Page 72 of Magic & Secrets
“They don’t recognize the threat coming for them.”
“Mt. Elysium is toxic to most creatures,” Mali said and then blinked rapidly as if realizing I would be capable of living uponthe polluted land. “I want you to return to the Citadel. You will warn the Gathering and wait for your bevy.”
When I only eyed him defiantly, he pointed his clawed finger in my face and sneered, “You belong to the Gathering, not this Shifter. You will sacrifice your needs for the greater good, just as you were trained. Do you understand?”
Fighting the urge to slap away his hand, I replied, “No.”
“You’ve gone mad.”
As Mali spoke, Roque slammed against the heavy stone doors keeping us apart. The impact tore one from its hinges. The handle flew across the room, directly at Mali’s head. I casually caught it while frowning at the Elf.
Mali ignored my protective maneuver and kept his gaze on Roque panting at the door. My mate’s growl quieted at the sight of me.
“He’s in heat,” Mali said, staggering back when Roque stormed inside the room.
Roque’s gaze flashed left and right, searching for threats. He stopped in front of me and exhaled roughly.
“You’ve spoken alone for long enough.”
“You broke the door,” I said while patting his chest. “That seemed unnecessary.”
“Bane Shifters don’t knock.”
I smiled at his crazed reaction to my short absence. His scent quickly intoxicated me. I lost sight of Mali’s presence. My fingers lingered against Roque’s muscled chest. With my head swimming with desire, I ached to be alone with my mate.
Roque soaked in the heat between us before turning his gaze to Mali. “Go away.”
“Your behavior puts her in danger,” Mali insisted. “She should return home until this matter is dealt with.”
Roque shrugged his wide shoulders. “I will escort her there.”
“No.”
Roque took a step toward Mali, towering over the Elf. “You should watch your tone with me.”
Mali was rightfully afraid. Normally, Bane Shifters knew how to behave with authority figures. However, a Shifter in heat couldn’t think straight, and Roque only required a single second of uncontrolled fury to end the Elf’s life.
“If we could speak privately,” Mali said, regaining his composure in the face of a Bane Shifter in heat, “this matter would be easier to decipher. Unfortunately, you broke the door.”
I smiled at Roque. “Next time, you should knock. If I needed your help, you’d feel it.”
“I felt your fear,” Roque insisted and stepped closer until he was nearly on top of me. “This Elf is your enemy.”
“No.”
“He’s a threat to you. I should rip off his head.”
I was startled by my laughter. Pressing my hands against his chest, I waited until his gaze met mine.
“Don’t harm Mali. It is in his best interest to keep our secrets and help us.”
Roque’s expression turned dark. “He is the one who made you.”
Mali’s face went from passive to angry. Unleashing his disapproving scowl, the Elf sneered at me, “He knows what you are.”
Glancing at the broken door and the angry Elf, I told Roque, “You’re going to get me killed. Hush.”
“No one will harm you,” Roque said, seeming ready to lash out at Mali.
