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I appreciated their attempts to comfort me, but the words felt hollow against the magnitude of what we were facing. How could they promise safety against something that had existed before creation itself? Something that could stalk me through my dreams?

Instead of answering, I rose from the chair, displacing Archer's hands. I moved to the window, staring out at the night sky without really seeing it. Behind me, I sensed the three men exchanging glances, communicating silently in that way they had.

Footsteps approached, and then Archer's reflection appeared beside mine in the window glass. He didn't touch me, didn't push, just stood there offering his silent presence.

"What if it doesn't work?" I finally whispered. "What if the ritual fails? What if you can't access enough of your light? What if?—"

"Sierra," he interrupted gently, turning me to face him. His hands came up to frame my face, tilting it up toward his. "It will work. I won't let anything happen to you."

The fierce protectiveness in his eyes made something inside me tremble. He gathered me into his arms, pulling me against the solid warmth of his chest. His lips pressed against my forehead in a tender kiss that threatened to unravel what little composure I had left.

"Everything is going to be alright," he murmured against my skin. "I promise you that."

Despite the conviction in his voice, I caught the flicker of doubt in his eyes. He wasn't certain. How could he be? But he needed me to believe. He needed me to be strong enough to face what was coming.

I closed my eyes, breathing in his unique scent. Ocean breeze and something darker. More primal. For a moment, I let myself be held, let myself draw strength from his embrace.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw Callum and Rowen watching us, their expressions a mixture of concern and something deeper, more primitive. They were as affected by this as I was, bound to me in ways none of us fully understood yet.

A sudden, desperate need washed over me. I didn't want to think about Shadow Beasts or ancient darkness or rituals. I didn't want to contemplate what might happen if we failed. I wanted to forget, just for a little while. I wanted to lose myself in sensation and connection rather than fear.

"Archer." I pulled back enough to look up at him. "I need you to make me forget. Just for tonight."

His eyebrows drew together in confusion. "Forget?"

I nodded, my hands moving up his chest to thread through his hair. "I don't want to think about any of this right now. I just want to feel something else. Something good." My gaze flickered to Rowen and Callum, then back to Archer. "I want all of you to help me forget."

Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed quickly by heat. His hands tightened on my waist. "Sierra..."

I rose on my tiptoes, pulling his head down to mine. "Please," I whispered against his lips. "I need this. I need you. All of you."

The last of his resistance crumbled as I pressed my lips to his. He responded instantly, hungrily, his mouth claiming mine with a ferocity that stole my breath. His tongue swept inside my mouth, stroking against mine in a sensual dance that made heat pool in my belly.

I threaded my fingers through his raven hair, holding him to me as the kiss deepened, grew more desperate. His hands slid down to grip my hips, pulling me flush against him until I could feel every hard plane of his body against mine.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, I saw that Callum and Rowen had moved closer, their eyes burning with the same need that was coursing through me.

"Make me forget," I repeated, my voice husky with desire. "All of you."

24

Rowen

Iwatched the desire ignite in Sierra's eyes as she begged us to help her forget. The raw need in her voice sent a primal surge through my blood. Her silver hair caught the light as she pressed against Archer, their lips locked in a desperate kiss that spoke volumes about the fear and tension we all felt.

But I wasn't going to stand by and watch. Not when my little mate needed something only we could give her.

Without hesitation, I strode forward. My demonic nature thrummed just beneath my skin, responding to the scent of her arousal that perfumed the air. As Archer and Sierra broke apart, both panting, I moved decisively.

"My turn," I growled.

In one fluid motion, I hoisted Sierra over my shoulder, one hand firmly gripping her ass to keep her in place. She let out a startled yelp that quickly dissolved into a breathless laugh. The sound sent a shot of pure satisfaction straight to my cock.

"Rowen!" she gasped, her small fists playfully pounding against my back. "What are you doing?"

"Exactly what you asked for," I replied, already heading for the stairs. "I'm making you forget."

I didn't need to look back to know Callum and Archer were following. The bond between the four of us had been growing stronger by the minute, a connection that transcended ordinary understanding. I could feel their presence, their desire matching my own.