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The shifters want to speak with you about their dead pack mate, I say.And…I told them you would.

Memnon groans.

I draw in a deep breath.We’re meeting Kane and his pack at five o’clock tonight to discuss it.

The moment I mention Kane, there’s a shift in Memnon’s energy.

I’ll pick you up at four thirty in front of your house. I can’t wait to fuck with the wolves.

Memnon.

I’m kidding, Empress. I’ll only fuck with Kane.

Tonight’s going to be a long night.

CHAPTER 30

I’ve just sentmy mom her daily text and started reading up about contraceptive spells on the steps of the residence hall when Memnon tears through the front gates of Henbane on his motorcycle. Once again he’s not wearing a helmet, and my worry rises.

Ugh, I’m worried about him. I have it bad. And that’s saying nothing about that annoying, happy warmth pooling in my belly at the sight of him.

I tuck my phone away, sparing a glance at Nero, who is busy trying—and failing—to catch a butterfly with his teeth. My familiar has forgotten for a moment that he’s supposed to be a proud, majestic creature.

Memnon pulls into a parking spot near where I parked his car and cuts the engine, grimacing as he swings himself off his seat. As soon as he sees me, his previous expression is wiped clean, and his gaze deepens. I get the distinct impression he’s vividly remembering our night together.

Or maybe that’s just me.

Memnon comes over to me then, his shoulders set a little rigidly, his stride a little stiff. A spark of unease moves throughme, even as he takes me by the chin and presses an ardent kiss to my lips.

I guess we’re greeting by way of kissing now.

More warmth pools in my belly. Ugh, but I like that too.

My arms go around him to pull him closer to me when I feel wetness at his back. His shirt is drenched.

“Is this…” I’m about to saysweatwhen the sorcerer sags a little in my arms.

Seven hells.

“Memnon?” I say, alarmed.

He locks his knees, straightening back up. “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy.”

I move my hand away from his back, sucking in a breath when I see the blood smeared all over it.

“You’re hurt.” I mean for it to be accusing, but my tone comes out soft and concerned. Fuck, Iamconcerned.

“It is nothing to worry about,” Memnon says as he winces.

“I’ll decide that for myself,” I say, trying to think over the pounding of my heart. “Why didn’t you heal yourself?”

He sways, the movement so subtle I might not have noticed it if he were someone less familiar to me.

“I was ordered not to,” he admits.

So this was some punishment he was supposed to bear out.

My brows draw together. “But you only answer to me,” I say, not following.