years. And now so will I. Talk about life taking another crazy turn.

  “Is that what you want?” Her head was spinning again, her stomach a little sick. She wanted to be more than a responsibility, didn’t want him to feel trapped.

  “Yes.” That was it. No words of love, no poetry or fancy explanation, but he’d done better. He’d risked everything to bring her back to life.

  I was dead.

  There was nothing she could say to adequately express her gratitude. Or maybe there was. “I love you.”

  “I made the choice for you. I have no regrets.” So fierce, her drakon.

  “I have none either,” she assured him. “I’m right where I want to be.”

  Releasing a sigh, he brushed his lips over hers. “I was so scared.”

  Those simple words shook her to her core. He was the fiercest creature, the most amazing man she’d ever met. For him to admit being afraid was something she’d never expected. Warmth filled her chest, her heart aching with love for him.

  “I’m here with you. Whatever the future holds, however long that may be, we’re together. Whatever that means going forward, we’ll figure it out.”

  “I could almost forgive the person behind all this.” He brushed a damp lock of hair off her cheek. “Whoever they are, they gave me my greatest desire.” He kissed her temple. “You.” Then his expression hardened. “But they put you in danger. That is unforgiveable.”

  A chill wafted over her, causing her to shiver. Someone had made a very dangerous enemy in Lucius. And speaking of enemies… Time waited for no one, not even magical drakons. “I need to get cleaned up before we figure out our next course of action.”

  She was about to move off his lap when a pink glimmer caught her attention. Reaching out, she plucked the large gemstone off the mattress. Something about it called to her soul. She wanted to clasp it to her chest and hold it against her heart.

  “This is stunning.” Over the course of her career, she’d visited a ton of museums and viewed private collections, but she’d never seen anything quite like this. As she turned it in her hand, admiring the way the facets caught the light, a memory intruded. Lucius had cried, for her. His tear had turned from liquid to this pink stone. What had he called it? “A drakon tear.” She looked to him for confirmation.

  He gave a curt nod. “It’s a pink diamond.”

  “Holy shit!” It was one more impossible thing in a long list of them. The huge stone had to be worth a small fortune, but it had come from his tears. That made it priceless to her. She closed her fist around it.

  “Drakon tears are rare.” He cupped her cheek and lowered his head. “A drakon cries for only one reason.” His breath feathered over her parted lips. “A drakon cries only when his heart is breaking. A drakon cries only for love.”

  Their kiss was a poignant meeting of their hearts. They’d come so close to losing each other. She combed her fingers through his hair, needing to reassure herself he was real and not some figment of her imagination. He lifted his lips, their gazes meeting.

  “I love you.” All she had to give him were the words. The proof of his love was all around her. It was also stamped on her skin and flowed through her veins.

  His mouth came down hard on hers. She tasted fear and hope. Most of all, she tasted love. Tongues tangling, they kissed until they were breathless. She ran her hands over his shoulders and down to his heart that beat against his muscular chest. It was racing as fast as hers.