Page 11 of All's Fair in Lion and War
“You never said where we were? What is this place?”
“We are in a cabin—”
“No, I mean. Where? What land are we in?”
“It is called Alaska.”
Her face went white. Whiter than the mounds of snow piling up outside from the blizzard. Her hand flew to her throat and she sucked in a hard breath.
“I want to go back home.”
“I know,” he said firmly. “Naomi will help.” There was nothing else to say. He could only hope that once he got her back to the Tribe that the women would help her feel more comfortable.
He wasn’t ready to reveal that her home was gone. That there was no way to go back to Reylea. That there was no Reylea to go back to.
“Naomi. YourVraka’smate?”
“Yes,” he answered. Whether he wanted to admit it was true or not, Fate had sent this female to him. She was glowing with thesoul call. She was his responsibility.
“So we wait for the storm to finish and then you’ll take me to your Tribe?” she asked, peering out the window at the swirling snow in the air.
“Yes.”
Relief flooded her face. “Thank you for helping me. You will be rewarded. My mate will be so grateful.”
Saul’s soul was torn by each sentence. He turned away from her so she wouldn’t be able to see his face.
She’d been through so much and yet, she still had more heartbreak to endure. Her memory was damaged. And when it returned…it would be devastating.
He didn’t turn around.
He couldn’t look at her. Not right now. Not at this second. “No matter what happens. I will always protect you.”
“What do you mean? What’s going to happen?”
“There are things you don’t know, female. I want you to know, you can trust me.”
“What things? You said you would help me.” Her voice rose to a shout. “Are you instead keeping me prisoner the same as Rivian?”
He whirled on her, a snarl on his lips. His fangs had descended. His lion pushed toward the surface. “I am nothing like that male. His treachery and cruelty know no bounds. His Tribe cost me everything. I will see them all burn for what they have done.”
She didn’t flinch. Not even a blink. “Then help me go home.”
“I cannot.” The words slipped out before he could stop them. He could feel the beginnings of a mate bond forming, small tendrils winding their way through his soul. “You’re mine.”
Her eyes widened and fear replaced her anger instantaneously.
Saul wanted to grab those two words and shove them back down his throat. He hadn’t meant to say that. But thesoul callwas so strong. So beautiful.
It’d been so long since he’d felt anything for a female. He’d resigned himself to a life alone and he was fine with that. He didn’t want her as his responsibility, but he also couldn’t let go of her. He knew he wouldn’t.
And she couldn’t go home. She just didn’t know it yet.
The magic was soothing to his broken heart. Her magick. Being in her presence calmed him. He’d never touch her without her permission. Never pressure her into anything.
She obviously didn’t want him. And she was so hurt and in so much pain. But he could care for her. Protect her.
She opened her mouth to speak. Her lips moved, but Saul didn’t hear anything. His eyes only saw her fangs drop and her eyes spark with gold.
