Page 262 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

Less than welcoming.

To put it nicely.

He’d been a broody little storm cloud ever since.

It was one thing to know that human delegates were resistant to allying with the same creatures poised to wreak havoc on the world—or to know a hierarchy was choosing to stay neutral, or simply refusing to respond. But it was another thing entirely to be turned away when all you were asking for was help healing the wounded.

Alec hesitated halfway through the doorway, popping his head back out. “Where are you two off to?”

“Concert in Manhattan,” I said brightly, hoping the reminder might lift August’s mood. “There’s a pianist he loves performing with a ballet. The whole theater’s lit by candlelight, with aerial artists suspended over the stage—it should be magnificent.”

“Hmm.”

“What?” August asked flatly. Almost…irritable.

“Nothing. Just. You’ve been going on a lot of outings lately.”

“Got a problem with being a patron of the arts?”

“Of course not. But, I mean…didn’t you hit up a hockey game the other day? And literally go to Italy the next?”

“Got. A point?” August growled, snapping his book shut and pinning Alec with a look that told anyone with two brain cells to shut up. “Some of us actually believe in romancing our women, Alec. She’s endured more lives with me than anyone should have to—she deserves to enjoy whatever the hell she wants.”

“I wouldn’t call them enduring you,” I muttered, half affronted, half touched. “You’re the love of my lives.”

His expression softened instantly, those agonizing eyes revealing far too much as he stepped toward me. “And you’re mine. In every encore.”

Nodding, I leaned in, resting my forehead against his and drinking in his heat. “Come on,” I whispered. “You always love me in that little sparkly dress.”

“I do,” he said, brushing a kiss across my brow and jerking his chin toward the door. I turned to lead us out through the bustling farmhouse, but I could still feel Alec’s gaze boring into the back of my head. His walls had slammed up—hard and sharp like stone—and my stomach twisted.

August

Sam

Hey, bro. Missing you.

August

Miss you too.

James

Sure, when it’s you, he’ll answer.

August

Sorry, been busy.

Sam

You at fault for the weather anomalies?

August

I plead the fifth.

Sam