Page 38 of Dead

“Together, we are stronger,” he murmured, holding Noah’s stare. He turned to the king. “Together.”

“No,” the king murmured, backing away. “Not together.”

Eilam sighed, dropping his hand. Months of denials were tearing him apart.

“You don’t understand… there’s a reason I can never surrender to you,” the king said.

Eilam met the male’s stare.

The king sighed. “If the witch surrenders, Midnight will fall…”

“You can’t think that old mumbo jumbo has anything to do with you surrendering to us,” Eilam said. “Surrendering the city is one thing… yielding to a lover is another.”

“Every king of Midnight before me has been the dominant lover. They were bound to other witches, men like themselves. They did not surrender. Now I have two strong bears and all I desire is to yield.” The king lowered his stare. “What if my surrender takes my focus away from where it needs to be? The vampires have been a threat since you arrived in Midnight… the two coincided.”

Eilam shook his head. “Coincidence.”

“My desire grows untenable, and I consider giving in… then suddenly, I’m attacked,” the king continued. “You’re nearly killed and it sends me running to save you both instead of standing up for my city. So, yes, I fear surrendering to you will bring Midnight’s downfall.”

Eilam looked away and captured Noah’s stare.

“I will return Noah to Midnight to lead his team. You’ll remain here another day, at the very least,” the king said, an invisible veil coming over his face. No emotion showed through it, leaving Eilam more confused than ever.

He had promised the king he would do everything in his power to protect the city. Walking away from his mate wasn’t a sacrifice he planned to make.

“I should be at your side, trying to protect Midnight,” Eilam stated.

The king ignored his comment. “I’ll return to check on you tonight and make sure you have all you need.”

With that, the warlock spun his hands and created another portal. The king entered it without another look to either of them. Noah stepped forward to follow, avoiding Eilam’s stare.

Eilam captured Noah’s arm and forced him to stop.

Noah turned to gaze at him.

“He’s ours… ours. Protect him.”

“Is he ours?” Noah asked, a frown etching his handsome face.

“Yes!” Eilam said.

Noah was silent. “I should go before the portal closes.”

Eilam released his hold on Noah, feeling like he’d just lost them both.

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