Page 89

“Fabulous, just fabulous. Something to look forward to.” I pace a couple more times. My mind is reeling. I want to deny it, but the certainty is building inside me. Me and Khaos-incarnate over there are bonded freaking mates. Chosen by the gods. Fated to be together forever.

Do I tell him? But then why should I suffer alone? Because I’m guessing he’s going to be freaking furious.

He’s frowning now as he watches me pace. But there’s a dawning understanding in his eyes. “What’s this about, Amber?”

I come to a halt in front of him. There’s no easy way to say this, so I decide on a direct approach. “I think we might be…” I take a deep breath. “I think we’re bonded mates.”

The frown clears and I search his face. He probably thinks I’m crazy. But he doesn’t say anything, just stares at me.

I open my mouth to ask for an opinion, or anything at all when somewhere in the distance, a deep, thundering horn blast shakes the walls of the library. I’ve never heard it before, but I know what it is. The alarm. Thanouq mentioned it in the war council. The horn would sound when enemies threaten the city.

My father’s army has arrived.

Chapter 37

Khaos

We’re fucking fated mates.

Connected in a way that can’t be undone. Her soul, her magic, the essence of what she is—is all mine.

Inside me Fury is howling with delight. It’s like the best fucking birthday present ever. Not that I ever got any birthday presents—at least not after Khendril left. I’m fighting to keep the biggest grin off my face, because I don’t think it would go down too well right now.

Amber—my Amber—stands there, all pissed off and glaring at me like she wants to set me on fire. I don’t think she’s too happy about the situation. But it’s also clear she believes it’s true. Why? How is she sure? She’s clearly never heard of bonded mates, so where did the idea come from?

The horn roars again, and she gives herself a little shake. “We have to go.”

She turns and marches out of the library, jaw clenched, shoulders stiff. I shove a hand through my hair, trying to figure out how the hell I should respond. What will get me what I want? And what I want is Amber. It has been—if I’m honest—from the moment we met. I fought it, but the pull was there all the same.

What am I supposed to say?

I want you. I always have. But I stayed away because I thought I’d ruin you.

That my dreams are filled with the scent of you.

Except I suspect that isn’t what she wants to hear right now.

I know she thinks she has no choices in her life, and this is just one more thing forced on her. But it’s an honor. A gift from the gods.

But she doesn’t want this. And that truth settles in my gut like a blade twisted slowly.

But the bond is unbreakable.

The alarm sounds again, loud, insistent, urgent. War is upon us. I need to keep her safe. That’s my only priority from now on. I hurry after her.

Once we’re out of the building, I grab her hand to slow her forward momentum and turn her to face me. “Just tell me one thing: Where did you get the idea that we were bonded mates?”

She chews on her lower lip as she considers her answer. Then she shrugs. “Selene told me. Not that you were my bonded mate, but that my mate had been given powers from Vortex.” She looks at me suspiciously. “You don’t have any of his powers, do you?”

I shake my head.

“I didn’t think so. Maybe it’s not you after all. Maybe you’re off the hook. And I’m bonded to someone else.”

A growl rumbles in my throat. “Don’t even think about it.” I’m going over what she said. She was told she has a mate, and she thinks it’s me. She knows we’re connected. She said,I love you.

Her eyes narrow. “You don’t want this, do you? Wouldn’t you prefer to choose who you bond with?”

I’d already chosen. Maybe it was fate. I don’t care. She’s fucking mine. But I have to be careful.