I rub the back of my neck, my fingers catching on the ribbon there as I do so. I hate to agree with the redcap, but… “Lorcan is right.”

I’ve yet to experience the grip of a female’s fever for myself, but from what I’ve heard, it’s irresistible. Especially if the female is your mate. The compulsion to fuck until she’s satisfied isn’t something that’s easily denied, and it inevitably tips us over to our more instinctive side.

Rutting into a virgin, without control… Goddess, Rose deserves better than that.

“Of course I’m right.” Lorcan blinks beside me, grinning as he threads an arm over my shoulders. “I knew we were going to be best buddies. Unseelie for the win!”

Using my forefinger and thumb, I lift his arm off and flick him away. “We are not buddies.” I turn to Jaro. “Danu chose him for her.” Seelie like to believe the Goddess has a plan for everything, so that should offer him some comfort.

He runs a hand through his beard and sighs. “Fine.”

Wolf settled, I turn my attention back to Bree. “You’re not ready.”

The way he flinches from every single touch—even hers to a lesser extent—hasn’t escaped my notice. He needs help, and if he doesn’t get it, her fever might just scar him beyond repair. There are healers who work with the mind in this city, and with our positions, finding the best one for him would be as simple as clicking our fingers.

I said the words as a statement, but he nods anyway. “I’m not worthy of her. When her fever hits, you can chain me up in iron. I’ll accept it.”

I’m not the only one whose brows rise at that one. “You’ll bloody yourself trying to get to her.”

“Beat me then. I won’t draw from her.” Said so simply, as if he has experience stopping himself from doing just that.

He probably does.

My fists clench on his behalf. “If she wants you there, and you wish to be as well, then there are healers who would help.”

He scoffs, his black cat ears drooping on top of his head.

Whatever, it’s not my job to fix him. I’ve made sure he knows the option is there. Whether he takes it or not is up to him.

“We need to get ready.” Jaro breaks the awkward silence which falls between us by shoving his chair back and getting to his feet.