“It doesn’t have to be that personal, I know your mates would never approve. Let me in to your pack bond.”
My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn’t seen that coming.
“I’m not stupid,” I told him cautiously. “I’m aware that you would be able to pull power from the pack that way. I’d never endanger anyone under my care.”
“I’m not a wolf,” Drake said soothingly. “And it doesn’t have to be a full connection like one of your packmates. Just a thin little wisp of power that will give me enough of a connection to this world to prevent me from withering away.”
I shook my head. “No.”
Drake sighed. “What about a little of your power?”
I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Nothing permanent,” he assured me. “And that would allow you to keep me under close watch, as I’d need to come back to you periodically for a top-up.”
“And in return?” I asked. “What are you offering us?”
“I’ll stand with you in the fight against my mother - you’ll need my power.” Drake tilted his head at me. “I’ll also tell you the secret to sealing the gate to Winter.”
“I’ll need to talk it over with my pack,” I told him.
Drake smiled at me. “I’ll eagerly await your answer then. But don’t wait too long – my mother has big plans for this world.”
I released the bright ball of light, and Drake faded back into the shadows. Drake had the worst timing, as usual. I needed to be packing for my journey, not worrying about him. His visit did give me a small spark of hope, though. Having Drake on our side would be a huge benefit and might give us a fighting chance. I just didn’t trust him not to switch sides again. He could be playing both of us so that he’d be on the winning team, regardless of who won.
I sighed and trudged back to the house. I needed to let Austin know about this latest development and then check in with James to see what I needed to pack. My anxiety just ratcheted up another notch, so I doubt I’d be able to sleep tonight.
Chapter 14
Anna
James found me the moment I left Austin’s office, sliding out of the shadows to walk beside me.
“I was going to look for you,” I said with a glance over at him. “To find out what I needed to pack.”
“I packed a bag for you,” he grumbled. “Put some of your stuff in my pack, so yours isn’t too heavy.”
“I appreciate you,” I said softly.
James shrugged it off as if he were embarrassed at his show of affection.
I took his hand in mine and stopped walking. James turned to face me with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m staying with you tonight,” I murmured to him.
I felt a glimmer of surprise from his side of the bond, so I pulled him close to me. I let my love for him shine through our connection to erase any doubts he might have. I luxuriated in having him here in my arms, feeling my love for him through every pore of my body.
I stood on my tiptoes to brush my lips against his, and he responded with a hunger that surprised me. I intended the kiss to be a sweet reminder that I loved him, but he deepened it into something much more passionate. His mouth was demanding as he claimed me with his kiss.
James let out a deep groan as he lifted his head away from mine, and I was breathing heavily as my eyes met his. His gaze was dark with desire, and I couldn’t resist nipping at his lower lip. The fire in his eyes burned brighter, and he cupped his hands over my ass, lifting me up against him. I circled my arms around his neck and wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me to his bedroom.
James kicked the door closed behind us with a slam, but I couldn’t care less. Heat was building between us, the flames burning hotter and hotter. We fell back on his bed together, and he was careful not let his weight fall on me.
I smiled and raised my hips to rub against him before I pulled his head down for another dizzying kiss. I wanted to make him lose his last measure of control, pull him down into the reckless passion that we could get lost in for the rest of the night.
James slid his hands over my hips, then under my shirt to my waist.