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Butwhy? What was so fucking important?

"Ask him," the wolf growled. "Ask him while you have the chance."

My heart wrenched. But I couldn't leave. Not yet.

I reached out to pet the sickly wolf — the part of Tye he refused to accept, but as I touched him, somethingflowed from me to the wolf … and the metal lashings began to snap and break.

One. Then another. And another …

Fear and despair burst through the bond, and I opened my eyes to see Tye leaping backwards, nostrils flaring, skin pulsing — eyes flickering between yellow and gold.

"What did you DO?!" he howled, staring at his lengthening nails and bulging forearms.

"I'm sorry —" I said, reaching for him. "While you held my hand, I saw some of your memories, and the wolf —"

"Gods-DAMNED wolf!" he howled, teeth lengthening. "My collar, " he snarled, pointing to his saddlebag. "Hurry and get the collar in my bag."

Heart racing, I rushed to his pack, searching for the slim piece of metal.

"Why?" I asked, hand clasped around the terrible-feeling device. "What's going on?"

"The tattoos were supposed to suppress my magic," Tye ground out, rubbing his arms — barely able to stand. "But they didn't work. The wolf is coming, and I don't think I can fight him back this time. This … I think this is the end."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, clutching the collar, a sick feeling burning in my gut. "Why do you even have this thing?"

"Damnit, Witch. Give it to me," he snarled, stepping closer. "When I'm gone, thatthingwill be all that keepsyou safe from him. When you see Frexin, tell her it didn't work. Send her to fetch me."

Horror made my stomach curdle. "No," I shouted, throwing the collar across the room. "FUCK thatthing —and HER."

"There is no TIME, Witch. I'm losing control. Quickly —" He held out his shaking hand. "Give me the collar!"

"No!" I snapped, his memories still flooding my mind. Clenching my fists at my sides, I lifted my chin and met his gaze. "Consummate the bond with me instead."

He froze — yellow eyes blowing wide.

I pushed on, heart racing. "I know we don't love each other, and we'll need to figure out the mate thing later. But at least it would let you remain … you."

Tye looked away, gaze full of doubt and fear. "I — I don't want you, Witch," he stammered. "I want to be —"

"Liar!" I snapped. "I saw, Tye. When I was in your mind, I saw the truth. The wolf told me to ask, but I don't need to." My vision swam as I stared up at him. "I know what you did — what you continue to do — forme! To keep ME safe!"

Tye's throat bobbed, his jaw clenched. "I can't." He looked at me, broken. "The wolf is too dangerous — amonster."

"No, Tye," I said, voice soft, as I took a step closer. "I don't know where you got that idea in your thick skull, but he's no monster. He's protective and sweet and kind. He'syou!"

Tye's eyes widened, a twinge of uncertainty creeping in as his flickering gaze swept over me.

"I can't." He shook his head. "He must be controlled. His needs are rough — dangerous. He wants to hunt you — to consume you, like the predator he is." He swallowed. "And I can't protect you from that side of … me."

My core throbbed in response, and I bit my lip. "And what if I like it?" I asked, voice husky. "What if I want to be chased — captured — devoured — the prey to your predator."

His eyes went wide, dark with hunger, as if he'd been starving and I was his appetizer, main course, and dessert.

He sat up straighter, the yellow and gold of his eyes flickering faster and faster until they glowed a pure yellow-gold like the second moon.

"Then there would be no escape for you, Witch. From either of us. No, from all ofme."

I swallowed, thighs pressing together as my pussy clenched and my entire body caught fire — remembering the way he'd growled against my skin the night before — how he'd felt pressed against my wet cunt — how he'd eaten me out so perfectly in my dreams.