Page 43 of Magic & Secrets
I took several chairs and lined them up, side by side, so he could sit at the table with me. Roque’s handsome face softened when he realized what I was doing.
“The stew smells good,” he said as I brought the pot to the table.
“It should cook for much longer to ensure the meat is tender, but I would prefer to finish eating before the Ghouls attack.”
“When that happens, you’ll remain in here. I can handle the Ghouls.”
“What about the larger beast and Witch?”
Roque lost his soft smile. “I have fought battalions of the finest warriors. I think I can handle whatever is hiding in the woods.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Roque’s temper flared before fizzling out before my eyes. He studied me for a long moment. His gaze roamed my body. With anyone else, I’d assume he was sizing up my weapons. With my mate, I suspected he was wondering what was hidden under my armor.
“Your concern is noted,” Roque finally replied and fiddled with a spoon.
I watched him struggle with the utensil. A century living as a beast made the dainty spoon more annoying than helpful.
Lifting my bowl, I sipped the broth. Roque noticed I wasn’t using a utensil and tossed his over his shoulder.
Roque slurped down a bowl of food before claiming more. “Is that all you want?”
“I don’t need to eat a lot.”
Nodding, Roque claimed the pot and started eating before it even cooled. “I fought with Elven warriors long ago. They ate like dainty birds. Humans, though, like to dig into a good meal.”
“So do Shifters, I see.”
Roque took a minute to realize I was teasing him. When he caught on, his alluring face lit up. He offered a smile capable of tearing out my heart.
My mate was within reach. I craved his touch. His voice soothed my fears. The power of our bond was unmistakable.
However, even if Roque accepted our mate bond, I couldn’t claim what I desired. He might be willing to share his life with a half-breed warrior. Once he learned my lineage, there would be no more smiles or curious questions. Roque would behave exactly as he was programmed to do.
Setting aside my bowl, I covered my face and broke into sobs. I missed my sisters. I didn’t know where to go next. Contacting the Gathering made the most sense, but that would mean leaving Roque.
“Don’t waste your hydration on tears, warrior,” Roque said as his wide hand patted my back. “Your sisters are safe with my packmates. Despite their poor showing earlier today, Koda and Delta are nearly indestructible killing machines.”
“I’m frightened,” I mumbled as my gaze locked onto his. “I feel as if I’ve lost my bearings in the world.”
Roque studied me. Of course, he couldn’t understand why I was so afraid. He was blind to his feelings for me. The Bane Shifters didn’t seem capable of thinking past their two skills—hunting and killing.
“I will protect you,” Roque said when he realized silence wouldn’t pacify my sobs.
“What if protecting me leaves you vulnerable?”
“I have lived a very long time while you’ve barely lived at all. Trust how I understand the world better than you do.”
Roque’s words made me feel worse.He didn’t understand anything!The world had changed while he was away. New threats were amassing armies and brandishing unpredictable magic. Roque was a weapon designed for the old world. That was why he couldn’t even see his enemy sitting right next to him.
I would die rather than harm Roque. Yet, if his kind learned about the New Armgard, they would feel compelled to wage war. The Gathering would then insist on the deaths of the Bane Shifters rather than losing their weapons. I might have sentenced my mate to death as soon as we met.
Despite my heavy heart, I was calmed by Roque’s proximity. We didn’t have much time left together. My heart wanted to soak up his intoxicating presence rather than fear what tomorrow would bring.
“Thank you for finding meat,” I blathered as I stared into his eyes.
Roque’s breathing shifted. He seemed overly aware of our proximity. Our gazes remained locked for a little too long.
