I must’ve cried myself to sleep. Because I found myself slowly waking. Realizing it was pitch black outside beyond the shutters in the distance. Silvery moonlight searing down over the Training Gardens below.Where mages learn to kill wolves. I thought bitterly.Warlord’s mages.The room was so dark I could hardly see anything inside save where that moonlight seeped into to cast over the floor between the window and the table, he’d had all his herbs on before bringing me in here.I realized there was deep, masculine breathing next to me. Warm even breaths along my neck. And a heavy, hairy leg strung over my smoother ones. A large hand palmed one of my breasts and his body was steaming hot next to me. Warming me despite the open window.He’s too close.How’d I fall asleep with my biggest threat so near? I had no idea. I squinted to peer at him.I couldn’t see him a

Warlord held it gingerly and looked back at the bird. Giving a series of pretty twittering whistles at it.The bird responded in kind and cheerfully took off. Black tipped red wings fluttering as it vanished as quickly as it’d come.“What’s that about?” I stared after the bird, fascinated.“Messages.”“From who?”“One of my sources.”Sources? I’d always heard he talked to no one. How’d he groom sources?And who were they?Who’d want to aid such a cold man?“Magus.” He explained absentmindedly.“One of the mages?”“He used to be.”“But he’s not now?”“I just helped him escape under the condition he would send me such word.” Warlord’s tone hardened slightly, and I could tell he wasn’t liking where this discussion wa

“More than you can imagine. Get it off me.” He urged.He wants to wash away the killing? I wondered.He was acting as though the blood made him feel deeply dirty.Not just flesh deep.I finished his chest and lifted my hands. Using the corner of the bar to lather at a few spots. And scratching at the others with my fingernails, as gently as I could.I glanced at his eyes. Barely noticing that he was staring at me as if seeing into my soul. His gaze roving my face as if looking for something. His penetrating study made me feel exposed. Even more than I already am.As intimate as if he’s inside me again.“What?” I asked.“You’ve the most erotic thoughts.”I gasped.“You were staring at me before that!” I sputtered.“You’re right. I was.” He coldly admitted.“Why?”“

Warlord laced his fine cloak with the velvet lining around his neck and headed for the chamber door. Pausing just before it to turn and give me a look. “I have to go. I must rejoin the King’s guests for dinner.”His shoulders slumped as though this were something he dreaded.And why is he bothering to explain to me where he’s going and why? It seemed a bit odd.Then he turned and yanked the door closed behind him, but the corner of his cloak caught slightly, and the door creaked back open slowly.I held my breath and didn’t move. Hope surging through me. When he didn’t return and close it, I about died of shock.A way out.I grabbed my torn old dress, the nearest thing I had and threw it on, tying the laces up the front tight enough to hide where it was torn.I crept to the door and eased it open to peer down the stairs immediately outside of it. Catching sight of his black cloak w

“What?” I twisted to look up at him. Too shocked to realize that we were a hairsbreadth apart.He gave me a wan smile and a soft look before returning his gaze to the vase.“Her name is Baila Lae.”“Sister by blood?”“Yes.” He chuckled. “We grew up together and were very close. All of us.”“All of us?”“Yes.” He smiled sadly. “I had a family once, Jade. Does that shock you?”It does.“I can’t imagine you being part of a happy family.”“Why not?” He tilted his head in curiosity.“Because you’re a killer. So severe and quiet. And your rage feels like it always simmering just below the surface.”“Hmm.” He grunted. “You’re not entirely wrong.”We were both quiet a moment.“She is my rage.” He gestured weak