Dark Flame (Flame 3)

He didn’t approve of the species mixing like this. Life was hard enough in Five Bridges without becoming the brunt of anti-species hate.

He also thought the level of intimacy that kept expanding between them was a big mistake. “This isn’t right.”

Juliet searched his eyes. “I get it, Brannick.”

“You do?” He wasn’t sure he believed her.

She turned her gaze away from him as though remembering. “This feels like a kind of forced connection, something neither of us wants. Though it is reminding me of decisions I made when I set up house in Lotus Tree. I haven’t dated once during the four years I’ve lived in Five Bridges. I haven’t wanted to. Life here, in the world of the flame drugs, requires a different focus. Staying alive, for one thing. And helping others as needed, like Mary right now. Anything else is exactly as you’ve said. It isn’t right. Maybe that’s why dreamgliding worked for both of us. It wasn’t real. Not like this.”

He was grateful she understood and that they seemed to be on the same page. But it didn’t help much; her sincerity made her even more appealing. “I’m with you.”

She settled her hands on her hips. “All right then. So, you and I aren’t going to take this seriously, whatever this is.” She waved her hand back-and-forth between them. “Agreed?”

“Yes.”

She nodded briskly. “Good.” She glanced at Fergus and saw one of the warlocks land on the patio. “What are your new fae instincts telling you about the rest of our security detail? Should they come with us?”

He shook his head. “I don’t think so. You mentioned earlier that I could use my vampire cloak and disguise us while we moved, but an entire group could become problematic. Three of us, if needed, yes. Besides, I think they should stay here and continue to guard your home. I don’t want Roche anywhere near this property, whether you’re present or not.”

“I like the sound of that, especially since Roche is cozy with the dark covens in Elegance Territory. If he ever got his hands on any of my personal property, he might be able to have a witch conjure a dangerous spell against m

e.”

Brannick cringed at the thought. “I hadn’t even considered the possibility of a spellcaster being involved. Then we’re agreed, the rest of the security detail will remain in place.”

“Yes.”

“All right. Now, how about we have a chat with Fergus, then get over to the Fae Cathedral?”

~ ~ ~

Juliet inclined her head in agreement and gestured for Fergus to come in from the patio.

As Fergus drew close, he moved to stand on the other side of Brannick. She felt a strong wave of heat emanate from Fergus, very sexual in nature. She hadn’t been around a lot of shifters, but she’d heard about the alpha cycle that tended to force the men into a heavy mate-hunting period. Even she felt drawn to him, as though whatever natural musk he exuded called to all women.

Brannick turned toward her, scowling. What the hell is going on?

She felt her eyes go wide. Busted. Sorry. It’s something about Fergus. He’s very wolf right now.

Well, dial it down because your sudden interest in him is like a fire creeping over my skin.

She stared at Brannick, aware of just how little it would take for him to start brawling with the wolf.

She drew close and took Brannick’s hand. Some things, especially with a hot wolf hanging around, needed to be said aloud. “You’re my man, Brannick. For as long as this mission holds. I’m with you.” She avoided eye-contact with Fergus.

Brannick’s nostrils flared. She saw more than one emotion pass quickly over his face: Lust, pride, and of course fear of what they were sharing together. “You’re with me.”

He glanced at Fergus, who slowly dipped his chin in acknowledgment.

Brannick then explained to Fergus their current plan, but he didn’t let go of Juliet’s hand.

She knew it was important to sustain the connection for a few more minutes, to cement their relationship in front of the wolf, but the intimate connection with Brannick started having a powerful effect. Her knees suddenly weakened and desire tore through her. Had her statement of belonging to Brann somehow triggered something inside her? Whatever it was, it felt very alter in nature, not something a normal human would experience.

The fae weren’t big on traditional marriage, but those couples who grew committed to a relationship shared a powerful connection that enhanced an aura around each of them, especially when they were close. Her fae sage advisor, Agnes, had that kind of relationship with the man in her life. It had been unsettling at first to witness the faint silvery light that pulsed when they were near each other.

Agnes had also told her that the stronger the fae connection, the more powerful the sexual urge became, even at times overwhelming.

Right now, as she held Brannick’s hand, her need to be with him physically had her chest in a stranglehold. She could hardly breathe, and she ached all over again between her legs.