Page 231 of Primal Bonds

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t give up your dreams. Not for me.”

“But I want to. Those dreams mean nothing if I don’t have you.”

“Fane.” Lines formed between her brows. “This thing—it can’t go anywhere. You know that, right? Nothing has changed.”

Anger clogged his chest. Anger, and a touch of panic. “The hell it hasn’t. You felt the bond, same as me. Don’t try to tell me you didn’t.”

She looked at her bare toes.

“Go ahead,” he growled. “Tell me we’re not mates.”

“I can’t,” she said in a barely audible voice.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“You and me.” She shook her head. “I’m my brother’s second.”

“So? What, you took a vow of celibacy?”

That almost got a smile out of her. “No, but I can’t leave the clan. My brother needs me. The clan needs me. There are so few of us left after the Darktime.”

“We’ll figure it out.” He reached for her, but she took a step back.

“You don’t understand. Adric will never accept you. He can’t.”

He let his hands drop back to his sides. “Why the hell not? He accepted Evie, didn’t he?”

“She’s not under a geas. How could we trust you?” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but it just wouldn’t work.”

“Okay.” He dragged in a breath. Where was his so-called charm and negotiating ability when he needed it? But he couldn’t seem to leave it be. “Maybe you’re right. But after I serve out the geas?”

She stilled, her eyes searching his. “Are you asking me—?”

“To wait for me? Yeah.” He stepped closer and framed her face. “Don’t answer—not now. Just think about it, okay? I know it’s a lot to ask, but you felt the bond, too. I know you did.” He smoothed a thumb down the smooth butterscotch curve of her cheek.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her words with a finger. “Later. Somehow, I’ll come to you in Baltimore—or get word to you. I promise. Now come.” He took her hand. “We must be almost there.”

He was right. They turned a corner and there was the door to the north tower. It swung open and they stepped into the anteroom—and into a howling snowstorm that blew up out of nowhere, engulfing them in a blizzard of icy flakes.

“Bloody hell.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “I’m not leaving you here,” he shouted.

“You have to,” she yelled back. “I’ll be all right.”

The wind whirled around them like a mini-tornado, jerking Marjani from his grip. The next thing he knew, what felt like a giant hand slammed into his chest, shoving him toward the outer door.

“Jani.” He tried to reach her but for every step forward, he was forced two steps back. The door opened and he was thrust into the hall. He clung to the doorjamb, bellowing her name.

The dark-haired Irish fada appeared out of the swirling white ball. The wind died, leaving just a few stray flakes drifting down, and a sudden, unnerving silence.

“Welcome, Marjani.” The Irishwoman gave a dignified little bow. “I’m Jewel. The king has directed me to see to your needs.”

Fane tried to re-enter the tower, but couldn’t step over the threshold. Fury shook him.

“Damn you, Sindre,” he yelled. “Let me in, you bastard.”

Jewel clucked her tongue at him. “Don’t worry yourself, now. She’ll be fine. I’m to get her ready for dinner, that’s all.” She held out a hand to Marjani. “Come, alanna. You look like you could use a nice hot bath and a change of clothes. And perhaps a cup of tea?”

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