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“The contract no longer exists, along with the lifted monthly check-ins.” Eve sneered.

Zeva raised her eyebrows. “Actually, Chapter 23 Section 10 subsection C states that in the case of either party relinquishing their benefit of the contract, the agreements made in Chapters 1 through 13 will remain active.”

“Enough with the legal mumbo jumbo.” Dorin finally stepped forward. “Not sure you’re aware, but we have new leadership.New leadership says we have to get the kid back. So move or I’ll move you. I don’t mind either way.”

One more step forward and he would be in their territory. Rowan knew just what it would take to goad him, too. It was such a common weakness for most men with power who had to deal with women they viewed as a threat.

She smiled.

The challenge in her smile was like pulling a trigger as he shot forward and in a gust of wind from behind, her father erupted into existence, a sheathed sword pressing into the soft skin of the witch’s throat as Dorin glared up from his position on the grass.

Rowan remained silent as Eve stepped forward to help. She didn’t need to utter a single word to activate the barrier’s consequence. Any magic used in the kingdom to affect the royal family was now hers.

Cold realization and instant panic hit the duo as no magic came to their beck and call.

“You’re not welcome here.” Kyron’s voice sent a chill through Rowan’s spine. “You have ten seconds to get out of my kingdom before I really lose my temper and unsheathe my sword. Let your people know I will show no more mercy to the members of the Coven. If I see you on my land again, I will ensure you don’t live to see another day.’’

Dorin’s moves were careful as he crawled back to the other side of the threshold, while Eve had to only take a step back.

“The Elder will come for you all.” She warned, though still lacking heat, “You should have allowed us to take him.”

Kyron barked a laugh, his eyes glowing with a life that Rowan had never seen. “I look forward to seeing him try.”

When the two phased away, Kyron held out a little green pill Rowan recognized.

Her hunger throbbed loudly in her ears.

A small hand on her shoulder dragged her eyes to take in the concerned violet eyes of her mother.

“You know better than to do magic in these conditions, Rowan.” Her voice was soft, but stern.

“It was an emergency.”

Annabelle shook her head. “Go eat. Now.”

Rowan’s back went ramrod straight when she felt the familiar magic of Alessandro behind her. It called to her, familiar and fulfilling. It promised to soothe the ache.

Fists curled tight, she forced herself to leave it behind.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Alessandro didn’t need the details of what happened after she disappeared.

He could practically hear the succubus’ hunger reaching for him. His dragon overrode his will, urging him to pluck her up and return to his hoard. Before he could stop it, his hand reached out to nothing but air.

Her mother caught sight of the hand and let out a small breath of disbelief.

“That explains your presence.” She crossed her arms. “She is not for you, Dragon King.”

“I agree.” He coughed awkwardly and motioned to the castle. “All is back to normal. I am here to discuss what happens to Hye Kang in your custody.”

“We do what our Rowan excels at.” Annabelle’s mocking smile was so similar to her daughter’s that he found it was endearing on the woman rather than challenging. “We fix him.”

Chapter 21

When Rowan hunted for her meals, she found there was excitement even if she sometimes arrived starving.

But now all the energy emitting from the grinding bodies of the nightclub she’d arrived in felt stuffy and tainted.