Page 20 of Reign of the Beast

“Look, I know it’s because of me. You’re pissed that she hurt me. But I’m over it. I need you to be too.”

“I will spend some time with her when she returns.”

“Good,” he said, stroking my arm. “Thank you.” He yawned, then rubbed his eyes. “I guess we should roll out of bed finally, huh?”

“Why don’t you rest today? There have been very few quiet days like this since Draco returned. We should take advantage of it while we can.”

He frowned. “I can’t just—”

“You can and I beseech you to do just that.”

“Well, what about you?”

“I must continue with my search for those Guardians who scattered, following the blow Draco dealt us a couple of weeks ago. I am close to retrieving them all. Only half a dozen more still elude me.”

“I can help you with a spell that—”

“No.”

He jolted at the harshness of my tone.

I laid my hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I just want you to conserve your magic whenever possible.”

“I know you’re worried, but I can do this. Ineedto do this, to operate at this level. Everyone is counting on me. With Cornelius and Mia out of the picture, I’m the strongest magic-wielder remaining. No one else can do what I can.”

I took his hands and held them between us, drawing his gaze as I implored him, “I understand the predicament fully, Ryker. So, deal with those matters that require high-level magic, but delegate the rest. Like this tracking task which I am taking point on.”

He kissed my hands. “Okay, yeah. You’re right.”

“Good,” I said, releasing him and climbing out of bed. “Stay here and rest. When I return, we’ll—"

“Lucian,” he interrupted.

“Yes?”

“If you don’t put some clothes on in the next few seconds, there’s no way you’re going to be leaving here at all.”

I glanced down at myself.Oh. I’d forgotten I had slept naked. I laughed. “You’re insatiable.”

“You’re lucky I can keep up with the stamina of a vampire.” He clasped his hands behind his head, flashing me a self-satisfied grin, looking very pleased with himself. “What was it you said? I’m giving you a run for your money?”

Cocky bastard.“Yes. You most definitely are.” With a burst of speed, I snatched my black silk robe off the back of the door and covered myself. “Rest, my beloved.” I made my way to the ensuite bathroom, calling over my shoulder. “I will have my staff prepare a hearty breakfast for you when I leave.”

I was just about to step into the bathroom when I feltRyker’s pulse spike dramatically.

I spun on my heel as a curse escaped him, to find him hunched over in my bed, his hands slapped to his ears.

“Ryker!” I cried, speeding to his bedside. “What is it? What’s harming you?”

“Get… back,” he eked out.

I did as he asked.

A moment later, he brought his hands away from his ears. They were trembling with the effort as he held them before him, turning his palms upward. Green fire flared to life upon them. He brought them together and vibrant sparks erupted upon their contact, extinguishing in the next moment.

“Shit,” he breathed, as his pulse began calming, the pain that’d been etched into his features dissipating.

“What was that?” I asked.

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