Page 76 of Toward Immortal Ruin

Though Eden had spoken the words, she could feel the same yearning within him, echoing along their unfinalized mating bond.

It was odd, the connection. After so many years of loneliness, being so intimately linked to another had shifted the ground under her feet.

After the diagnosis, she’d felt more abandoned than ever. Her acquaintances and her friends had simply chosen to sever the bonds between them. Though Eden understood the reasoning behind it, it’d left her disappointed and isolated.

Inhaling deeply, as if scenting her, Nero kissed her neck and let his teeth teasingly nip the sensitive flesh.

“Not any more than I did. I’m sorry I left, Eden. When the enemy’s Raeth attempted to enter my territory, something in me snapped.”

“But you’re okay? You weren’t injured?”

“Nothing physical, he didn’t land a finger on me. But when I followed his teleport, we landed in a werewolf torture kennel. One that belonged to theCitizens. All the wolves were rabid.” Nero leaned his head against hers. “Aidan took it hard.”

“It must’ve been awful for him. For all of you.”

Delicately tracing her fingers on the tattooed designs on his forearm, Eden stalled. If she broached the topic, Nero might not be open about the choices he’d make if her wolf carried her to the next life. She didn’t want lies between them, but she understood his reservations. Faced with his suicide, her decision would be heavily influenced one way.

“If I die tomorrow, Nero, what happens to you?”

He stiffened, his arms holding her closer. “Why do you ask?”

“I met Myko today.”

A sharp intake of breath from the man behind her. “He’s a brilliant kid. I’ve known him since he was born.”

“We played Connect Four. He stomped me every game.”

Nero’s tension loosened with a chuckle. “He and Jeremiah come over to play that all the time. I’m not sure why they won’t just buy it themselves. It’s not like they don’t have the money.”

“Perhaps because they get to be at your house, and both of them happen to like you.”

“Huh.” Nero breathed in the scent of her hair again. “Never thought about that. I have a very insightful mate.”

“If I had to guess, I’d say most people in your clan enjoy being in your presence. You’re agreeable and happy most of the time. A sovereign who genuinely cares about his people generally puts them at ease.”

“Oh, shucks, Eden. I’m already yours, you don’t have to pull out the big guns.”

Turning in his arms, Eden frowned at him. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you didn’t answer my question. What happens to you if I die tomorrow during the change?”

“I can’t tell you that, Eden.” A disturbing thread of anger seeded his voice. “I won’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I refuse to interfere with your decision. My actions are mine. Whatever you chose, you bear no responsibility for how I react to it.”

“Influence my decision? And how would you do that? Nero, please answer me truthfully: what would happen to you?”

“What did Myko show you?”

Nero had guessed, then. He knew Myko’s ability enough to ask her what’d happened during their encounter. For some reason, that made her even more angry.

“He showed meyourdeath, Nero! I had to watch as you put a black dagger to your heart, weeping over my dead body.”

Nero became completely still, as if shock had cast him in stone.

His eyes, wide and unblinking, locked on hers. For a moment, the block between them opened, and she was assaulted with a feeling of betrayal before the wave of horror hit. Jerking away from her as though she’d slapped him, Nero glowered at the ground, the muscles in his forearms cording.

“Mates typically have the same reaction to Myko’s gift. It’s not uncommon.”

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