Page 92 of Bitten

Just after Kane knocked the gun from the guard’s hand, deflecting the blast. He roared and slid a claw along the guard’s neck before letting the man slide to the floor.

And then he spun to face the double doors holding him back from his mate. With a single thought, the doors flung open and he saw what was his.

Ralnur stood against the end of the bed, his face pale and eyes wide.

Kane walked into the bedroom that smelled strongly of Ralnur. He drew in the scent, mixed with Ralnur’s fear, and grew hard again. “I’ve found us a way out.”

Ralnur’s eyes narrowed. “What’s happened to you?”

“What should’ve happened years ago,” Kane murmured, walking closer.

Ralnur tried to back away, but the bed prevented him. He lifted a hand, as if that would be enough to stop him.

Kane chuckled. “You belong to me. You know you belong to me. Why fight it?”

“Why is there red in your eyes?” Ralnur asked, his gaze lowering. “The amulet… where is it?”

“Gone,” Kane whispered. “Now I can be who I was meant to be.”

“No,” Ralnur mumbled, shaking his head. “You need it.”

Kane moved quickly, knowing he likely was a blur to Ralnur. He was at the warlock’s side in a matter of seconds. Lifting his mate’s chin, he stared down into those lovely red eyes he’d made. “I once mourned the loss of your blue eyes,” he murmured. “No longer. You’re beautiful as you are, mate.”

He lowered his head, pressing his fangs into Ralnur’s throat.

And he drank, suckling the precious blood down.

He could feel the lust rising. He could feel the desire growing inside Ralnur. It spiked, and Ralnur’s body tensed. The flavor changed as Ralnur cried out, coming from the feel of his fangs dug deep.

The warlock trembled against him, a mix of fear and lust.

And he loved it.

When he licked the wound and sealed it shut, he sighed with satisfaction. “We’ll soon be one, my love.”

Ralnur fell against him, weakened. Kane drew his mate into his arms, lifting the male off the ground. And then headed for the door.

As soon as he stepped out, he felt a blast of magic to his chest.

It knocked Ralnur to the floor and him to his knees. Before he could rise, a shifter leapt at him—a huge bear. He fought the beast rolling around on the floor in a battle for dominance.

Finally, he kicked the bear away and rose to his feet. Another blast of magic slammed into him. The bear lifted a paw, his claws shimmering in the castle’s light.

“No!” came a scream.

Kane looked down and saw Ralnur stood between him and his enemies. Ralnur took the brunt of the king’s magic into him and kept the bear at bay.

Noah, Kane suddenly realized, recognizing the bear’s scent.

“Uncle?” the king screamed, his face a mask of confusion.

“He’s my sire… and I’m… I’m his mate,” Ralnur said. “Don’t kill him!”

The king’s eyes widened and fell on him. Kane hissed in anger.

“I don’t need a protector,” Kane whispered behind Ralnur. “I can fight my own battles, mate.”

Ralnur spun to face him. “Someone needs to protect you… apparently from yourself.”

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