Page 32 of Dead

He stood in the center of the room, staring between them. His lips were red and kiss-swollen. His breathing came rapidly, his lungs working hard to provide air to his lust-stricken body.

“I belong to no one!”

With a wave of his hand, the king disappeared.

Eilam stared at the space where the ruler had just stood a moment before looking at Noah.

“He’s close to breaking,” Noah said. “But you’re in no shape to push him.” Noah smiled. “Yet. Rest up.”

“How can I rest?” I have no idea where our mate just went.And how the hell do we get out of this place if the king doesn’t return?

Another thought slammed into Eilam. What if he’s in danger?

* * * *

Adriel kicked a shell from the sandy shore as he walked along the water’s edge. He’d wanted to put more distance between him and the two bear shifters, but he knew it was too dangerous to leave the security of his private realm. The best he could do was to get out of that room before he’d been forced to admit what they both apparently knew to be true.

His need for Eilam was too great. Now, coupled with his need for Noah that grew by the second, he felt his control slipping all the more. He’d nearly yielded moments before. Without the fear of Eilam’s injury preventing him from succumbing, he had nothing to quell the need.

Easier said than done.

His body ached for Noah’s touch. All he could think about was the shifter’s hands on him. All he could see was the three of them in that big bed, with him writhing between their large bodies.

If he wasn’t careful, they would claim him and they would control him forever more.

That can’t happen.

In his fear of losing Eilam, he’d been weak and considered surrender. Now that Eilam appeared whole, he needed to remember the reason why he couldn’t yield to the two bear shifters.

If the witch surrenders, Midnight will fall.

The last line of the old prophecy had repeated in his head each and every time he’d been ready to surrender. He couldn’t be the reason Midnight fell.

Adriel needed to focus on the mystery before them. He needed to save the city and those he cared about.

Had his own race truly colluded with the vampires to overthrow Midnight? Varian and Ralnur both knew the prophecy and had to realize they were playing with fire—if they were helping the vampires.

Ralnur had been like a father to him, after the passing of his own. Theral had died too soon, before Adriel had barely been out of adolescence. Had it not been for Ralnur, Midnight would’ve collapsed into chaos.

Without Ralnur, Adriel would’ve had no idea how to rule the city.

Did all of Midnight not matter to them? Siding with the vampires spelled the city’s doom.

Words his father had spoken many, many years ago whispered through his mind. Be wary of thieves and sycophants, child. They gather around the weak who hold power.

Adriel paused mid-step and considered those words.

Adriel had sought independence from Ralnur and wanted to prove he could rule on his own. That had made him drift away from his family and seek out his own court. Who had he gravitated to? He craved those in his inner circle who would entertain him. Those who made him laugh. Ralnur had been a voice of reason when he least wanted it.

He drank, made merry, and had taken many a man to his bed—before Eilam, of course.

He was weak.

He’d tempted the dark powers into Midnight by not taking his rule seriously enough. Ralnur and Eilam had been right. Had he listened? No.

Adriel needed to listen now. He needed to be strong. His reign was in jeopardy. The safety of millions rested on his shoulders. This was a pivotal moment—either he stood strong and faced his enemy, or he lost it all.

He stared out at the sea lapping at the beach for a moment, trying to seek inner strength.

Adriel needed to lead his soldiers into battle… not hide away. With the wave of a hand, he returned to Midnight, ready to lead the charge.

---