Page 18 of King of Inferno

“Do you mind if I wear this?” she asks, lifting the shirt.

“If you don’t mind it swallowing you.”

Her eyes light up with lust as if I’m speaking of something else. Oh, yes, my little one will be a perfect match for me. I love to fuck, and knowing she will be able to take me at full force has me ready to burst from my pants.

“Lie down and go to sleep, Taylor. My restraint is only so strong. Besides, I’ve noticed you always look like you need rest.”

“I work a lot and I’m a part-time student. Everything is always so expensive.”

“You won’t have to worry about that anymore. I will take care of all your needs. Tell me, little mate, what are you studying?”

“I want to be a nurse. I like helping to heal people. It’s always felt right to me.”

I nod my head. A noble mate as well as gorgeous. I can sense that she is smart as well. It’s something I picked up on as I watched her at the diner.

I keep my back to her as she changes into my T-shirt and climbs beneath the covers. Everything in me wants to strip down and climb in with her.

“Bradan.”

I turn to look at her over my shoulder. “Yeah, baby girl?”

“I don’t think Ferg meant me any harm, but thank you. I was happy to see you.”

She yawns and her eyes close before I can answer. I love the sight of her in my bed. Our bed.

I have found my mate. I will no longer walk this earth alone. The gods have smiled upon me with favor.

I feel my ears lift with my smile. I will protect her with my being and every ounce of power I have. I already love her.

Taylor.

You Failed

“Why do you come to me empty-handed?” the bishop drawls as we walk into the sanctuary.

This is exactly what I expected. The team last night failed as well. He’s losing his patience with us all. However, I’m glad she got away.

I still don’t know what that was that attacked Ross and Byron, but it gave me a chance to slip away before I was turned to ash. That light … didn’t come from one of ours, but it felt like it could have.

“Bryon and Ross were attacked. I had to let her go to help them. We need all our assets. I will have another shot at retrieving the girl,” I say.

“And where were you, Edward? Were you not capable of helping your brothers?” The bishop asks as he glares at Edward.

I give Edward a side glance and shake my head slightly. That woman is not with child. She is not the one we need. I didn’t sign up to harm innocents. Neither did Edward.

“I was too far away. The plan was for me to wait on the other side of the parking lot. They were across the street, Your Grace. I wouldn’t have made it to them,” Edward says.

I close my eyes and release a relieved breath. There are a few of us who have been questioning what our true assignment is. We have been told the prophecy says we will restore the balance of the world with the child who lives through time and space.

I’m beginning to question it all. With each decade, each century that has passed, it feels like we’re hunting something else. Not balance and restoration for our kind, but vengeance.

“And the girl? You weren’t able to secure the girl while your brother helped the others?”

“The fire wielder appeared to take the girl with him. You told my ranking level not to engage the brothers if we came across them, Your Grace.”

The bishop snorts. “We need all our assets, you say? You can only be an asset if you have value. Name one among you who has shown value,” he bites out.

“Forgive us, Your Grace. I will count this failure as my own. It’s not on them,” I plead.

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