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She gasped. “I heard you, but your lips didn’t move. Say something else.”

He grinned. “My Bride. So beautiful.”

She peered up at him, eyes wide. “It’s somewhat similar to my gift but clearer. Like you’re talking through a wireless speaker in my head.” He eavesdropped on her internal debate.“Oh man, that’s weird. Should I try it?”she asked herself.“No. Too soon.”

His Bride had no idea she was broadcasting her every thought to him, her heart and mind wide-open. Nothing to hold back, nothing to hide. With practice, she’d grow accustomed to the link.

“How do you feel?” he asked out loud.

“Wonderful,” she exclaimed on an exhaled breath. “After days of misery, I feel centered. Balanced.” Hope sang through their connection. Again, he listened to the thoughts she broadcasted.“Did the mating bond temper my ability? Was Jericho right?”

“Of course, I was right,”he answered, using the link.

She snorted. “I have to admit the whole mind-reading-telepathy thing should freak me out, but honestly, I kind of like it. For once, you’ll be able to feel me the same way I feel you.” She stifled a yawn.

His stubborn Bride could no longer ignore the fatigue pressing in on her, nor would he let her. He ran his fingers through her tangled curls. “Sleep,” he demanded, pushing at her mind.

An aggravated huff was the only resistance she mustered.“Barely mated, and already he pushes me around. Domineering vampire.”Her sleepy complaint was a fading shadow in his thoughts.

The lingering tension in her body melted away. His heavy exhale stirred a strand of hair lying against her cheek. The bond had accomplished what he’d hoped. Like all Brides, Alex was susceptible to his compulsion. He suspected it was only because she allowed it, trusting him to guide her. Her faith in him—humbling.

Power hummed beneath her skin. Quieter now, more subdued after their mating. Alex would be a force to be reckoned with once she’d adapted to her new life. He doubted even Victor could stand against her. Jericho was counting on it.

He understood how Victor’s mind operated. It wouldn’t take long for the clan leader to realize Alex could be valuable in the fight against Zion. The fact the Council was unaware of her existence worked to their advantage.

She’d need to be strong for what lay ahead. He’d have to insist she feed from him often. His cock twitched at the thought. None of his fantasies had come close to the reality of Alex’s tiny fangs at his vein. She’d already taken much from him. With a Bride to protect, this wasn’t a time for weakness. He’d need to feed before she woke.

With great reluctance, he abandoned the warmth of her body and tugged on his shirt and jeans. She didn’t stir as he opened a closet-sized panel in the wall where he kept his weapons. With his favorite dagger and 9mm in place, he pulled on his leather coat, slipped from the room, and dragged out his phone.

There was only one male besides Liam he trusted to watch over her while he hunted.

Twenty-Eight

Jericho openedthe front door and stepped aside. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

Colin strode into the room and set a small package wrapped in paper on the side table. “Sure, no problem. Soon as you told me you were mated, I figured I had to see it for myself.” He shrugged out of his leather jacket and tossed it over a chair. “Though, I am surprised Victor let you take Alex out of Claymore since he was treating her like a ticking time bomb.”

“Victor and I came to an understanding. He threatened to kill her if the mating bond failed to give Alex the control she needed,” he growled.

Colin’s lips twisted into a grimace. “Figures. How’s she doing, anyway? Maybe I should have brought over my tinfoil hat,” he teased.

Only Colin would joke about a female capable of dropping him with a thought. “She’s sleeping now. I doubt a nuclear blast would wake her.”

“Nuclear blast, huh?” Colin’s gaze shifted to the bite marks on either side of Jericho’s neck, and a knowing grin spread across his face. Only one bite was necessary for the ritual. Jericho shot him a dark scowl.

Colin coughed into his fist. “You want me to babysit so you can hunt?”

Jericho hated the idea of leaving her, even for a few minutes, but it would be best if he fed while she slept. “With Alex being a sympath, her transition has been…unpredictable. She may need to feed again. I won’t go far.”

Colin straightened his shoulders, his playful façade slipping, and a look of understanding passed between them. It was a great honor to be entrusted with another male’s Bride.

“I’ll guard her as if she were my own.”

Jericho gripped his shoulder. “I have no doubts.”

Titan padded across the hardwood floor, and Colin’s grin was quick to return. He grabbed the package from the table. “Hey, big guy. Look what Uncle Colin brought you,” he cooed, lowering himself to one knee.

Jericho heaved a sigh. The male just wouldn’t give up.