Page 65 of Bound
Ruin and Tanner pant feet away, their clothes singed and their skin reddened from the heat. But even as I watch, Ruin flits in, his fist meeting Gage’s side in a punch that should send him sprawling.
The force of the blow barely makes him budge. But Gage’s head raises and his eyes glow like beacons. He lifts a hand wreathed in fire.
Horan and Caine speed across the grass. Caine’s hands weave and crimson energy lashes out like a whip to wrap around Gage’s arm. He yanks back.
“Grab him,” the demon calls in a strained voice.
Horan leaps in and snares his arms around Gage’s torso, holding him despite the fire rolling outward in rhythmic waves. The sound that leaves Gage is inhuman.
Angry.
The fallen angel jumps back with a grunt, his shirt smoldering and falling to the ground in burning bits. “I can’t. He’s burning too hot.”
Gage turns his head, searing Caine in place. The demon’s eyes widen a moment before Gage pulls on the crimson line holding him. Caine flies through the air to land in a heap near the wall. He caves inward, gasping.
Nisha and Tanner break across the space. Both shifters are blurs of claws and long teeth.
“No!” I scream. Nisha slides in the grass, her tawny head turning toward me. “Don’t touch him.”
Ruin looks at me and nods. They both go still.
“Ruin. You can’t let her—” Horan’s voice is like a cannon.
“Shut it, Horan. Her power may take enough of his so we can subdue him.” Ruin’s tone is tired. “I should’ve never suggested we fight him when he was this fucking pissed.” His gold gaze fades to dull black as he looks at me. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Careful to keep my heart steady, I let my feet carry me over the distance.
Gage remains wreathed in his power. But there is no one home in that too bright gaze.
It has been years since one of the Fae was strong enough to fall into one of the fabled battle rages. And yet, he is.
I expect fear. Concern.
But as I near him, there is only the warmth of his fire. The gentle tickle as it dances over my bare feet, up my calves. Along my thighs.
I gasp as it delves between my legs in a caress.
Gage’s head turns, his focus shifting to me.
My hands raise, slowly. I take another step. His strong frame tenses. “Are you doing that with your fire on purpose?” I ask, voice low.
His head cants.
“I don’t mind. But we are surrounded by people.” I try to smile but wind up sighing instead as his fire smoothes over my hips. “Gods, at your control.” My eyes dart over his face. “Your power.”
My hands lay over his chest. “You could have ruled the White Tower, couldn’t you?”
No response, but his attention remains riveted on me. There is no further outward spread of his fire, but no lull either. Biting my lip, I slip my arms up his chest and around his neck. Even on the tips of my toes, it’s hard to reach him.
I snort. “How are you so tall?”
Something warm presses into my backside and I’m lifted several inches, putting me level with his slack features. I blink.
How—
“Gage?” I ask, gripping his face. “Can you hear me?”
The carved lines of his expression never move, and his emerald eyes are focused on something only he can see.
