Become a part of me, as I become a part of you . . .
Sydney, flushed and damp, looked up at him with those big chocolate eyes. A coy smile curved her lips. I think you have.
He tried to clamp his jaw shut, keep the other words in.
In fact, I know you are, she murmured, moving with him. And I love it.
Damn, that wasnt helping his restraint. Caden picked up the pace, sliding inside her with more urgency. The desire and the need to speak the Call were gaining steam, colliding in his head, coiling together in his belly. The need swelled, more than pleasure, more than emotion. Belonging. A desire to claim.
The next words slipped out. Ever after, I promise
Before he could finish the sentence, Sydney moaned, tightening around him, her sex beginning to pulse in a way no man, wizard or otherwise, could resist.
I promise myself to thee.
With a guttural shout, ecstasy congealed deep inside him. He roared as pleasure shot through his body like a supernova.
Each day we share, I will be honest, good, and true. If this you seek, heed my call . . .
As he held her against him, the sense that she was meant for him clogged his throat, filled his chest. Frightening. Intense. Impossible.
Inevitable? Magic wasnt choosing a mate for him. It wasnt going to rule him or ruin her. Still, this felt like more than magic. Instinct aside, he liked her grit and determination, respected her intelligence. Her sassy mouth made him hard. If hed remained human and been choosing a wife, he suspected hed pursue Sydney to the ends of the earth.
Now, he couldnt think about that. He had another objective: to prevent her from transcasting. Once accomplished and Lucans life was fixed, hed be back in Texas with the Doomsday Brethren in his proverbial rearview mirror.
But what do I have to return to? Disturbed by the question, Caden withdrew, stood, righted his jeans, then looked at Sydney, all flushed and disheveled and gorgeous.
He found himself saying, I promise . . .
The Mating Call clogged his throat. Instead, he shook his head, then took a step back. I promise to do everything in my power to keep you from transcasting. And to protect you. I cant let you get more involved with magickind. Ill be watching.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A HALF HOUR LATER, Bram crashed through the back door. Tynan came next, with Marrok following behind, slapping him on the back and smiling. Just like that, the new bloke had been accepted. The lot of them looked smug.
Already on edge from his encounter with Sydney in the library, Caden stared, anger he didnt understand slicing through his gut. So Bram had found a new warrior with no battle experience or training. Caden crossed his arms over his chest. He wasnt one of the Doomsday Brethren, so he shouldnt care that Bram had chosen someone so untried. In fact, he should be thrilled that Bram had already added his replacement to the ranks. Or he would be, once his mood improved.
Olivia filed in next, then Sabelle, the wind tugging at her blond curls. Ice followed close behind, his green eyes glued to the gorgeous witch like he wanted to swallow her whole. She tossed a long glance over her shoulder, until Duke entered and shut the door behind him.
Behind Caden, Sydney marched down the stairs. When hed been changing into all black to resume his search for Anka, Sydney had gone upstairs, likely checked on Aquarius, and showered.
Now, she walked past him, a siren to his senses. He wanted her againand not just sexually. Being near her soothed and fired him at once.
Denying her and his feelings would be much easier if he didnt suspect that he loved every stubborn, passionate inch of her. So he could not continue this . . . thing with Sydney. He could only stop her plans to transcast before she entangled herself more deeply in magickind, keep his mouth shut and his trousers zipped.
At the moment, she was clearly avoiding him, hovering in the doorway to the library, never looking in his direction. Not that he was surprised. Hed seen the hurt on her face, and he hated himself for it. But he simply wasnt the crusader she was. Hed been burned by magic as a kid, suffered loss after loss as a Marine. Staying here, taking the chance to get close to hereveryone, reallyin the middle of this war was a recipe for insanity. He refused to drink the Kool-Aid.
Grasping her arm, he stopped her and murmured, Please drop this transcasting idea.
She yanked free of his grip and crossed her arms over her chest. Please stop hiding from me and yourself.
Direct never worked with Sydney. She gave as good as she got. Maybe another tactic. I know youre frustrated with me for many reasons. Im sorry. But you cant protect yourself during this war, and I dont want to see you hurt.
The uber-bitch façade dropped, and she looked at him as if he was ripping her heart out. Seeing her hold back tears was a pick axe to his chest.
I cant sit about and do nothing. If you cared for me at all, youd understand that.
Firecracker, its because I care that I cant let you, he said, voice low.
She arched an auburn brow at him. You never asked me what I wanted. What I was willing to risk? You assumed that, like you, I shouldnt risk anything. Youre not even being honest about why you wont permanently join Bram. So Im not surprised that you cant be honest with me about your feelings.
Before he could reply, Bram and the others spilled into the hallway. Caden bit his tongue, wanting to tell her there was so much she didnt understand. But even if she did, Sydney still wouldnt comprehend not diving in with total passion. Despite what had happened to Anka, she still insisted on doing what she believed was right. Hed known soldiers who prayed for such courage. She both amazed and terrified him.
Were going to brief Tynan on Mathiass attacks and any other relevant information. Joining us? Bram asked.
Caden shook his head. Im searching for Anka. My brother isnt improving, despite Sabelles efforts.
Bram hesitated. Yet.
Can you spare anyone to help me? He glanced over to Tynan, who was still wearing an eternal glower. Something inside him twinged when he saw how naturally the OShea bloke fit in with the others. Even after weeks, Caden almost always felt like an outsider. But Tynan had melded with the group after less than an hour. Or do you no longer need me now that you have someone new?
Bram frowned. We need every hand we can get. You and I have had our differences, but we share a common goal: doing whats best for Lucan.
As long as that doesnt interfere with your war.
Nodding, Bram didnt make any apologies. It cant. Will you stay and fight? Ill send the others out with you tonight, regardless. After that I have to devote all the resources I can to defeating Mathias if you wont remain.
They had planned the attack on Mathiass compound. As soon as Shock surfaced again, theyd finish their plans and implement. He didnt want to tie himself any closer to magic than necessary, but what if Anka had been recaptured? Could he let this opportunity pass?
Yes, he muttered.
Bram smiled. Until then.