Page 58 of Ruin

“Shh, it’s alright, I’m not leaving you.”

My arm flopped back. I was relieved to hear that but still hated the loss of his skin, of his warmth against mine. “Come on, sweetheart.” Strong hands rolled me over, before I was lifted.

I let my head rest against his broad chest and wrapped my arms around his neck, my eyes dropping closed, too tired to keep them open. Fighting Berith, finding Connor; the claiming, seeing my friends again—Reed, my guilt...it had all caught up with me. And not just physically, but my mind wanted to shut down for a while. “Where are we going?” I mumbled.

“Back to the compound.”

“Not...mmm...naked…” He chuckled at my half-hearted protest. If we waited, I was sure I’d have enough energy to shift and walk back in as Mea.

“Not any more, beautiful.” His power rolled over my skin and despite my exhaustion, I managed to peek. “I have enough power for us both,” he said by way of explanation. Before I could ask what he meant, he’d dressed us both in jeans, shirts, coats and boots.

I smiled up at his gorgeous face before levering myself higher so that I could kiss the corner of his mouth. “Thank you.”

He gave me a sexy smirk. “Well, it was a chore to cover this beautiful body. But it’s okay, I forgot the underwear.” He winked down at me, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Makes it easier when we get back, and I feel the need for what is mine—again.”

I knew he was teasing me, but… “Again?”

Now he lifted me up and didn’t miss a stride as he kissed me, thoroughly. “I’ll always want more. I will never have enough of you,my mate.”

I swallowed hard and burrowed my nose into his neck, inhaling deeply, whispering the words I knew were etched into my very soul. “I love you.”

In answer he pulled me closer and kissed my forehead. “And I love you. I have since the moment I laid eyes on you. You were always mine, and you always will be.”

I smiled against his skin, nipping it between my teeth. “I am, but that means you’re mine, too.”

“I really am, my Firecracker.”

Chapter 18

Connor

My fist crackedinto Stone’s jaw. That tough bastard’s head twisted sideways, but he was soon glaring right back at me.

He snarled, but kept his purple eyes just shy of making eye contact. My fae side growled at the feel of Stone’s magic escaping his control. I had no idea what his fae powers were, and mixed with his shifter side, I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer he would submit to my dominance over him. The thought was a sobering one. Yes, I could overpower him...or so I believed, but I didn’t want to lose my brother.

“She was asking for a fight, Boss. You know that.”

“Yes, I do. Which is why you are currently still alive, but you should have refused. She knows your wolf is stronger and more dominant than hers, but you justhadto jump at the chance to release your own anger, didn’t you?”

Stone’s jaw clenched. “You don’t know that.”

“I know you, you arrogant prick. And she had just seen Reed. She wanted to be hurt, to be punished for what she was forced to do to him.”

Stone sank down onto a nearby rock and rubbed his face with his hands. “She did. But you’re right, I’m a cold bastard. I wanted to accept her challenge...so I did.”

I raised my brows trying to contain my anger. “Yeah, you’re a bastard indeed. You did it hoping I’d come and kick your arse, didn’t you? You wanted the same fucking thing as she did. Damn it, Stone, you have to get your shit together.” I glanced away.

Stone released a heavy sigh and with his face a grim mask, nodded in agreement. Silence settled between us. “Is she okay?”

I could feel his genuine concern, and his remorse. It echoed through my blood.

I sat down next to him. “Yeah, she’s fine. I let her run herself out, then forced her wolf to back off and let me near her.”

“You healed her?”

“I did.” I growled my words. “Tell me why you accepted her challenge.” Stone was hot-headed and didn’t trust anyone easily, but I knew he had grown to respect Ember, not only because she was my soul mate, but because she had earned his respect. I knew without a doubt that this had something to do with Shannon. He’d been messed up about his last mate, and finding another possible match in Shannon must be blowing his mind. I could imagine all that guilt he carried was warring with his need. Stone took a deep breath and dropped his head back, exhaling heavily as he stared up at the snow filled sky. “Shannon.”

I huffed. “Guessed as much. So what did she do this time? Refuse to speak with you?”

---