Page 127 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Then the floor appears beneath us, and we zoom into a room straight out of Tuscany, with walls like an autumn afternoon and drapes the color of wine, accented by a gleaming hardwood floor.

The only thing out of place is the snarling man secured by padded cuffs to all four corners of the bed. His dark hair has been pulled back, revealing a face that would normally be considered handsome. It’s so like Caden’s with high cheekbones, a wide mouth, and a sculpted jaw. But instead of the familiar vibrant blue, Lucan’s eyes are angry black pinpricks. No warmth or passion, as feral as a wild wolf’s.

Lucan snaps his unfocused gaze in our direction and roars, struggling against his bonds. The bed groans in protest. Surprise zaps me. I step back—way back.

“Losing Anka didthisto him?” I ask.

Sabelle nods solemnly.

I’ve never met Lucan, but I ache for him and the pain he is obviously enduring.

“Because she’s no longer mated to him? Doesn’t that release him? Or does he suffer because the break was against his will?”

“It doesn’t matter why the mating ends. Magic makes the ties between mates stronger than humans. Unlike divorce, there’s a magical connection that doesn’t simply disappear because the union is over.”

“Even under all his madness, he misses her?”

“Lucan doesn’t remember who he is, but he knows Anka at a core level. I can only give him energy by tricking him into believing I’m her. I use her soap and shampoo, wear her clothes, whatever I must.”

Under all that torment, Lucan waits for his one true love. And she might be gone forever. Tears well in my eyes.

“But if Anka is free of Mathias and she left Aquarius, why hasn’t she returned to Lucan?”

“She doesn’t remember him. Magic’s way of ensuring survival of the species, I suppose. She’s currently mateless and in need of a male with whom she can recharge her energy. If she remembered Lucan and suffered as he does, she would neverallow another to mount her and potentially impregnate her. Conceiving is possible but difficult if unmated. But if she had Lucan in her memory and heart, she’d likely never mate again.”

“Nor will Lucan.”

“Men who have been well mated usually emerge from their mate mourning with a strong yearning to mate again.”

“Usually? I hear uncertainty in your voice.”

Sabelle winces. “Lucan may be different. They were perfect together. So in love…”

I dare to glance at Lucan again. His gleaming chest and shoulders ripple with each strain against the restraints. His growl is a threat that sends shivers down my spine. His love must be powerful, indeed. And Sabelle has to trick him into bedding her?

“It’s the only way to keep him alive.”

Caden’s reluctance to mate makes sense now. He grips so tightly to his control. Lucan’s descent into madness because of magic would be the worst horror to a soldier with so much self-command.

I need to talk to him, if only to say that I understand. “Is Caden here?”

“I’m sure. He doesn’t know we’re here. Lucan long ago allowed Bram and me to visit without chiming in.” Sabelle hands me a little white rock. “I’m leaving, since Lucan’s energy is holding and I’m not needed. When you’re ready to return, just toss this stone in the air and say my name. I’ll return for you.” Sabelle hugs me. “But fair warning: given everything, Caden will be on edge.”

Caden

Behind me, I hear a shuffle and the clearing of a feminine throat. I twist around in the leather recliner, expecting to see Sabelle. The sight of Sydney punches me with a breathless rush of thrill and need.

I left her four bloody hours ago, and it feels like an eternity. I miss her with a frightening intensity, like a junkie craving his fix.

After settling Lucan into his room, I’ve done little except mindlessly stare at the telly and wish I could hear or smell or touch Sydney. No, I want to taste her, repercussions be damned.

Impossible. I have to get my desire under control so I can protect her. But my fucking energy is waning now that the battle and the adrenaline rush is over. As an unmated male, I could bed anyone—and must soon. In theory.

But I only want her.

Then my brain kicks in. Why is she here? Sabelle, I realize. And the only reason for the witch to visit is Lucan.

Anxiety buzzes in my blood, and I rein in the curse on the tip of my tongue. Sydney now knows far more about my objections. That fact softens her face.

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