Page 8 of A Bloodline Redeemed

“You can’t go back to Magea,” Zhong said, ever the voice of calm and reason.

River bristled a bit at that, releasing my hand and glancing between the three of us as if he was preparing for a fight.“Why not?You said I wasn’t a prisoner here.When you freed me from the SA.You said I could come and go as I wished.Am I under house arrest now?”

I shook my head.“Of course not.It’s just…”

“It’s a stupid risk, you idiot,” Aahil snapped.“You claim to possess some sort of reasoning abilities in that empty head of yours.Surely you cannot be that stupid.”

River stared at the jinn as if Aahil had just grown two heads.I fought a reflexive smile at his expression.I knew that feeling well.But by this point, I was no longer shocked by Aahil’s mood swings.I knew the little terror cared about people more than heeverwanted to let on.I wasn’t the least bit surprised he was being protective of River, not really.The shifter was one of us.No matter how angry the jinn might be at him right now.

The death threats from earlier were just part of the whole “Aahil Cares” package.My jinn was a complex creature.

“What Aahilmeansto say,” I said with a warning glance at the little jerk, “is that it’s too dangerous for you to go back to Magea right now.In case you hadn’t noticed, there is a murderous cultanda rouge government agency gunning for me and anyone who is associated with me.I’m sure they’ve noticed you joined us by now.And youjustsaid that powerful people want what you’ve got.We donotneed them capturing you and making you do their bidding.”

But the stubborn cat just pressed his lips together and shook his head.“I’m aware of the risk, but this is important.I’ll be quick.”His expression softened and he gave me a pleading look.“Bella sent me some of my things, yes, but it was just a few bare essentials.She didn’t send anything of sentimental value.There are things that I would like to have with me, since you aren’t throwing me out.”

I shook my head.He wanted to go back for some silly knickknacks?Ridiculous.

But I think we all knew I was going to cave eventually.I wasn’t prepared for the powerful puppy dog eyes the cat shifter was giving off.And hehadsaved my life.And been treated like crap in response.

“Fine,” I snapped.“I’ll make you a portal to your house.But you get five minutes, tops, before I send in someone with teleportation skills to drag your ass back ho—here.”Home.I had almost said back home.

Apparently, my possessive, protective impulses were just as inflamed as Aahil’s right now.River wasn’tmine.But I knew with sudden clarity that he belonged here, with us.Scrubbing a hand over my face, I stood and mentally prepared myself to make a stupid, shaky portal back to Magea for the stupid shifter.

“You might want to put on pants first,” I informed him flatly.

Aahil stood up beside me in one fluid motion, crossing his arms over his lean chest and looking down his nose at me, even though I was taller than him.“So, the mangey cat gets whatever he wants now?”

I arched a brow at him.“Like you’re one to talk, jinn.Have you evernotgotten your way?”

Zhong chuckled, a faint smile crossing his handsome face.“She’s right, Aahil.”Then he risked losing a hand, as he reached out and ruffled Aahil’s hair.“Or are you just jealous?Don’t worry, we still love you too, little one.”

Aahil gave him a glare that could melt solid stone.“Mortifying.I’ll remember this,” he promised darkly.

Zhong’s cheeks and the tips of his pointed ears went slightly pink, and he cleared his throat, turning away from the promise of retribution in Aahil’s gaze.

I smirked for a second, until reality caught up with me again and the pain washed the humor away.“Come on, cat,” I muttered.“Let’s go see how your luck magic holds up.”

Chapter 6

Dyre

IwrestledwithSunnyforcontrol.

I agree with you, you idiot,I silently seethed,but this isn’t the way to go about it.Hasumi justdiedfor fuck’s sake.And we haven’t properly explainedanythingto Elijah.He probably thinks we’re insane!

I got the distinct mental harrumph of displeasure the wraith sent my way, loud and clear.More talking?That is all you mortals ever want to do with your limited existence—waste ittalking.What is there to say?The angel is ours.We created him.It is our magic that gives him life.And he has already indicated that he wants us.I can taste the desire on his lips.We should be glorying in the physical delights a corporeal body makes possible.

I mentally rolled my eyes.It was quite the feat, trying to carry on an argument with my internal monster while a soft set of chiseled lips clung to mine and Elijah’s bright aura engulfed us.Sunny, I swear to fuck if you don’t back off right now, I’ll make our combined life a living hell.

A mental snort.You already do that, witch.With your stupid talking.And your pointless and incessantthinking.

Sunny!

Fine.But if you make our angel cry, I will take over permanently, witch.

I didn’t think it was an empty threat.But Sunnydidfinally give me back control of my damned body.I relaxed my grip on Elijah’s soft golden hair and reluctantly pulled back, putting some space between me and the glowing warmth of him.His bright blue eyes met mine, and he stared up at me in shock.And I could feel the tangled emotions coursing beneath the surface, thanks to the maker’s bond between us.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice coming out rough.I cleared my throat and grimaced.“Sunny got carried away.As usual.”

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