Page 43 of Between Imminent Fates

With one last yearning look back at Key, Jax got into the Humvee with Barlowe and left. The moment he was out of sight, Zia leaned over conspiratorially and asked, “So, who’s the hottie?”

In an exceptionally mature move, Key stuck out her tongue. “Knock it off.”

“Yours, then?” A single ebony eyebrow rose. “Count me surprised, Key. You’ve rarely shown interest in any man.”

“Except yours.”

“And that was because I needed to feel jealousy in order to jumpstart my relationship with my mate,” Zia retorted as she lost her cheekiness. “Or so you explained later.”

Waving it off, Key turned back to the rest of the group. “Another part of the plan successfully completed with your help. We’re done here, but if you would, Remmus, may I have a word privately?”

Zia, Circe, and Lucius teleported away. Ava wandered off to leave them alone, although her gait betrayed tension at the idea her mate would be called to more danger.

“Remmus, a few days before we’re to meet theCitizenson the field of battle, you’ll hear a lie you must keep hidden,” Key explained. “Exposing the deceit would tip the odds in the enemy’s favor.”

His shoulders dropped, and he seemed to war with his own sense of honor, before he asked in a resigned tone: “Who am I covering for?”

“Your sovereign. Nina.”

Chapter Fifteen

Key

The sun shined brilliantlyacross the wooden path. Waves rose and receded beside the boardwalk, and lush green vegetation hemmed her in on the other side.

The visions had grown fewer and far between, but they repeated the same things over and over again. Death. Life. Defeat. Victory. Her own future was only shown with relation to others—something she’d grown accustomed to in the long years of her life.

Last night, she’d told Jax that they’d been successful in retrieving every single one of the non-rabid wolves at his facility. The lanky teenager had been the first—but certainly not the last. With great pride, she’d shared that the immortals at his facility had been in the best shape. Key knew it was his doing.

Then, she’d fallen asleep beside him on his couch. It wasn’t a new occurrence; Key had found sleeping beside him peaceful. As she had said her goodbyes, he’d asked her to come over earlier today, but hadn’t given a reason.

Jax was like a burning flame on a cold winter’s night: he drew her in and held her in thrall, promising comfort and relief from the elements. Even now, she felt a tug to return to him. A flurry of excitement lodged in her gut at the thought.

She gave in to the pull.

Moments later, her hand was posed to knock on his apartment door. Before she could follow through, it had been tugged open to reveal a surprised-looking werewolf.

“You’re here early.”

Her smile wavered slightly. “Surprisingly, everything I needed to accomplish today is already done. I thought I’d drop by to get a jumpstart on our evening.”

“I’m absolutely okay with that, but fair warning, all is not going according to plan for tonight.”

“Oh?” She looked around. “Where’s Zeus?”

“Enjoying his bone and comfortably settled in the bathroom. He tends to get slobber everywhere if I don’t make sure he’s contained.” Jax closed the door behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. In one fell swoop, he’d drawn her against his body. “I’m glad you’re here, Key.”

And then he kissed her.

Her gasp of surprise was swallowed by his claim. His mouth moved against hers, a sensual caress that was both sweet and utterly possessive. Drunk on the taste of him, she fisted her hands in her shirt, arching her back as the space disappeared between their bodies.

The faintest sliver of a smile curved Key’s lips when they eventually separated. “Your wolf. He’s looking at me again.”

“He’s infatuated with you. So am I.”

She looked away to hide the extent of her reaction. The kitchen was a mess. Every other time she’d come over, it’d been spotlessly clean.

“What’s all this for?”

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