Page 134 of Primal Bonds

“And the night fae would just keep you to feed on,” said Jace.

Goosebumps popped up on Evie’s arms. She rubbed her hands over them, and instantly, Jace was behind her again, caressing her shoulders.

“That’s what Tyrus told me,” she said. “That he liked to feed on other fae.”

“He didn’t realize you were an amplifier?” Fane asked sharply.

“No.”

“Thank the gods. Whatever happens, the night fae can’t know. They won’t hesitate to feed from a mixed-blood. They lump us with the humans and fada,” he added with a twist of his lips.

“They’d have to get past me first,” Jace growled.

Her father nodded. “Perhaps it’s not a bad thing you two mated, then.”

Jace folded his arms over his chest. “I take care of the ones I love, fae. Can you say the same?”

“It’s fair that you ask, which brings me to the reason I’m here.” Fane produced a silver-and-gold pendant suspended from a leather cord and handed it to Evie.

She turned it over in her hands. It was clearly fae made—an intricately crafted cutout of a gold sun cupped by a silver half-moon.

“Fire and ice,” her dad murmured. “Sun and moon. A protection charm made by one of the best spellcasters I know. Together, the sun and moon will reflect into the eyes of anyone who might come looking for you, blinding them to your fae nature. Put it on.”

Evie’s vision blurred. “Thank you.” She swallowed over the lump in her throat and slipped it over her head.

Fane shrugged. “I’m a terrible father, but I’ll be damned if one of those night fae bastards comes after my only daughter again.”

Evie touched the pendant. It was so light she could barely feel it, and yet it hummed with power. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“Think of me when you wear it—and if I were you, I’d wear it everywhere, even to bed.”

She nodded. “I will.”

Fane rose to his feet and extended a hand to Jace. “Peace to you and yours, Jace Jones.”

Jace’s eyes flashed a predatory green, and Evie knew he was wondering how Fane knew his full name. But he shook the proffered hand. “Peace to you and yours…and thanks for the charm.”

Evie stood up as well. “You don’t have to run off. I can make you lunch. I—”

“Thank you, but I should go. I’m not supposed to be here as it is.”

She felt a hint of the old hurt, but it was muted. She rose on her toes to kiss Fane’s cheek. “You’re welcome anytime.”

“I know.” He squeezed her shoulders. “You’ll be moving to Baltimore?”

“I’m not sure,” she said with a glance at Jace, who said, “For the summer at least.” He gave Fane the address.

Her father gave her a last hug and then nodded at Jace. “You’ll keep her safe.” It wasn’t a question.

“Like you care,” Kyler muttered, but Jace slung an arm around Evie’s shoulder.

“She’s my mate,” he said simply.

Fane nodded. “As for you—” He turned to Kyler, who raised his chin.

“What?”

“That mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble someday. But you’re loyal. Evie’s lucky to have you.” He tossed something glittery into the air.

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