Page 87 of Guardians of the Assassins
Morgan turned toward Caedmon, opening her mouth to refuse him, wanting to keep him safe, but she couldn’t do it. He stared straight ahead, a muscle ticking in his jaw, waiting for her to refute him.
Deep in her soul, she feared denying him would wound him in a way that she might never be able to repair. “You heard Aoibh—if you go, you won’t be allowed to leave ever again.”
The back of her throat burned at the thought of never getting the chance to know her mate.
Of all the time they’d wasted because of fear.
“They’d have to catch us first.” A small smile curled the corner of his mouth, his expression both confident and cocky. “You forget just how old I am. I’m an ancient. I know secrets to Faerie that have been lost to time. Trust me.”
The dangerous, reckless glint in his eyes said that if she denied him, he would find a way to follow her anyway.
As much as it pained her, she couldn’t refuse his plea.
She very much feared she would need his help if she wanted to survive.
With a sigh, she conceded defeat. “Very well.”
Before Cashure could say anything, Atlas strode to her side, his shoulders brushing hers. “As her mate, I formally request to join her quest.”
“Her fate will be your own if you choose to accompany her,” Cashure warned, his brows furrowed in confusion as to why two fae would risk everything for a human.
“I understand.” Atlas tipped his head in acceptance.
“Say what?!” Morgan shrieked and whirled to glare at her two fae mates. “What the hell does he mean you will suffer the same fate?”
“Fae must abide by their own laws.” Caedmon didn’t look at anyone but her, his yellow eyes intense. “Since Atlas and I are fae, we can’t be denied our mate. They can’t reject our request to accompany you.”
Morgan licked at her suddenly dry lips. “If I’m found guilty, you?—”
“If the roles were reversed, you would risk everything for us.” Atlas tipped up her chin, a scowl on his face. “Why would you expect any less from us? Do you think we love you any less? The only chance for us to survive is to stay together. You said that. You will allow us to accompany you and keep you safe.”
He wasn’t asking.
And damned if she didn’t find the way he stood up to her sexy as fuck.
If she were honest with herself, she was grateful for the support. She didn’t want to go alone. And he was right—the only way they were going to survive was if they stuck together.
Placing her trust in her mates, Morgan conceded defeat. “Very well.”
His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he grabbed her arm, stepping over the wards before she had a chance to change her mind. Caedmon followed so closely behind that he could’ve been her shadow, the heat of him warming her back.
A furrow appeared between Cashure’s brows, as if unable to figure out why two renowned fae would risk their lives for her. He searched her face, his purple eyes troubled. Then he shook his head, turned away, and lifted his arms.
The air in front of them rippled, a tiny spark flared, then spun until it looked like a ring of fire. Morgan leaned forward and squinted when she saw shadows move inside the darkness. Her lower spine tingled with trepidation, everything inside her demanding that she run.
Before she could put thought into action, a shove sent her pitching forward, and she went stumbling through the portal headfirst.
Magic from the portal felt like razor blades scraping against her skin. It only lasted a second before she was flung out the other side. She pinwheeled to catch her balance, just managing to gain her footing when Atlas and Caedmon leapt through the portal and landed as gracefully as cats.
Bastards!
A glance showed the area was shrouded in darkness.
All she could see were hills and valleys and lots and lots of trees and vegetation. While it was similar to Earth, the resemblance ended there. Not willing to be distracted, she plopped her hands on her hips and waited for Cashure to appear, fearing she would strangle the bastard if her hands were free.
But no one else followed.
Her brows furrowed, and she shifted uncomfortably, taking a step toward the portal, when the gate folded in on itself and closed, leaving a circular cloud of smoke behind before the wind took that away too.
