Except…what if she doesn’t Bind to me?

  Kari blinks. “Those words… Did you speak the Call?”

  She looks shocked. My nerves set in. She said she loves me, but what if she doesn’t believe me? What if she refuses?

  “Yes. I want you forever, love.”

  She looks stunned. “I don’t know what to say.”

  I force down panic. Does she mean she doesn’t know the words to accept or that she’s too shocked to answer? “There are two responses. You either wish to Renounce me or Bind to me. Tell me which, and I will give you the words.”

  “I—”

  Suddenly, the front door smashes open, splintering into pieces. The chilly wind whooshes in, along with a pale, leggy brunette. A witch, based on her magical signature. Dressed in lingerie that would make a hooker blush, she’s clearly trying to turn heads. I’m not interested in the least—especially once I see her ruthless gaze.

  “My name is Rhea.”

  I have no idea who she is. Did I shag her sister or something? “What do you want?”

  She draws her wand and points it my way. That’s never a good sign.

  “You broke my door!” Kari protests. “You’ll pay to fix it.”

  Cursing, I shuffle her behind me. Can’t she see that, despite being the fairer sex and wearing delicate lace, this witch has violence on her mind?

  Rhea laughs. “How touching. You’ve Called to the human, and now you seek to protect her.”

  “What do you want?”

  “To talk to her.” Rhea gestures to Kari. “About something that happened before you arrived.”

  “She knows nothing.”

  “Say another word, and it will be your last,” the barely dressed witch threatens. “We’ll see to it.”

  We? I turn to find two unfamiliar wizards with merciless expressions blocking Kari’s only means of escape.

  I break out in a cold sweat. Three against one. What if I can’t protect Kari? I’ve always joked that I’m a lover, not a fighter. At this moment, I wish very much that I had poured half as much energy into battle as I did all these years into bed sport.

  Carefully, I slip my arm around her. If worse comes to worst, I can teleport us out…

  “Take your hand from her,” Rhea barks. “Let her speak—or else.”

  Kari touches my shoulder. “I know nothing. Once she learns that, it will be fine.”

  I hate it, but if I can’t transport her with me and she can’t run, I won’t leave her with these dodgy pricks. I can only hope they’ll ask their questions and leave. If not, well… I’m holding my wand. I’ll do whatever it takes to save Kari—or die trying.

  Kari

  “What do you want to know?” I challenge the scantily clad woman whose gaze seems pure psycho.

  “A human with sense.” Rhea looks at me as if I’m an oddity. “A tall wizard in black leather and sunglasses was here recently.”

  “Shock?”

  She smiles. “The very one. What did he want?”

  Will the truth put Tynan in danger?

  “I don’t know exactly.”

  The witch raises a skeptical brow. Blast it all. I’m a terrible liar. Right now, I hate that.

  “He was here at the same time as Tynan O’Shea.”

  “O’Shea?” Ronan mutters behind me. “Related to the Councilman O’Shea?”

  “His grandson,” I murmur.

  Ronan curses.

  “The Tynan who seems to have joined the Doomsday Brethren, run by that meddling Bram Rion. Sound familiar?” asked Rhea.

  “No. Sometimes, I overhear occasional conversations, but that⁠—”

  “Stop prattling. Did Shock and Tynan speak?”

  Lie. I must lie—and convincingly. Tynan’s life may depend on it. So might mine. “I don’t know. I was in the back. Didn’t hear a thing.”

  “I don’t believe you. Let’s see if this helps.”

  Before I can brace for it, Rhea zips her wand in my direction. Ronan points his at the witch, but it’s too late. An arc of light streams straight toward me, blinding and green. Dangerous.

  Ronan shoves me away. But the blast already hit me in the middle. Pain is a bee sting, a paper cut, a twisted ankle. This is agony. It crashes through my system, and I fall to my knees as my vision turns black, my heart stutters, and my breathing stops.

  I feel an instant from death.

  “Tell me now, human, or I’ll finish you off. What did Shock and Tynan discuss?”

  I open my mouth. No idea what to say. The truth could get either or both men killed. My brain is consumed by torment and the excruciating hurt.

  Behind me, a hand clamps around my chest. Rhea shouts, her contorted face visible through my slitted lids. Panic spikes. Another blast and I’ll be dead.

  Suddenly, the woman and my pub disappear. I collide with Ronan’s chest as we land on a sofa. Dizziness slams me. Nausea follows. Then agony returns, robbing me of breath and threatening to steal my consciousness.

  “Stay with me,” he pleads.

  Where does he think I’m going?

  “Do you hear me, love? Open your eyes. Breathe.”

  “What happened?”

  “I’ve brought you to a magical healer. He’ll help. I know you’re hurting. Look at me. Don’t give up.”

  I’m enveloped by a cold sweat. It takes every ounce of my energy to shake my head. “I won’t.”

  Ronan holds me on his lap, loosening his grip when I whimper. Feeling him against me is a comfort.

  “At least I won’t die alone.”

  “You won’t die at all. I won’t let you.” His words hold the conviction of a vow, but I sense that he wants to believe that more than he does. “But you must promise me one thing.”

  “‘K.” I fight for consciousness.

  “Do not Bind to me. Do you hear me? Ever.”

  Chapter

  Six

  Ronan

  The next four days threaten to destroy me. I remain glued to Kari’s side for the first two, holding her nonstop as the healer works her slow magic. The bitch who attacked Kari blasted her with a twisted magic I’ve never seen. If I hadn’t shoved Kari out of the way, Rhea would have killed her.

  Or maybe I should blame the Wolvsey curse. I feel guilty as hell for not taking the hex seriously. I didn’t want to believe that some distant hocus-pocus still possessed the power to separate me from the woman I love.

  Now I know better.

  But in my selfish, impulsive need to make Kari mine, I tempted fate and thoughtlessly unleashed this agony on her. She nearly paid with her life.

  I won’t risk her again.

  My best bet is to explain the curse and help her understand that, no matter what we feel, we’re doomed. Will she believe me? It sounds bizarre. And given how many times she’s seen me pair off with another woman, she’ll probably see my explanation as a convenient fabrication. She’ll think I have cold feet. Bloody hell.

  At least she’s out of danger.

  Reluctantly, I return her to the pub—only because she insisted. I want to place protections around the Brew, but those repel anyone magical. The loss of business would seriously infuriate her. Instead, I’ll find other ways to keep her safe. Luckily, I have an idea.

  After teleporting halfway across the country, I approach the large estate and regard the ornate door. Nervously, I straighten my coat and send out my magical calling card, the audible symbol advising anyone magical who’s visiting their home.

  Long moments pass before a stately blonde answers with a raised brow and a cool smile. “Ronan Wolvsey. It is you. I never thought I would see you darken my door again.”

  “Hello, Avalyn. I appreciate your answering.”

  She didn’t have to. Since she’s a former lover—now mated to another—she could have easily ignored me. Or slammed the door in my face if she wanted a little payback. Instead, she merely looks amused that I’ve swallowed my pride.

  Once, she fancied herself in love with me, and I’m ashamed that I took advantage of her feelings. I’m glad she’s happily settled now.

  “Come in.” She steps back to admit me, scanning me up and down.

  She’s peering not at me, but at my altered magical signature. And I know exactly what she sees. “Thank you.”

  “This ought to be interesting.” She gestures me to follow her until we stop in a cozy sitting room. When I sit on the sofa, palms sweating, she folds herself into a plush chair and stares unabashedly. “So… You finally found your mate, and you Called to her?”

  Of course she can tell simply by looking at me. Everyone with the blasted fairy-dust gene can. “Yes, and she’s in danger because of it.”

  “Is that why she has neither Bound to you nor Renounced you?”

  “In part. It’s also why I’ve come to ask for your help. What I’m about to divulge, you can’t share with anyone.”

  “I don’t keep secrets from my mate.”

  “This doesn’t involve him, and I’m not here to threaten your bond.”

  She scoffs. “Of course you’re not. You never tried to win me over in the first place, despite how mad I was for you.”

  “I should have been more kind. I’m sorry.”

  She arches another pale brow. “My, my. You’ve apparently learned a thing or two in the past few decades. Tell me what you need, and I’ll decide what to share with my mate.”

  “The Wolvseys are cursed—all of us. We have no mating instinct. Or I was told that we don’t…”

  After filling her in on the family history, she cocks her head and frowns. “So…you weren’t intentionally a prick?”

  I’d love to lie, but… “No, I was. When we were…”

  “Shagging?” she supplies.

  I intended to put it more politely, but… “Yes. I had no interest in taking a mate then. That wasn’t fair to you.”

  “You’re forgiven. We would have made an awful pair, and I found the perfect wizard for me, so everything worked out. But you didn’t come to apologize or share your family secrets. What do you need?”

  Avalyn is a powerful witch who grew up on the fringes of dark magic. If anyone can watch over Kari unobtrusively while I address the threat, it’s her. “Can you pop into a little pub for the next few evenings and keep your eye on its owner? She’s human and…”

  After I fill Avalyn in, she peers at me through a long silence. “You love her.”

  “Yes, and I’m terrified.”

  “I don’t know this Rhea witch, and I’m no fighter.”

  “All I ask is that you watch over Kari temporarily. You don’t have do anything but contact me if something goes sideways.”

  “Once upon a time, I would have loved to see you brokenhearted so you could understand how that feels.”

  I try not to wince. “I deserve that.”

  “But I’m not angry anymore. I’ll watch over Kari for a few days. Longer than that, and my mate, who is away on a family matter, will come home. He’s quite protective, and he will balk, especially once I give him my news…” Avalyn strokes her still-flat belly with a smile.

  “You’re expecting a youngling?” I see it in her magical signature now. Faint, but there once I look for it.

  She nods, looking giddy. “We’ve finally been blessed.”

  I stand and shake my head. “Then I can’t ask this of you. I won’t put you at risk.”

  “Nonsense. Sitting in a pub and watching the woman who managed to capture your black heart will be quite entertaining. Just…make her safe as quickly as possible.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Ronan…” She levels a reproaching stare my way.

  “All right, then. Thank you. Believe me, I won’t rest until Kari is safe.”

  “Excellent. You didn’t ask for my advice, but I suggest you teach Kari the Binding.”

  “The Renunciation, more like. I won’t have her life end because of me.”

  “That curse could be rubbish, you know.”

  At one point, I thought so, but… “It’s all too real, unfortunately. Thank you for everything.”

  “Of course. I’ll head to the Witch’s Brew tonight.”

  After uttering more gratitude, I leave Avalyn’s place and teleport to a shadowed alley a block from the pub. I won’t go inside; I can’t risk endangering Kari again. But I intend to intercept Tynan if he appears. The fighting force he joined spurred Rhea to violence. I won’t have him putting Kari in jeopardy again.

  Watching the Brew while avoiding my twin adds another complication. I haven’t been home since the attack. With a single glance, my family will see my altered signature and know that I Called to Kari. Raiden will be the worst. Still, I feel my brother’s confusion turning to concern. I have no bloody idea what to do about him—or the rest of my all-male clan, but I’ll untangle that mess after Kari is safe.

  A few hours later, Avalyn emerges from the pub, her tall, curvaceous figure shimmering like a hazy goddess under streetlamps shrouded in fog. It’s too early for her to call it an evening.

  “What’s wrong?” My heart pounds.

  “Your little human is smart. She’s suspicious of me.”

  “Because...?”

  “Apparently, dearest Raiden paid her a visit.”

  Fuck. I should have known that my more underhanded brother wouldn’t sit quietly. “And?”

  “He’s been inside since the pub opened.”

  “I must have missed him by moments.” Raiden is nothing if not persistent.

  “Indeed. When he spotted me, he wanted to chat. Kari overheard that I once…knew you and surmised that you’d sent me.” Avalyn pushes her waist-length platinum tresses behind her shoulders. “She loves you, and she hasn’t given up. In fact, she coaxed some of her magical customers into teaching her the Binding. You can’t avoid her forever.”

  Frustration claws me. I want to claim Kari. I’m needy, hungry, and desperate to make her mine. I’m consumed with the desire.

  I don’t dare.

  “How is Raiden?”

  “His usual charming self. Just before I left, he found some bitch in heat, and they popped out the back.” She leans closer. “I can’t fault your taste in women. I like Kari, which is why I think you need to explain yourself. Keeping her in the dark isn’t keeping her safe.”

  Blast her for being right. “Can you just⁠—”

  “Not tonight. My mate has come home early, and he needs me. You should see to yours.”

  “She’s not mine.”

  But I’m talking to air. Avalyn has already vanished.

  Damn it all. How can I convince Kari not to answer my Call? How do I ensure she doesn’t pin her hopes on me and endanger herself because of this blasted curse again?

  I can only think of one answer. I hate it, but I selfishly put her in this position. If I want to keep Kari alive, I need to put her first—no matter how much it hurts us both.

  Cursing, I push my way into the pub.

  The boisterous, smoky atmosphere envelops me instantly. With my peripheral gaze, I catch sight of Kari behind the bar. Refusing to look her way, I scan the pub. My twin is nowhere to be seen, thankfully. Instead, I search for the most available human female…

  There. An obvious blonde, around thirty, with enhanced breasts and gobs of black eyeliner. The low-cut wrap dress leaves her cleavage mostly exposed, and I’m fairly certain she’s not wearing a bra. Perfect.

  “Drink?” I sit beside her, uninvited.

  She perks up immediately. I pretend interest, but I feel Kari’s eyes on my back, burning like twin coals. Hurt pours off her, threatening to sear through my skin and burn all the way to my heart.

  I grit my teeth and push on.

  “Sure.” The blonde leans in, giving me a clearer view I didn’t ask for straight down her dress. Then she drops her hand dangerously high on my thigh.

  “Or do you prefer to fuck?” I drawl.

  Instantly, I regret those words. I’m not attracted to the human.

  “Even better.” A naughty smile curls up the woman’s mouth.

  Not what I want to hear, but if this charade helps keep Kari safe, nothing else matters.

  “Let’s go.”

  The loud blonde wraps her arms around me and clings like an octopus as we make our way out the door. Still, I avoid Kari’s gaze—but I feel it. I’m hurting her. I know it. I hate it. My stomach turns. I burn with anger and shame.

  “My flat isn’t far,” the woman purrs, her hand creeping under my shirt and scratching over my abdomen. “Yum.”

  I close my eyes and swallow down disgust. The stranger’s nearness is wreaking havoc on my ability to keep down my dinner. Everything inside me screams no! I don’t know this woman. I have no feelings for her.

  That never stopped you before.

  But for the first time, I can’t muster the desire to shag a perfectly willing woman. Did issuing the Call to Kari change my ability to bed someone else? Since I didn’t grow up in a house where I could observe or discuss mate bonds, I have no idea.

  When the woman grabs my face and plants her mouth on mine, her tongue diving deep, I have my answer immediately. My body recoils, and everything within me revolts.

  Weak and sweating, I wrench away, wiping all traces of her from my lips. “Stop. I…can’t. I’m sorry.”

  I don’t stay to answer her unspoken questions. Instead, I dart around a dark corner and disappear into a nearby alley to watch over Kari for the rest of the night.

  All the while, my thoughts race. Learning that I can touch only her is an odd relief. I have no idea what I’ll do for energy now that I can’t randomly fuck women to generate it, but the knowledge gives me clarity. Leaning on Avalyn was unfair. Protecting Kari is my responsibility. To truly do that, I’ll need to go straight to the devil—and I’ll need to make him a deal.

  Chapter

  Seven

  Before I can visit the devil, he comes to me.

  A few hours later, minutes before quitting time, I follow Bram Rion—of all people—as he enters the Witch’s Brew. I haven’t seen the clever bastard in decades, not since Raiden and I played with the man’s sister, Sabelle, as younglings. But now isn’t the time for pleasantries. He and I need to make a deal for Kari’s safety.