Page 102 of Bitten

“Caelian created me,” Kane murmured. “The thief has no right to demand I return.”

“You took his blood,” Ralnur cried. “You saw the vampire’s demand. The threat. Caelian thought you would die if he didn’t steal it. He was trying to save you. See it for yourself.”

Kane searched the memories… and saw the vampire… “I appreciate his concern for my welfare… but as you can see… I have no problem defending myself.” He squeezed Cannon’s throat a bit more.

Lub-dub, lub-dub…

“If you kill him and drink his blood, you will lose us both,” Ralnur cried. “Can you live with that and your bloodlust?”

Kane stared at the warlock… and then looked to his little thief.After a moment, he angrily shoved Cannon away, watching as the man fell limply to the stone floor.

Ralnur lifted his hand and took a few steps closer. “You must wear it.” Ralnur turned to the king—who freed it from Ralnur’s flesh with a wave of his hand. The warlock then turned and handed it to him. “Wear it.”

“Ralnur,” Caelian whispered. “What if…”

Ralnur turned to eye Caelian. As he turned, Kane ripped it from Ralnur’s fingers before he pitched it to Caelian. “You wanted it so badly, thief. So, take it.”

Kane watched as Caelian cringed and knelt to pick the amulet from the stone floor where it had fallen. He lifted it in his hands and walked closer.

“I don’t want it,” Caelian said. “Please… please take it. I beg you.”

Kane turned his back on them, his head lifting proudly. A war waged inside his mind… the love he already felt for his mates screamed inside his mind…

But the bloodlust…

It was winning…

* * * *

Freeflow…

Ralnur walked over to where Caelian stood, crestfallen. He took the amulet from Caelian’s hands, knowing he might be the only one who could get close enough to Kane to get it back on the dhampir.

“No, Ralnur,” Caelian pleaded. “What if it kills him?”

“You would prefer him like this? Either we try and put it back on him, or this is the mate we have,” Ralnur whispered.

Caelian shook his head, fear in his eyes.

Ralnur headed toward the bars. He turned to look at Adriel. “Let me in there with him. Let me use my magic. I can save him.”

Caelian grabbed his arm. “No. It’s too dangerous.”

“I have to,” Ralnur whispered. “I’m his mate. He won’t hurt me.” Not any more than I can stand. Kane turned to eye him, making him wonder if he was right or not.

Adriel still grasped the thick tome in his arms as he considered. After a moment, he nodded, and then turned to Noah and Eilam. “Let him do what he must do. I’ll create a barrier the vampire can’t get out of when you open the door.”

Once the spell was in place, Noah opened the cell door and ushered Ralnur in before slamming it closed. Ralnur turned back and saw Caelian had slipped in, too.

“What’re you doing?” Ralnur asked.

“Whatever I need to in order to keep you alive.”

Kane glared at them both, an eyebrow raised and his eyes gleaming red. He reached out and grabbed Ralnur, dragging him close. “See. You’ll never be able to stay away from me, my love.”

“You’re right. I likely will be drawn to you forever,” he said before showing Kane the amulet. “But there’s only one way I can ever love you.”

Kane knocked the gem away, and Ralnur heard it tinkling across the stone floor.

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