Page 22 of When Ashes Fall

“And you didn’t think to get rid of it?”

“He’s my friend.”

“Until he bites you.”

“Gizzi would never do that to me! And there are far worse things in this world than his bite.”

Like losing you.

The thought swam up from the depths of my subconscious and hit me with the force of a cyclops’s punch. I didn’t want this woman… but I did.

Anger swelled forth, as well as a sad resignation. I could continue to claim she meant nothing to me, but I knew the truth. I was pretty sure everyone knew the truth.

She did matter, she would always matter, and the beast still recognized her as my mate. I glanced down the road to where the procession of riders had disappeared into the woods. My skin still crawled with memories of Marina and those assholes, but a new hunger was making its way through me.

My cock stirred as I drank in Briar. Somehow, she could make me forget about the casters and their bullshit.

This has got to stop!

She hadn’t noticed that I was semi-erect yet, but she would. When she did, she’d probably run. Not to mention, this riotous sway of emotions wasn’t good for anyone, but especially not her. An out-of-control beast was more lethal than the shadow dragon and the lowleeto; of that, I was certain.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Knox

“He’s a wild creature; you can’t trust him,” I stated.

“So are you,” she retorted.

“I’m far more feral than that creature.”

“I’ve no doubt.”

“And no, Briar, you shouldn’t trust me.”

Not alone; not around you.

“I never said I did,” she replied.

That stung more than I liked, but I ignored the comment as I studied the tiny creature. I should grab its scruff and break its neck. That would be the safest thing for all of us… especially her.

What if it did turn on her? From the way Petra made it sound, I couldn’t save her from its poison, but she truly cared for the thing, and it would devastate her to lose it.

Shit.

I ran a hand over the stubble covering my head. I should have done the right thing and throttled it, but instead I lowered my hand and tugged her along beside me when I resumed walking.

Killing it would be for the best, but I couldn’t do that to her. If it did bite her, I’d wrench it to pieces and hate myself forever for failing to protect her.

She’d hate me if I killed it. While a part of me wanted her to hate me so she’d keep her distance, the beast couldn’t tolerate the idea of it or the anguish that would fill her eyes and face.

This woman weakened me, and I abhorred it.

“What else did the elf ask?” I inquired.

Briar almost jogged to keep up with me as we strode toward the closed castle gates. “He asked about my Needing,” she panted.

My teeth ground together. “What concern is that of his?”