easily complete the permanent connection between us. I knew she wanted it as much as I did.
Then, J.C.’s words thundered through me, making me hesitate.
They knew. The Ring knew exactly what Phaedra was to me.
My fated mate. My strength. But also my weakness.
If I had any hope of discovering the truth about my father, I couldn’t risk giving them a weapon to use against me. If I couldn’t keep her safe, it would ruin me.
I’d heard the stories. Hell, I’d seen some Alphas it had happened to. The Ring would capture their mates and torture them to get shifters to do their bidding. Just the thought of it made my wolf stir.
Before I took that final step with Phaedra, I needed a plan to get us both the hell out of here.
“Archer,” she whispered. I felt her push through the hazy layers of sleep to find her way back to me.
Her eyelids fluttered. I still had my hand between her thighs.
“Oh,” she gasped.
“God,” I said. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
“I could say the same about you,” she smiled. “What time is it? How long have I been out?”
“It’s just past noon,” I answered. “You should go back to sleep. Lie low. I need to get to work.”
She rose, leaning on her elbows. “I suppose I do too. After last night, J.C. will probably want me front and center when the club opens.”
A growl escaped me. “I don’t want you anywhere near that floor. Not tonight. Not ever.”
“I can take care of myself,” she said. “And this is what I’m here for. I’m J.C.’s crown jewel, remember?”
“You’re mine!” My words burst out of me. The beast rumbled through me.
She touched my face, trying to settle me. There was only one thing that could. Phaedra’s body responded before her brain did. She spread her legs and reached for me. My urge to mark her, to bite her, nearly overpowered me.
Yes. It would make her a target. It would make me vulnerable. At the same time, it could tell me what I needed to know more than anything.
Was she lying? Was she really here to fight for her coven and do damage to the Ring’s hold in northern California? Or had J.C. procured her just for me? I couldn’t shake the things I’d overheard. They knew. The Ring knew. And whatever J.C. was up to, Phaedra was part of it, unwittingly or not.
But at that moment, none of it mattered. Just the thought of anyone seeing this woman dance like she could…
No.
“On your knees,” I commanded, letting my primal need take over. Hers rose to match it. Phaedra let out a groan of pleasure as she did as she was told.
I didn’t make love to her this time. I claimed her again as much as I would dare. I put one hand around her waist, the other on her left breast as she went on all fours, and I plunged inside of her.
She came almost instantly. God, she soaked me.
“Remember,” I said.
“Yes,” she answered. “I’m yours, Archer.”
I couldn’t have her down there on the dancefloor tonight. Or ever. With every thrust, I felt like maybe I could fuck some sense into her. I couldn’t guarantee her safety with the fae around.
I came quick. I came hard. Phaedra dropped her head, exposing her neck. Her pulse throbbed there. Somehow, I managed to restrain myself. I pulled out, and the pain of leaving her unmarked felt like a gut punch. My vision wavered.
Phaedra stayed in position for a moment. Her legs trembled, her sweat making her glow. Then, slowly, we both came back into ourselves. I pulled my jeans back up as she fumbled for her robe. The sash was ruined. At one point, she begged me to tie her up with it. It hung in tatters now off the headboard.
“I don’t want to leave you,” I said. “But if you stay out of sight, you should be fine. J.C.’s got plenty to occupy his time with the two fae.”
“What about you?” she asked.
I smiled, leaning in to kiss her. I just couldn’t stand not touching this woman.
“Promise me,” I said. “You don’t leave this room without me.”
“Archer…”
“Promise me!” I barked. “Phaedra, you don’t know these men like I do. You need eyes in the back of your head around them.”
She put her hands up in surrender. “All right. All right. I’m not due on the floor until tonight, anyway.”
I bared my teeth.
“Don’t start,” she said. She brushed past me and