Page 62 of Don't Tempt Me (Nora Jacobs 4)

I glance around, biting my lip when I realize Nick is staring at me looking more shocked than anyone else here. When our eyes meet, his face softens and he gives me a rare sincere smile instead of one of his playful smirks. We’re still looking at each other when Terrance’s rough voice rings out, “Anyone have any objections?”

All of my guys shake their heads, and it warms my heart.

“Very well.” Terrance nods, the gesture finalizing the discussion. Not that there was much of one. “I will extend the invitations.” He turns his serious face my way. “Don’t be offended, though, if any of them decline the invitation. Demons are not known for being the family sort, and Wulf has been a lone wolf for a long time. Not to mention, Nick may be too dominant. There aren’t many species more dominant than a troll, but dragons are at the top of the list.”

I look to Nick for confirmation. He nods apologetically. “Terrance is right. As much as I appreciate the offer, my dragon could never accept anything other than being head of a clan, and I’m not about to challenge Terrance for his title. Plus, my dragon’s a wild one, a real ornery bastard, which is why I’ve never joined one of the few dragon clans. I don’t take orders well.”

My heart falls a little, but I understand, and I’m not about to let him know I’m disappointed. He must see it anyway, because he pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head. “I might not be able to join the clan, but I was serious yesterday that my dragon has claimed you as kin. We’re family, Nora. I promise. And you’ll always have me at your back, partner.”

I swallow hard and squeeze Nick around the middle. “Thanks.”

When I let go, Nick throws his arm over my shoulder and smiles at my clan. “I can’t join you, but your clan has my respect and my protection. If you ever need me, I’m there.”

My men all nod solemnly, respecting the weight of that promise. I’m glad. Nick, whether he joins us officially or not, is still one of us.

Nick grins down at me. “Was there anything else?”

I wince. “Yeah. One last thing.” I meet all the curious gazes of my men. “Last night, when Nick brought me home, Henry was waiting just outside the wards.”

All of my guys jump to their feet, outraged. “I’ll take care of it,” Illren says, heading straight for the stairs.

I grab the back of his shirt and pull him back to stop him from leaving. “Hang on there, killer. Nobody needs to go after him. He never tried to touch me. He only wanted to help me.”

Illren takes advantage of my nearness and snakes his arm around my waist. He pulls me in front of him and holds my back to his front. “Are you sure, Mistress?” he murmurs against my ear.

I’m too tired to fight him, and to be honest, I don’t think I could pull away from him right now if I wanted to. He’s got this magnetism that draws me to him. Not that I’d admit that. I ignore his question. Ignore his grip on me, his nearness, as best I can and pretend he’s not holding me. “Henry knew about Mitchell. He knew I’d lost control of my power. He’s as worried as the rest of us that I’ll lose myself to my darkness.”

All of my men automatically try to argue that I won’t lose myself, but I hold up a hand, stopping them. “He had a possible solution that I think is worth a try.” I take a breath and pull myself free of Illren’s grip. I meet all of my men’s eyes as I steadily say, “He offered to compel me to not use my siren’s song.”

The room erupts into angry protests until Nick whistles loudly. I nod my thanks and then continue with my speech. “Of course I turned him down. I’m not letting that man near me. But his idea is a sound one.”

Parker steps forward. “Nora, I don’t think—”

I shake my head. “I have to do something. Whether you guys want to admit it or not, I have lost control of my siren a few times already, and each time I do, I am more tempted to give into my dark nature. One of these times, I will do something I regret. Possibly even hurt one of you. I could never live with myself if that happened.

“I won’t let Henry compel me. I don’t even want him to know I considered his idea. He doesn’t need to know if I make myself more vulnerable to him. But I do think it’s a good idea. At least a temporary solution to the problem.” I look at Parker. “If you would be willing, I’d like you to compel me.”

He stares at me a long time. “It will make you vulnerable.”

“No one has to know but us in this room.”

“I don’t like it,” Rook says.

“You weren’t there,” I say. “I lost control of myself during an interrogation. I hurt an unarmed man who was handcuffed to a table. I did it out of a need for vengeance and a desire to hurt him. I nearly killed him. And the only reason I didn’t was because Nick stopped me.” A shiver rocks me, and I wrap my arms around myself. “I don’t want to become a killer. And I don’t ever want to hurt any of you.”

“Nora,” Parker murmurs. He rubs his hands up and down my arms. “You’re not a killer.”

“Not yet.”

He pulls me against his chest, but I stay stiff in his arms. “Will you please do this? I know it will make me more vulnerable, but I have all of you to protect me. I trust you guys to keep me safe.”

Parker’s still holding me against his chest, so I miss all the looks being thrown around, but they must come to an agreement because Parker pulls back from me and runs his fingers through my hair as he makes eye contact with me and says, “You will not use your siren’s song on anyone unless your life is in danger.”

I accept his stipulation that I can still call on my song if my life is in danger. I’m grateful he thought of it. Admittedly, I hate the idea of being completely helpless against my enemies.

His command settles in my head like a weighted blanket being thrown over my brain. I know the compulsion has worked because my siren is angry. My power rises up in my body, kicking and screaming to be unleashed on the man who dared control it, but nothing happens. No matter how hard my siren rages inside me, I don’t use my power.

I wait a whole minute to make sure she won’t break free, and then I let out a big breath. “It worked. My siren is pissed, but she can’t hurt anyone.” I meet Parker’s eyes and can feel the sting of relief in my own. Parker looks uncomfortable, so I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his lips. “Thank you.”

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