Page 33

His brows lowered ever so slightly. “I told you, I was worried. Piper said you took off. This city is dangerous.”

“I’m fine.”

“I don’t want it to be like this anymore.”

“Like what?”

He sighed. “Us avoiding each other. Keeping secrets…”

“You’re the only one keeping secrets. But it’s not like it’s the first time.” He didn’t tell her their mate bond needed to be consummated in love. He’d lied and kept things from her in the past.

“That’s a low blow.” Thane frowned. “I want to be close to you again.”

“You could have fooled me. It feels like you don’t care about that aspect of our relationship anymore.”

“Of course I care.”

“Not enough to marry me. See, you calledhimmy husband and that’s why you won’t marry me, isn’t it?” she blurted out and then pressed her lips together. That dream and article weaseled their way into her head. But in truth, the fact that Thane was so keen on marrying her before all this made her question his love for her. It wasn’t that long ago that in the dragon court he spoke about how anxious he was to make her his wife, and over three months had passed since.

“No. It’s because you don’t remember who I really am. I fought for you today, and I’ll keep fighting. Haven’t I done enough to earn your trust?”

“Haven’t I? You’re paranoid I was looking for him for reasons other than to take him out. Do you even want to take him down?”

“We can’t kill him. It’s complicated.”

“Not to me.”

“Everything I do is for you. Always. Killing Hel isn’t in your best interest or mine. I hate to say it, but I have a feeling we’re going to need him.”

“For what? And why are we playing by his rules? I don’t give a damn about his claim.”

“Laya.” He blew out a long breath.

“See, that right there is why things are like this. You won’t even talk to me.”

“I love you, and I want to marry you.” He leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “But I can’t be with you until you know everything. I’m doing it out of respect for you.”

“Respect for me? No, this is something else.”

“You won’t even attempt to accept that you are Valeen.”

Her breath caught. “I already told you why that is, Thane. But even if I wanted to, there is a wall there, a block.” It was like Layala, didn’t matter, and all he or Hel cared about was Valeen. She didn’t feel like the goddess of night. She felt the same as she always had. She placed her hand on the side of his face, wanting to lean in. “But just so you know, remembering won’t change anything.”

“It might change everything.”

And there it was. Layala dropped her hand and stared at the glass of wine before Thane, considering throwing it in his face. No one made her feel more in love and more furious. “You know there’s a sign on the door that says no elves.”

“You must have missed it.”

“Will you just leave, please. I was having a good time until you showed up.”

“Really? Because you looked miserable.”

“If we weren’t in public, I think I’d punch you.”

He chuckled. “It’s been a while since you threatened me. I think I missed it.”

“Stop it.”