Season of the Witch (Claws Clause 2)

She had to say yes.

Hudson was dying. His chokes had turned into harsh gasps and low whimpers. There wasn’t much time left—

“Yes.”

The bastard Nightwalker was right. Shea did have a heart. And that heart was telling her that she’d sacrifice herself a hundred times over if she could save her brother.

And he knew it, too.

Julian Koenig, she realized, was probably the Nightwalker king for a reason. He was cruel and capricious.

She would never allow herself to forget that.

With a triumphant grin, he turned turned to look at the blonde female vampire before glancing over Shea’s head.

“Alexis. Rafe. You’re my witnesses.”

The female vamp nodded begrudgingly. Rafe must have, too, because Shea’s whole body gave a jolt as he shifted.

“So it’s done.” Julian waved his hand royally. “The witch has pledged herself to me. Release your queen. I really am interested to see what my betrothed can do.”

The matter resolved—Julian receiving what he wanted—he turned his back on her, heading toward his throne as Rafe finally let her go.

Shea threw herself at the floor, praying to the Goddess that she still had time.

As soon as she pressed her fingers to Hudson’s clammy, colorless cheeks, Shea could tell that the healing would take. She let out a relieved exhale before pouring a little bit more energy into it, just to be sure.

Within seconds, the gash in Hudson’s throat was closed up. He gained some of his color back. His breathing settled into something close to normal.

Shea pulled back before she tapped herself out.

“Very impressive,” remarked Julian. While he lounged in his throne again, he’d been stroking himself over his pants, watching as she put everything she had into healing her brother. Patting the noticeable bulge one last time, he gestured for her to stand. “Get up, darling. You must learn a queen’s place is never on the floor.”

She had half a mind to snap—now that she knew Hudson would be okay—that she might have made a promise, but she would never be his queen, that he could shove his commands up his ass for all she cared.

She opened her mouth, then immediately remembered how quick Julian was to turn on her brother. What if he did that again? Or he lashed out at her? She didn’t think she had enough strength for another healing.

Closing her mouth, she shakily climbed to her feet.

Once she was standing, Julian ordered, “Come here and give me your hand.”

Shea went still.

What?

Give him her hand?

No.

The vamp nearly killed Hudson, then blackmailed her into agreeing to be his betrothed—his vampire’s bride.

Now he wanted to touch her with the same fingers that had playfully rubbed his dick while her brother was bleeding out?

Hudson…

He panted at her feet, the shock of the attack and Shea’s healing leaving him as weak as a kitten. Still, her brother managed to reach out a shaky hand, tapping the back of her bare ankle.

She glanced down at him.