The Dark Ones (The Dark Ones Saga 1)

Slowly, I moved closer until I could hear his voice.

"I can't protect her if he comes." Drystan's voice was frantic. "I have a family, Ethan."

"He won't."

"He could bring them down on me and my family. You know he could, and I don't know how much time I have left with her — before she dies like the others. I don't want to spend that time worrying that a Dark One's going to kill me."

Ethan sighed heavily. "Trust me."

"I do. You know I do. It's her I don't trust."

What? That made no sense! I was a mere human!

"She's trustworthy," Ethan barked. "You dare insult my mate?"

"You dare bring in a marked one?"

"We've bonded — it's done."

"But it's not," Drystan argued. "Not unless she fully gives herself to you — you know that."

"She will."

Drystan swore. "How long do you have?"

Ethan's breathing picked up. "We have time."

"How much?"

"This is ridiculous. I'm an Elder."

"Ethan—"

"She's already chosen."

"No." Drystan's voice was distant. "She hasn't. Ice still flows through her veins. She may have said the words, but she isn't there, not yet, and until she is, he will continue to come for her."

I was listening so intently that I almost let out a yelp when Ethan called for me.

I grabbed the first two books I saw and ran around the corner to find him. He didn't seem on edge, but I knew he was. I could feel the distance building around his body again.

"What books did you choose?"

I looked down at the books in my hands and almost choked. "Um, you know what? I don't need any books today."

He rolled his eyes. "Give me the books, Genesis."

"I think I've changed my mind. I'm just going to go—"

He snatched them out of my hands and looked down. I knew the exact moment he'd read the titles.

Because he started shaking.

His eyes flashed black then green then black again as he looked at me, his fangs elongating.

I took a step back.

Drystan pretended to ignore us.