Kindle Notes & Highlights
“He has great influence over her.” “Her fighting style is patterned after his.”
“I have no doubt about the extent of her feelings for me, nor does my wolf. “Their…partnership has benefitted them both so much that I can’t wonder if it is advantageous. I see the rewards.” “But he is not forthcoming?” “I have his oath, and more importantly, Theo has his loyalty. I do not worry about his influence.”
“When you are not given a choice, it becomes easier to accept,” I murmured, sharing that nugget of truth. “Do you think she would choose him over you?” Conal clearly disagreed. “By my asking her to choose, I would lose a piece of her,” I explained calmly. “When Theo accepts you into her heart, you are a part of her family. There is no discussion…it is the way it will always be.” I loved her for this. She loved fiercely and loyally.
I was shocked to see the large crowd. “I can’t believe so many came.” I stared out the window. “They are here for you, Seer. Novus felt his crimes deeply,” Issa said,
Is that a throne?” I asked him in horror. “I can’t.” “It is not.” Lore continued to apply gentle pressure to my arm as he led me to the seat. “It is from the Baroque period. When the Laird gifts you with a throne, it will be something befitting you.”
“This is what is left of the offender, Charles Burke, son of the Burke Packleader, enemy of the Lycan race, Rapist of the Seer, Theodora Morrissey.”
“I, Raider Black, Leader of the Novus Pack, servant of The Lady, Mate to Theodora Morrissey, have been bestowed the power by the Lycan Council to pass judgment upon this male.” He paused dramatically. “The decision was death.”
“The Lady used your body to avenge a crime against our race.”
“Won’t that give them more ammunition?” “Do not worry about that group.” We now had a mole within, and my most talented spies would be sticking around. There was nothing they couldn’t find out.
I still say Onyx is into something shady
I would never forget Theo that night. “You stopped,” she whispered as her eyes burned into mine. “You wanted to take everything, and I begged you to stop, and you did.” I reached for her, pulling her closer. “Even though your wolf was pushing for more, you stopped.” She wet her lips. “And it was then that I knew you loved me.”
“Me, scarring your skin, showed you that I loved you?” I lifted one eyebrow in question. “You, mastering your wolf and your…need, showed that you loved me more than your desires. These,” she looked down at her hip, “are the proof.”
“You watched everything?” I already knew the answer. “With the Laird and his Second.” I couldn’t meet his gaze, so I started to spin the plastic bottle in my hands. “You were glorious.” The way his voice caressed the word made it sound almost sexual. “I am proud to serve you, Theodora.”
Was that what it was like to be loved by their kind? So fierce and strong, and yet, this leader had shown time and time again that he put her needs first. He had been patient and caring during her recovery.
It occurred to me that it must be a terrible burden to be so alone. She was the only human held in high regard inside a Lycan Pack, the lover of the leader, and alone in her oneness. “I am honored to make your acquaintance.” “Bayla,” she gave a small snort, “not you, too.” I grinned briefly. “I will try to control myself.” “See that you do.” She giggled.
“Do you love him?” “Yes.” She slowly lifted her head. “He is a worthy male. He is a well-trained fighter, has a logical mind, and is patient.” “We can add handsome and charming when he chooses to be.” I gave her a small smile. “He is good at the sex.”
“There were so many times I needed your strength, and you gave me all you had, without question.”
“I have lived many years, Theo seen many things. The moment you entered my life, everything changed. I found myself wanting to be around you, to see you smile, hear your thoughts, and watch your eyes flash when you were angry and turn soft when you were pleased. I’m happiest when you are near.”
“You kept me going, even when I didn’t think I was capable of going on. You wouldn’t give up on me, on us.” “You were so brave. Always a warrior. I could do no less for you, my love.”
“See you later, Laird.” “Absolutely.” He patted my ass then glanced at Lore. “Don’t blow anything up, okay?” “Not this time.”
“I’d like your opinion on something I purchased.” “Of course.” Dear Lord, with Lore this could be anything from a new wine decanter to a rocket launcher.
“The Laird has not been shy about showing the world his love for you.”
“You do think I can do this?” “Of course. I think with the right planning, you can do most anything.” That made me snort in a very unladylike way. “I think you’re crazy.” He gave me a sideways look. “We shall see, my Queen.”
“He loves you. You are his life, and I know that you feel the same. It would be a travesty to your love and to our people for you to leave this world when you can stay on and enrich our lives. Plus, Black enjoys a fight. It keeps life interesting.”
“I thought with you never speaking about your relationship was because you thought that I was incapable of love.”
“She will be fine.” “I mean, if she starts to yell.” I trusted the male to a point, but I would not be with them. “Last night was the first time she ever raised her voice to me.” “I doubt that many have and…lived,” I added dryly. “I would never hurt the Seer,” his voice deepening, as if making a vow. I believed him.
Glass approached. “I have your gift ready.” “You’re supposed to wait until she is dressed,” Basil scolded her. “I find this boring. I want to check on the room and the guards.” Glass gave the Laird’s admin a withering look. “I understand,” I ventured into the fray. “I thank you for coming, and I’d love to see your gift.” “As you wish.” She flashed Basil a victorious glance.
“My duty tonight is to escort you to the ceremony.” “You’re giving me away?” I was somewhat surprised that Conal hadn’t wanted that role. Lore gave me one of his rare smiles. “The Laird has made it very clear you will come to him alone because it is your choice to do so.”
“Live well, Theodora. Love with your entire heart, and always remember, forgiveness is for fools.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t say ‘dead fools.’” He shrugged. “I thought it was implied.”
“And if I don’t?” He had the nerve to sit tall in his chair. Glass let out an exasperated sigh. “One of us will have to kill you for being insufferable, which might mean bloodshed, and you know how the Seer complains about the difficulty in cleaning those particular stains from the furniture.”
“Well, I don’t like it.” Onyx glowered. “Then, don’t come.” The matter was settled. He sputtered, “But I have to attend. What would it look like if I did not?” “It would look exactly like it is,” Tex grumbled. “You don’t support the ceremony, so you chose not to attend.”
“Well, Lore gets some of the credit for what I’ve decided.” He gave me a questioning look. “Should I be worried?” “No weapons of mass destruction,” I assured him. “That’s a relief,” he said, his tone dry.
“I want to save this dress because it’s a part of our history, Raid.” That caused my hands to pause. “Our history?” “I want to be with you forever, and I know that, as time passes, the memories sort of…fade. I want things I can look at to remind me of this time.”
“I meant that Asher and I would have sex. We have sex often. We like it.” Lycans were physical, and that this couple enjoyed one another didn’t surprise me at all. “I do not think that he would like the or-gee.”
“I would not like it if Asher touched another. I would cut off his hand.” She pulled a blade and began twisting it between her fingers. “And then I would gut the others.” She began to laugh, and my blood ran cold. Not because she frightened me. It was more like I was sure I’d have the exact same response. I was becoming more like them.
“He likes to show off.” He would be insufferable at some point, and I would want to punch him while admiring his showmanship.
“A Lycan that is mated is less volatile, not soft,” she gave me a hard stare. No doubt. I never forgot that they were predators. “They are less likely to pick fights because of the constant drive to be dominant.” “You’ve bagged your babe, so you know you’re dominant,” I teased her with a knowing wink. Issa leaned back into the cushions. “I certainly am.” She flashed a superior grin.
I hadn’t heard him approach, and yet, I wasn’t startled. He, too, would kill to protect me.
“I will leave you, my Queen.” He dropped to a knee. I laid my hand on his shoulder. “Be safe, Warrior.”
I knew of no way to fight back. How did you war with a Goddess?
Conal broke the silence with a question, “You would have fought him?” “No.” I slowly turned to him. “I would have ended him.” Conal studied me for a few beats, and then gave an approving nod.
“Be scared with me, Theo. I will protect you. I will listen, and I’ll stand by your side.”
“You shocked him with your viciousness.” Every Lycan had a different fighting style. My wolf went for maximum damage and didn’t mess around.
