Page 276 of Primal Bonds

He scowled, angry and a little hurt that she harbored even a tiny doubt. “She’s Jace’s niece, which makes her clan, even if she lives with your people for now. And her mom was a good friend. I’ll make sure Jace tells her.”

“That’s how Dion feels—that she’s clan. But Merry’s still worried. Look what happened to your clan when the night fae went after them.”

He stiffened. “That was different.”

“How?”

He hesitated, and then figured, why keep it a secret? “My uncle invited them in. The night fae didn’t cause the infighting—they just fed on it, did what they could to encourage it.”

“Oh. Is that why you—?” Her mouth snapped shut.

“Go ahead, ask.” His lips peeled in a toothy smile. “Is that why I killed him?”

She shook her head. “Sorry. Not my business.”

“That’s right. It’s not.” He blew out a breath. “Look, you said what you came to say. I appreciate it. I promise, Merry’s safe. If the night fae come for her, it won’t be because of anything my clan did. And if her grandfather dares to steal her, I’ll hunt him down myself.”

She nodded her thanks. “If it comes down to that, Rui would go into Hades itself for her.”

Which was only the truth. He studied her. “So why are you here?”

Even white teeth worried her lush lower lip. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I know you’re planning something against the night fae—and I want to help.”

He stilled. “And you know this—how?”

She moved a shoulder. “I get…hunches, that’s all. And besides, everyone knows there’s bad blood between you and the night fae. It doesn’t take a genius to guess you might be planning something.”

He prowled forward, erasing the space between them.

“Adric?” Her eyes widened, but she didn’t step back.

He inhaled slowly, filling his lungs with her scent—rain and fresh spring flowers. Without his volition, his hand shot out, closing around her fingers.

Her breath hitched. As he brought her hand toward his mouth, her eyes came up to meet his. Holding her gaze, he traced his lips down the soft underside of her wrist.

Heat arced between them. Electric. Fiery. Speeding up his heart, making his whole being contract with longing. It had always been like this, from the moment he’d first seen her six years ago at Dion and Cleia’s mate-bonding celebration.

She moistened plump red lips and he stifled a groan.

“One night,” he said, low and rough. “We’ll go somewhere out of town. No one has to know.”

Her jaw set. “Answer the question. Will you let me help?”

He leaned closer so their mouths were almost touching. “No. Fucking. Way.”

She growled and tried to wrench her hand from his. Then suddenly, she froze, her fingers gripping his as her eyes went black.

“No,” she rasped.

His scalp prickled. “Rosana?”

“The Darktime isn’t over,” she said in an eerie toneless voice. “The prince will destroy your clan from the inside out.”

A chill ran over his skin. She was a Seer.

He hadn’t known, and there wasn’t much he didn’t know about the do Rio family. They must keep her Gift a secret from everyone, even the rest of the clan.

“What do you See?” He gave her a little shake. “Tell me.”

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