Page 45 of Ruin

“Really? Well, I mean it, and I might not be able to burnyou,Connor, but I can hurt your brother.”

“Hey!” Stone didn’t look too thrilled by that idea.

Prime growled, and one look in Ember’s eyes, at her stubborn face, and we knew she meant it. Prime wanted to protect his fae brother, shadow filled my vision and I could feel the beast’s agreement.

“Fine. But you sit close.”

My mate smirked and kissed me on the cheek. I reluctantly let her slide back onto the bench.

“Gods, this is going to be a pain in the ass,” Stone muttered, stuffing a piece of toast in his mouth.

“Stop mumbling, Stone. Guarding your Prime is better than working guard duty with those soldiers, out there,” Ember said.

He nodded in agreement. As we ate Stone explained much of what Prime had shown me through his memories. I knew everything Walker had done for Ember through Prime’s memories and what she’d been doing since I was taken. I leaned in and nuzzled her neck, unable to stay away from her. She kissed me back, a big smile on her face. “You done?”

“Nowhere near.” And I curled my fingers over her upper thigh

She smirked. “Hmm, good. But I meant with your food.”

Keeping my eyes on her face, I nodded.

“Good. Come on then, let's go and find Owen.”

“He was going to see Selina and the baby,” said Stone.

“She’s one of the women you rescued?” I asked.

“Yes. Owen seems to spend much of his spare time making sure they are all cared for. I think he has a soft spot for Selina, but I don’t think either of them will admit it yet. A bit like this one and Shannon.”

Stone snarled, his purple and silver eyes flashing yellow. “Hey, my relationship with Shannon is none of your gods damned business.”

I had him slammed up against the wall in a second. “Respect my mate.”

Stone wisely dropped his eyes and nodded.

Ember grinned and patted my chest, but her eyes were burning with green flame. “It’s nice to have a bodyguard, but you can’t go slamming every male that’s got a mouth on him up against the wall. I can still fight my own battles, Connor. Very well, in fact. How about you let your brother go?”

I ground my teeth, but let Stone go.

He stretched his neck. “This is going to be a long day,” he muttered.

I glared at him but stayed quiet. He was right.

We walked into the cave and found Owen sitting on a protruding rock by himself staring broodingly at Selina who appeared to be ignoring his presence.

“Hey, man.”

Owen’s gaze shot to me and widened. “Shit. You’re—you. How did you get Prime back again?” He noticed our ravaged necks, then he chuckled, his face suddenly lighter. “Ah, that.” He grinned. “You sure you should be out here with her already, Prime? Isn’t that a little dangerous for everyone?”

Ember slipped her arm around my waist. “Hey, it’s fine. Connor has control.”

I pulled her in close to my side, loving that she squeezed me tighter. “I do.” I glanced at Stone. “Mostly. And we need to talk about the pack, my brother, you know that.” Owen met my gaze and nodded, his face serious. Yeah, I was Prime, but I needed him to know he was still alpha of this pack.

“My priority, right now, is to stop Berith. He’s after Ember and he isn’t going to get her—ever.”

Owen met my gaze, his eyes flicking to Selina. “I get that,” he said quietly, and smiled at Ember.

“Knew you would.”

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