She takes me as my word, a testament to the length and strength of our friendship. “In that case, remove her feelings from the issue and tell me what you want.”
“I want her.” A simple and complicated as that.
“Then take her.”
“Ursa.”
“Malone.” She mimics my tone. “Darling, don’t try to tell me that you’re not capable of seducing her properly. You have never hesitated to take what you want; it’s something we’ve always had in common. You want Aurora? Take her.”
“I have been taking her,” I say drily. “Several times a day for the last few days.”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” Something rustles in the background, and I have the sudden image of Ursa in bed with her two submissives pressed against her on either side. A strange sensation hollows out the pit of my stomach, and I press my fist there. It almost feels like…longing.
“It’s not like you to act this uncertain.”
“No, it’s not.” I sigh. “It’s more than her. The situation back home is devolving, and it’s distracting me.” I’m foolish to expect a call from my sister. I know how Sabine Valley operates. She’ll figure her way out of this without my assistance. I have to believe that. I do believe that, despite the sliver of doubt that poisons every thought concerning my family.
“There’s very little you can do about that situation.”
“I know.” And I do. It doesn’t change the urge to try. Gods, I can’t decide if I’m going soft or if I’m truly that arrogant. Possibly a deadly combination of both. “Your advice leaves something to be desired.”
“I seem to remember a time when our situations were reversed and you laughed in my face, you bitch.” She says it fondly. “Allow me this moment of amusement at your expense.”
I snort. “Uh-huh. Is the moment over yet?”
“Yes.” Ursa laughs. “Honestly, though. Make her yours, Malone. Aurora is a treasure, and no one will take better care of her than you will. I know you enjoy your solitary life, but if she’s affecting you this much after a few days, isn’t it worth considering? I’d hate for you to let her go and spend the next few years moping and snapping at everyone around you. It’s tedious, darling.”
Typical Ursa. Kind and cruel, all wrapped up in a smooth package. I force myself to pause my instinctive denial and actually think about what she’s saying. Keep Aurora. Make her mine in truth. Haven’t I already been dancing around this idea? She’s right; it’s not like me to hesitate when it comes to claiming the things I want. The people I want. Aurora is the exception to the rule, but maybe it’s high time I get over myself. “I would hate to be tedious.”
“An unforgivable sin, truly.” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“Thank you, Ursa. Apparently I needed that shove.”
“Easy to have perspective from the outside.” The briefest pause. “If you do decide to do something about Sabine Valley, know that you have my support.”
For a moment, it truly tempts me. Between the two of us, we hold the majority of Carver City. We could bring enough manpower and force to snuff out the Paine brothers once and for all. But the cost of such a move is too high. We couldn’t guarantee the safety of my family members within their control. More, we’d effectively undermine the Amazons to the point where we would do more harm than good. “I truly appreciate the offer, but it’s unnecessary.”
“If you decide to change your mind, let me know,” she says breezily. “I always thought it’d be fun to go to war at your side.”
I smile. “You never do declarations of friendship halfway, do you, Ursa?”
“Why bother to do something if you’re not going to do it right?”
“Thank you. For everything.” I glance at my door. “I’ll consider your advice.”
“Good night, Malone.”
“’Night.” I hang up.
I’m too off-center to sleep yet, especially with Ursa’s advice circling my mind. She’s right; outside perspective is helpful at times. I didn’t need permission to decide this, but she has a way of cutting through the bullshit, right to the heart of things.
Deciding to make Aurora mine feels like a risk, and it’s been a very long time since I’ve braved a risk on that level. Maybe it should worry me, but all I feel is energized.
I want Aurora.
So I’m going to take her.16Aurora“You goddamn demon spawn.”
I stare at the ruined mess of a bed and curse harder. Apparently instead of leaving this room after we went to dinner, the cat decided to mark his territory by shredding the bedspread—and a pillow, if the feathers everywhere are any indication—and pissing all over everything.
I hold a hand to my nose. “What the actual fuck, you little shit?” I can’t sleep here. I can barely stand in the room without my eyes watering from the smell of cat urine.