Page 75 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Godsdamn Cienna and her Seer abilities.

At least they could find Katya some new clothing while they were here.

They turned off the main road, ducking into a small shop a few minutes later. It was tucked into a back alleyway, but Axel knew the owner. Ringing the small bell on the counter, he waited. His fingers flexing around Kat’s hand still tucked into his own. A moment later, a Fae appeared. He was shorter and more than a little stocky, but he bowed when he saw Axel.

“My Lord,” he said.

Axel didn’t miss the mocking jeer in his words. “Samson,” he greeted. “Any way I could learn where Turner is?”

Samson stood upright, his fingers tapping on the counter he stood behind. “Always for the right price.”

“Name it.”

Axel heard the small gasp that came from Kat when Samson named a sum that was far too high for the information, but he was too desperate to care. He sealed the deal with a Bargain Mark he’d make good on as soon as he could transfer the funds, and they were back out on the side roads again in minutes.

“Axel,” Katya said, already sounding breathless. “You need to slow down.”

“Just keep up,” he said again. He still didn’t trust himself enough to look at her.

“I know you didn’t want me to come with you,” she insisted, tugging at his hand. “But I used a lot of power in that training pit and then in the fight.”

“You think I don’t know that?” he said, rounding another corner.

“I don’t think you do,” she spat, the fire in her veins ringing in her voice and pulling Axel to a sudden stop.

He finally turned to look at her, a little shocked at the way she’d spoken to him. Then his eyes went wide. Her warm skin had paled, making the flush on her cheeks stand out vividly.There was a sheen of sweat on her brow, and she looked utterly exhausted.

He took a step towards her as he asked, “Are you all right?”

“Am I all right?” she repeated, that flush flaring for a different reason now. She was angry. Axel could almost feel the anger radiating off of her. “No, I am not ‘all right,’ Axel. That was the most I have used my power at one time. I have had no time to rest afterwards, let alone let any of the magic even begin to replenish. Then you make me all but run to keep up with your long strides. In case you are unaware, Fae need food and rest to replenish their reserves, not blood like the Legacy. By Anala, you truly are a rude fuck, you know that?”

He was staring at her as she finished her little tirade, her hand still clutched in his own. As if suddenly realizing what she’d done, she looked at the ground, digging the toe of her boot into the dust covered road. But she didn’t apologize, didn’t even attempt it, and for a reason he would never be able to explain, he had her pressed against the side of a building in his next breath. Because now he wasn’t thinking about where he was going to find blood, although the thought of taking it directly from her crossed his mind as his lips hovered above hers.

“I’m going to kiss you,” he said, his voice so low and rough he didn’t recognize it.

Her eyes widened again. “Why would you do that?”

“Because you yelled at me.”

“So that means you need to kiss me? That makes no sense,” she said, shaking her head slightly.

“I know,” he answered. His other hand was on her hip and his hold tightened. “So many things don’t make sense. Too many things. It’s utter madness. May as well fall into it.”

“You’re…” she trailed off, the look on her face telling him just how mad she thought he was.

But he was mad. Distraught with the need for blood. For the taste of her lips. For both. He didn’t know, and it was all so godsdamn confusing. There was absolutely no logical reason for him to have her pressed up against a wall on a side street in the Underground. Fuck, she shouldn’t evenbein the Underground. This place was far too dark and depraved for someone like her.

Hewas far too dark and depraved for someone like her.

And yet the depravity made him not give a single fuck.

“Please let me kiss you,” he murmured, his focus entirely on her mouth as her tongue darted over her bottom lip in her nervousness.

“I can’t stop you.”

“Of course you can, kitten. Say the word.”

“That doesn’t do anything.”

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