She didn’t give him time to respond. Instead, Elle lunged for him, propelled by her magic unnaturally high in the air. She tucked her legs and did a front flip over him with her arms extended so her blades came down over his head. Sorin raised his own weapons in a blur to protect himself. The blades struck so hard the impact radiated up her arms. That’s more like it. She grinned. Elle loved that her mate was a male who could hold his own against her wrath.

  Sorin’s feet moved swiftly as he turned and immediately attacked. And he held nothing back, attacking like a man possessed. What happened to the man who thought she needed to sit on the sidelines and wait for him to return from battles? Metal sang and sparks flew when their swords collided. Elle’s feet danced, mimicking his every move. She began pressing forward, putting him on the defensive. Her arms were a blur as they drove him back.

  “I can do this all day long, wolf.” Elle laughed, and even to herself, it sounded like the cackle of a fae who was a little unhinged. Perhaps she needed to get out of the sprite realm and breathe a little human air.

  “If you’re trying to wear me down, I can think of other ways that would be slightly less violent.” His grin turned lascivious.

  She jumped back, putting space between them, and laughed. “If you think I’m jumping into bed with you, then you’re going to be very disappointed.”

  Sorin’s brow rose. “Who said anything about a bed?”

  Intimate thoughts filled her mind. Thoughts that were not her own. No. Not thoughts, but memories. Of she and Sorin together. “It won’t work.” Her feet wanted to move toward him of their own accord, but she forced them to remain still. The damn wolf knew her weakness. Him. He was, and always would be, her only weakness.

  She watched as his pupils dilated, and his arms lowered slightly. Elle wanted to taunt him. His own plan was backfiring on him. Sorin licked his lips, and his chest rumbled the way it always did when he pursued her. She could see the heat of his desire growing. Elle wasn’t above fighting dirty.

  Elle walked slowly toward him, letting her hips sway suggestively. Sorin’s eyes dropped and then moved slowly up her form, drinking her in. She still held a sword in each hand, but he no longer noticed them. Sorin was too busy watching her tongue run across her lips. His arms dropped further until he held the blades at his sides.

  Moving with the inhuman speed of the fae race, she stepped around him and pressed the tip of her weapon to his throat. A tiny drop of blood appeared where the blade touched his skin. Elle wasn’t surprised he didn’t struggle or act surprised. He didn’t even move, which meant he’d let her get the drop on him. That pissed her off, but her ire lessened a bit with the continual flood of emotions flowing from him to her. Elle leaned forward until her mouth rested against his ear. She had to stand on her toes in order to reach that high, but she liked that. It made her feel feminine. “I will let you seduce me, my mate.” She purred. “But it will not change the fact that I will be joining you tomorrow when we attack Alston.”

  Sorin leaned back against her. She heard the weapons fall to the ground with a thud, and then felt his arms pulling her tighter against him. His hands ran up and then down to her backside. His head fell forward as a sigh that sounded exhausted rushed out of him. Elle slowly removed her sword from him and then magicked them away. She tried to take a step back, but Sorin turned quickly, his hands only gone long enough for him to face her, and then they were wrapped back around her waist. The pain and worry in his eyes made her flinch.

  Elle lifted her hand and wiped away the drop of blood from his neck. Sorin closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. It was something she loved about him. The fae didn’t crave touch. When they’d first mated, it had been something she’d had to get used to. Sorin took every opportunity to touch her in any way he could. Over time, she’d gotten used to it and now found herself missing it when they weren’t physically connected in some way. Her teeth ground together, irritated with herself for wanting him even now. She was supposed to be angry at him. She was angry with him. But at the same time, she wanted peace with her mate. Elle didn’t like it when there was strife between them.

  “Then don’t fight with me, my mate,” he whispered. “Let me protect you. As you said, being a warrior is in your DNA. Being your protector is in mine.”

  Elle leaned forward and bumped her head against his chest. Sorin’s hand pressed the back of her head, holding her close against him. “You can protect me,” she said, and then added, “as I fight at your side. We are one, correct?” She lifted her head and looked up at him.

  He gave her a nod. “We are.”

  “Then we cannot be separated at a time like this. That would be the equivalent of being cut in half and becoming two. When you cut a cord in half, the fibers weaken and begin to unravel. The rope loses its integrity and its purpose. Do not make us like that cord.” Elle reached up and cupped his handsome face. “True mates are stronger together. We are stronger together.”

  Sorin looked as if he wanted to roar like an angry lion. Instead, he gripped her face in his hands and took her lips with his own. The kiss was possessive as much as it was passionate. Warmth flowed through Elle, and lightning danced across her skin as every nerve in her body came to life. The open intimacy he showed her was something she was still getting used to, but Sorin was very good at making her forget their surroundings. Sorin’s scent enveloped her. He devoured her like a starving beast, and she willingly let herself become his sustenance.

  “You will not leave my side,” he said through their bond as he tilted her head so he could deepen their kiss.

  “I have been in battle with you and without you before,” she reminded him.

  He growled but didn’t take his lips from hers. The kiss softened as he bit gently at her, only to then return to kissing her. “No more,” he told her. “If we are stronger together, then we stay together. Always. No matter the enemy, the location, or the battle.”

  Elle reached up under his arms and wrapped around him until her hands rested on his shoulders. She pulled herself up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Then she flashed them to the room the sprites had given them.

  “You drive me crazy, female,” Sorin said against her lips as he laid her on their bed.

  “That sounds like a personal problem,” she teased. Teasing him was something that was still new to her. Elle had found that being around Jen and the other females of the pack had changed her attitude. They’d helped her loosen up and made her realize there was more to life than just being a warrior. She was also a woman, a friend, a lover, and a true mate.

  “Mine.” Sorin’s voice hummed in her mind as his mouth left hers and traveled south. “You’re also mine.”

  For now, they were of one accord. She would join her mate and fight at his side where she belonged. And he would show her how sorry he was for arguing with her.

  “Exactly how should I show you that?” he asked as his tongue ran across her shoulder.

  “I think what you’re doing is a good start.” Elle winked at him and then closed her eyes. “Carry on, mate,” she said in her haughtiest voice. “I will let you know when I think your apology is sufficient.”

  Sorin chuckled against her, and his warm breath made her squirm. “I’m sure I’ll know when it is enough.”

  “I’m not going to cut it off, dammit!” Bethany stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Drake. “Let me see it. Now.”

  Drake didn’t move. Suddenly, Jen’s head appeared in the doorway. Drake couldn’t remember if he had been too distracted to close the door to their bedroom or if the obnoxious blonde had simply pushed it open without knocking.

  “I am so loving the sound of this argument,” Jen quipped. “Can I watch?”

  Before either Drake or Bethany could answer, a large arm wrapped around Jen’s waist, lifting her and placing her to the side. Decebel leaned in and grabbed the doorknob. “My apologies.” He looked from Bethany to Drake. “Sometimes she gets off her leash.”

  Jen’s eyes went from normal human to glowing wolf in an instant. Her head snapped around to look at her mate. “Leash?” she all but snarled.

  “By the way, Drake,” Decebel said, ignoring his irate mate, “when a female says, ‘Let me see it’ and ‘I won’t cut it off’ in the same sentence, it’s time to admit defeat and give her what she wants.”

  The door closed to the sound of Jen’s voice. “Cut it off, Bethany! Then he and Dec can be twinsies. I’m about to cut off my mate’s—” The rest of the words were garbled, and Drake pictured Decebel’s hand over his female’s mouth.

  Drake sighed and ran his hand down his face, feeling suddenly exhausted. When he looked up at his female from where he sat on their bed, she still stood with her hands on her hips. She hadn’t moved an inch.

  “I’m waiting. Again.”

  Drake’s lips turned up slightly. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” He probably shouldn’t push her buttons, but she looked so damn edible, glaring at him like a pissed-off kitten. And perhaps he should be a little worried that he used the description of edible and kitten in the same thought, considering he had a beast living within him. Maybe it was time to let his wolf go on a hunt.

  Fingers appeared in front of his face as Bethany snapped at him. “Hello? Would you quit thinking about chasing bunnies? And by the way, kittens have sharp claws.”

  He chuckled. Then, quick as a flash, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his lap. She let out a surprised yelp and slapped his chest. “Dammit, Drake. I’m mad at you.”

  Nuzzling her neck and breathing deep, Drake let her scent fill his lungs and chase away the frustration that had filled him from the moment he had returned and found her glaring at him with a hairbrush in her hand. She hadn’t been brushing her hair.

  “I know you’re mad.” He let his hand drop to the bottom of her skirt. Drake loved that she liked wearing such feminine clothes, especially dresses and skirts. He dragged it slowly upward until her thigh was bare and her markings showed. His wolf rumbled, and Drake let his fingers move up her skin. Goosebumps erupted on her lovely flesh. He continued until he reached the markings that began at her knee and ran to her hip. She complained about not being able to wear shorts because having her markings on display was a good way to get other males killed. But he could usually convince her that his undivided attention was a much better perk than wearing shorts. The markings were to his wolf like catnip to a hungry alley cat.

  “What is with all the feline references? Have you got a fetish I don’t know about?”

  He grinned up at her, momentarily taking his eyes off her thigh. “If I did, would you indulge me?”

  She crossed her arms in front of her and pursed her lips. “How? By wearing a latex Catwoman costume. I don’t think so, buddy. The only thing I’ll be indulging you in is a nice warm blanket on the couch, where you’ll be sleeping for the foreseeable future. I’d hate for you to get cold at night.”

  He smirked at her harsh words. The shiver that ran through her body caused by his hand on her leg dampened their sting. “You won’t make me sleep on the couch, Bethy,” he mumbled, his eyes focused once again on her markings. He licked his lips, his wolf salivating at the sight.

  Bethany grabbed his face in her small hands and jerked his head, forcing him to look at her. “Show me your damn arm right now, and maybe I’ll let you get a closer look at those marks you love so much.”

  Show her your arm, stupid human, his wolf growled at him. If she denies us because you’re too stubborn to give her what she needs, I will not allow you to stay in control. Drake knew the beast wasn’t bluffing. His wolf was every bit as smitten with their mate as the human.

  With a dramatic sigh, Drake held out his arm and let her pull up his sleeve. She ran her delicate fingers over his skin where the gash had been. Thanks to his rapid wolf healing, only a pink mark remained. “See? I’m fine.”

  She snorted. “You’re acting like I’m the one being unreasonable. Wasn’t it you who came flying into the room demanding to see my arm? Or has that memory slipped your mind?”

  Drake dropped his arm and resumed stroking her exposed thigh. “It’s a well-known fact that true-mated males are rarely rational.”

  She laughed, and he wanted to roll around in the sound like a dog rolling in the cool dirt on a hot day, if such a thing was possible. Drake loved the sound of her voice.

  “I’d say you’ve gone past irrational,” Bethany said. “You’re downright insane.”

  He shrugged his shoulders as he lifted her and laid her on the bed. When she tried to sit up, he rested his large hand on her chest and pressed her down. His eyes never left her leg. Drake slipped off the bed until he was on his knees. He leaned over the bed, putting his face level with her thigh.

  “We’re not done talking.” Her voice trembled with the desire he felt coming from their bond.

  Drake didn’t respond. He was mesmerized by the markings. Much like a snake charmer could transfix a serpent, his mate’s body beguiled him.

  Drake felt a hard tug on his hair, and he snapped his head up, baring his teeth. “Tell me you won’t take off again unannounced.” She tapped his nose in a gentle reprimand at his aggression.

  “I won’t leave like that again.” He tried to turn back to her markings, but his little mate wasn’t having it.

  She pulled tighter on his hair. “I agree that it’s ridiculous of me to want to go with you.” Drake could tell it was painful for her to admit he was right. But he appreciated her willingness to see his point of view. She released his hair and then ran her fingers through it. “I’m scared,” she said softly. “And there’s this irrational part of me that thinks if I’m with you, if I can see you, then you will be okay. It’s a ridiculous notion, but I just can’t stand--,”

  Drake reached up and grabbed her arm, pulled her until she laid on her side with her head near the edge of the bed. He pressed his finger over her lips. “It’s not ridiculous, beautiful mate. I feel the same way. Having a true mate is a blessing and a curse. Any time I’m away from you, I’m reminded of that fact.”

  He felt the fear she’d kept hidden behind her anger and wished there was a way he could take it from her. But all he could do was offer her comfort. And pray to the Great Luna that he would come back to her and Hope after they were through with Alston.

  “When I was with the vampires,” she said, interrupting his thoughts, “I had to remind myself that tomorrow wasn’t promised. But back then, I didn’t care. I hoped I wouldn’t see tomorrow.” She took a deep breath and traced a finger across his forehead and down his cheek. “I need to remind myself again that tomorrow isn’t promised, and I need to live in the moment. And at this moment I need you.”

  Drake closed his eyes and fought his beast for control, but his wolf had grown in strength since they’d been mated to Bethany. A moment later, his eyes snapped open, and his mate’s face came into the sharp focus of his wolf’s eyesight.

  She released his hair and stroked his face. “I love when your eyes glow. They’re beautiful.”

  The wolf rumbled and rubbed his face against her hand. “Mine,” he mumbled.

  His wolf tilted his head at her and nipped her fingers gently. “You have me, mate.” Then he turned back to the markings and leaned down. His wolf paused, waiting to see if she would stop him. He always gave her the choice to stop their intimacy. When she did nothing, he let his tongue run over her flesh.

  The tense muscles beneath his hands softened, then her body relaxed. Drake let out a slow breath as her love flowed through the bond, pulling him closer to her and closing the gap their dissension had created.

  “I’m sorry I got so angry,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she pressed closer to him.

  “My sweet Bethy.” Even in her anger, she hated any kind of strife between them. He loved that about her. She desired peace in their home. She called it their haven. A place to shut out the dangers and horrors of the world where they could take comfort in one another and give Hope a place where she could be an innocent child as she grew. “I’m not upset with you, love.” He let his breath warm her skin. “I just want what’s best for you and our daughter.”

  Bethany released a deep breath. Once he let go of his own worries, he finally felt hers. He looked in her mind through their bond and realized just how upset she’d been. Not at him, but for him. “I’m sorry, Bethany.”

  She placed a hand on his arm and tugged. He took the hint and rose on his legs until he was stretched out beside her, his face inches from hers. “I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have threatened to throw that brush at you.”

  Drake couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re damn cute when you’re angry.”

  Bethany frowned. “I’m not supposed to be cute. I’m supposed to be fierce.”

  “Oh, never doubt that, female.” He ran a finger across her bottom lip. “Only a fierce woman could be mated to a Canis lupus. We’re not exactly easy to be with.”

  “Don’t I know it?” She pictured the infamous “sheet incident” in her mind when he had wrapped her up like a mummy.

  He grinned unrepentantly. “You haven’t threatened to walk around naked anymore.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Yet.” Then she grabbed his face and pulled his mouth to hers.

  Titus stayed low to the ground as he moved through the hallway of the sprite stronghold. Uncle Gavril stalked quietly behind him. So quiet that the boy couldn’t hear his teacher. Even though they’d been sequestered—that was the word Aunt Rachel used—away from their home in Romania, Uncle Gavril hadn’t stopped schooling Titus on the ways of the hunt. He told the boy that a wolf that was prevented from hunting eventually turned into prey itself, and wolves were not prey. But Titus wasn’t always sure what they were hunting, exactly. Mostly, he just figured Uncle Gavril thought it was funny to sneak up on people, especially Aunt Jen and Uncle Decebel because they both got very growly about it.