Bound by Forever (True Immortality 3)

Scenting them, Sakura turned her nose toward them. When Niamh’s stare connected with hers, she could have sworn she saw bolts of absolute hatred spark from Sakura’s eyes. But it was as if Niamh had almost imagined the look because Sakura appeared nothing but smugly pleased by their arrival.

Haruto stepped to the side as they drew to a halt in front of the alpha and her mate.

Sakura ignored Niamh, giving her entire attention to Kiyo. “You can keep a promise.”

Kiyo didn’t give her the satisfaction of an answer.

“Well.” The alpha gestured to the werewolf who was built similarly to the mammoth Fionn Mór. The male was at least six foot six and bursting at the seams of his T-shirt with muscle. “This is Emil König. He has come all the way from Berlin for our fight. Emil, meet Kiyo. He is your opponent for the evening.”

Emil gave Kiyo a nod of respect, which he returned.

“Your fight is the most anticipated and the most exclusive,” Sakura explained. “Only the wealthiest of our patrons have been allowed to place bets. Your arena is across the bridge”—she gestured to Niamh’s left—“in the smaller park. It will take place in thirty minutes. I hope that meets with both of your approval.”

While Emil and Kiyo agreed, Niamh couldn’t ignore the niggle in her gut. Since her pulse had been racing since leaving the hotel and butterflies had raged all day, it was hard to differentiate those feelings from what might be her sixth sense warning her of danger.

Feeling her anxiety, Kiyo shot her a questioning look.

I’m okay, she promised.

But she was highly alert.

“The mahoutsukai …” Sakura’s reference to her brought her attention back to the alpha. Sakura didn’t look at Niamh as she said, “Will remain here.”

“Not a chance,” Kiyo replied. “Niamh stays with me.”

“My fight, my rules.”

Daiki stepped up beside Sakura. “I see no harm in letting Kiyo’s mate stay with him.”

Sakura looked like she’d tasted something sour but gave an abrupt nod. “Fine.”

Daiki winked at Niamh.

Oh, he was enjoying holding this true-mate thing over Sakura way too much.

How awful, Niamh thought. To be stuck in a mating where there was nothing but unrequited feelings and resentment. Awful for Daiki. She couldn’t care less how Sakura felt. Especially as she wouldn’t stop staring at Kiyo like he was something she wanted very badly to own.

Possessiveness welled inside her, and Niamh took a deep breath to contain it.

At the feel of Kiyo’s hand on her lower back, she relaxed marginally and allowed him to guide her as they followed Sakura, Daiki, Haruto, and Emil through the park. Niamh couldn’t even enjoy the beauty of the arched wooden bridge that took them over a tranquil greenish-blue pond. The pathway beyond led through a cluster of trees and then out into another open park.

It was much smaller than the other. There was no boxing ring. Just a circle in the middle of the swanky, gold-plated dining chairs. Men in suits and women in glamorous gowns filled the smaller seating area. Waiters and waitresses carrying trays of canapés and champagne and whisky floated around Sakura’s wealthy patrons as they waited patiently for the main event.

Niamh’s searched for any sign of Astra.

“Take a moment,” Daiki said to them as Sakura wandered off to introduce her guests to Emil. “Drink, eat, and enjoy both while you can. Emil has not lost a fight in ten years. We are hoping he loses this one, but I am also hoping he breaks a bone or two before he does.” Daiki smacked Kiyo hard on the shoulder. With a dark laugh, he sauntered off after his mate.

Haruto hovered nearby, as if he’d been instructed not to let them out of his sight.

A wave of panic rose through Niamh and she turned into Kiyo, resting her hands on his chest. As she stared up into his beautiful eyes, an ominous sensation was quick on the heels of panic. For a moment, it felt like this might be the last time she ever saw him.

He gripped her elbows. “What is it?”

Not wanting to voice something out loud that might upset him before the fight, she shook her head at her own nonsense. Her anxiety was getting the better of her. “I know you can handle yourself … I just don’t like the thought of anyone hurting you.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be watching.” She then spoke telepathically. You’ll only hear my voice in your head if Astra or anyone else is approaching.

Kiyo nodded and gave her arms a gentle squeeze.

What Niamh really wanted to say … what she wanted to tell him was something he already knew, even though she’d never said the words.

She wanted to tell him she loved him.

Yet his head needed to be in the fight. Not on her.

And she didn’t want him to feel pressured to return the sentiment. He didn’t need to. For her, actions spoke so much louder than words. Anyone could tell you they loved you. But it was the showing of it that demonstrated its truth. And Kiyo had shown her that he loved her before he even knew it himself.