Page 100 of Moonmarked

“It’s too soon, Wildcat,” he said, pushing my hair behind my ear gently, analyzing my face with that tiny smile curling one side of his lips.

“I’m serious. He needs to know so he can stop whatever it is that he’s trying to do here.” Because Lyall was trying something. With that game he took us to and then asking me to be his date for the ball—he was definitely up to something, and I didn’t even need to know what it was. I just wanted him to stop.

“I know Lyall enough to believe that he’s either developing feelings for you or he’s figured out a way to…put you to use,” he said, and I flinched.

“Put me to use?!” I spit. “How about he just wants me to undo the life-binding? I’ll betthat’shis reason for playing nice with me.”

“No, that’s not it.” Rune leaned in to plan a kiss on my lips. Even though I was already starting to get pissed off, I didn’t move away. Obviously. His kisses were life.

“You don’t know that,” I muttered, my eyes on his lips that were stretching a little more now.

“Has he ever mentioned the life-bond to you since the day you told him you don’t want to do it?”

“I…” I thought for about a second. “Not really—but maybe he’s just giving me time.”

Rune grabbed my hands in his. “He’s planning something, and I don’t know what it is yet, but I know he won’t just let you go. Whatever his reason for doing this, for trying to claim you publicly like that?—”

“Wait, wait, hold on a minute—claim?!That word istoo much!”

“That’s what he tried to do, Wildcat.”

“No, no—you could be wrong. The people had no idea who he was—he wore a mask. They had no idea whoIwas, either and…”

“Plenty did, though.Enoughdid, and once he’s no longer pretending to be dead and comes clean with the court, everyone will know. He thinks ahead.”

Well, fuck.That did sound a lot like Lyall.

My eyes closed, and Rune put his fingers under my chin and raised it. “It’s okay, Wildcat. We’ll figure it out.”

“How?”

“The moment I make sure we have a clear, safe way back to the Neutral Lands, you will do the unbinding ceremony with him. I’ll take you away right after,” Rune said.

I looked into his wide, honest eyes. God, he was so beautiful it hurt.

“And you’re coming with me,” I said, gripping his shirt in my fists, just in case he thought about movingaway.

Rune put his hands over my fists and smiled. “I am. I’m never leaving your side again.”

My heart jumped. I slammed my lips to his so fast I even surprised myself. That was exactlywhat I’d needed to hear—exactly.

“For however long you can—we’ll stay on Earth.” That’s the way I’d planned it in my mind as well.

His hands were on my face. He held me there in front of him, our lips touching as we spoke. “As long as I can,” Rune confirmed.

Music to my ears. “And then we’ll come back.”

“Iwill come back when you’re safe,” he said, and my stomach twisted uncomfortably.

“Why don’t you go ahead and forget that right this second,” I told him. “Because I am never leaving your side again, either.”

Rune leaned back and looked at me. “Wildcat?—”

“That’s non-negotiable.” I cut him off, and I wasn’t going to let him even bring it up again. “Tell me what I can do to help, Rune. I can’t stay here for much longer—this place is driving me insane.”

Suddenly, his whole demeanor changed, and he sat up straighter. “Why? Did someone hurt you?”

Oh hell.“No, I…I just…” My voice trailed off and I couldn’t even help it.

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