Page 63 of Reign of the Beast

“I know, I know. We can’t do that. And I never really would. It’s just… fantasy. Another life, with options, without this dark cloud of despair, pain, and death hanging over us all.”

Stepping into him, I cupped his face in my hands, urging his gaze to mine as I spoke, “Death comes for all of us in time. But that time isn’t yet, Ryker.”

“How do you know?”

“We have just found one another, brought together by fate. Why on earth would it tear us from one another so soon? The logic doesn’t hold up well at all, now, does it?”

I saw my explanation impact him, my words taking hold. I strode onward, adding, “Let’s also not overlook the fact that you had the means to cure me of the affliction from that stake at just the right time. I refuse to believe that was just a coincidence. It was meant to be. I was meant to live. As are you. We won’t be taken from each other any time soon.” I stroked my thumbs over the rough stubble plaguing his jaw. “Regardless, though, we cannot live in fear of losing what we hold dear. If that were the case, then fear would rule our lives, and we’d never appreciate and revel in what we have in the here in and now. And, believe me, what we have is something I wish to revel in.”

Tears spilled down his cheeks.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

And then he sank against me.

I wrapped my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder. “Even when a problem seems insurmountable, you can find solace in unburdening yourself to another, sharing the load. It can offer a flicker of light even when all else had previously been steeped in darkness.”

A weak chuckle escaped him. “Professional persuader indeed.”

I smiled to myself.

“So, is this what has been weighing on you?”

“That and the pressure of holding everything together.”

“I see. Well, Mia’s magic has stabilized now, so the pressure will ease very soon.”

“If she can rise to the occasion, yeah.”

“She will.”

He pulled back a little to look up at me. “How can you be so sure?”

“Because there is no choice.”

He gave a nod. “True.”

“What can I do to ease things for you in the time being?”

“Bond with her.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “What?”

“Her connection with me was established years ago. She’s just strengthened hers with Jaxon. For the Covenant to work, the two of you need one as well. Soon, Lucian.”

“I will see to it.”

“You will? No hesitancy, no argument?”

“You forget that I am already fond of her and it has only grown since our forced proximity.”

“I’d suspected, but I wasn’t sure. You brought her up vividly during our dirty liaison in your office. You also gave her your blood without reservation to heal her after Draco’s attack on the pack lands, and I know you don’t take that lightly.” He eyed me pointedly. “Shedoesn’t know that about you, though.”

I nodded my understanding. “I will make it clear, however, the resistance to us connecting is on her end, Ryker. I can’t controlthat.”

“She’s just nervous, because you’re a hell of a sexually-intimidating force. But she’s gotten over that with Jaxon.”

“He is her mate. It took some light coaxing, but that was all.”

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