Page 101 of Primal Bonds

She wrapped an arm around Kyler and lifted her chin. “What do you mean, my energy is special?”

“Taking energy from a human like your brother is like drinking beer or a cheap wine. It serves if there’s nothing better. But your energy—it is like a fine champagne. I may even invite some of my friends to taste you.”

Her stomach lurched. “No,” she said fiercely. “I won’t let you. I’ll stop you like I did before.”

“Can you?” Tyrus raised a brow. “So that was you in the kitchen? I thought it was Jones.”

“It was me.” At least part of the time.

“Yes?” He rose to his feet. “Well, do your best, ma chère. I don’t think you’ll win. But it makes the game more amusing.”

The bedroom door opened. Evie’s heart surged—and then sank. It was a big, dark-skinned man she’d never seen before.

He eyed her coolly. “This is Jace’s human?”

“Yes.” Tyrus beckoned to Evie, and she found herself releasing Kyler and rising without intending to.

Panic skittered over her nerves. He was controlling her somehow, forcing her to walk the few feet between them.

A finger traced the curve of her jaw, lingered in the hollow of her neck. “I can set you free, but I need your promise that you’ll come quietly.”

Her chest jolted in and out. She couldn’t get enough oxygen in her lungs. Inside, she was screaming, but all she could do was stare at him mutely.

“Evie? Nod your head if you agree.”

She jerked her chin in assent, and he released her. Her breath shuddered in.

Tyrus stared down at her from his great height. “Do I have your promise?”

“Not Kyler,” she returned tightly. “Only me.”

“No.” Her brother’s harsh voice tore through the dark room. He had both hands on the wall, trying to bring himself to his feet.

She took a step toward him. “No, Kyler! Stay there—please.”

He shook his head and grimly continued, literally crawling up the wall.

“You’re bargaining with me, human?” Tyrus narrowed his eyes at her.

She set her shoulders. “Yes. I want your promise—just me, not my brother.”

He shrugged. “Done. It’s you I want, not him. Now do I have your promise?”

“Yes.”

“Say the words.”

“I promise to go with you if you leave Kyler here.”

“Agreed.” Tyrus smiled. A chill, victorious tilt of his lips. “Let’s go then.” He reached for her.

She took an involuntary step back, unable to help herself.

“Evie?” A soft, deadly question. “You’re not breaking your promise, are you?”

She swallowed dryly. Everyone knew you didn’t break a promise to a fae. It was the only way to hold them in check. If she broke her promise, who knew what Tyrus would do to Kyler?

“No,” she said between numb lips.

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