Page 21 of Wicked Bonds

“Certain punishments require a sensual approach,” he informed her softly. “And not everyone wants to be led. Some need to be coaxed into behaving.” Heat radiated from his bare chest, his chocolate gaze swirling with hot intent. “Get. Dressed.”

The dominance underlying his tone made her want to rebel. Not because she minded his demonstration of power, but because she wanted to find out what he’d do if she refused.

However, the tingling against her spine reminded her of the lingering threat outside. And that forced her to comply.

Balthazar slipped on a pair of thick socks and black boots from the closet before bringing her a matching pair. She didn’t need to ask to know these also fit them perfectly. Just like the jeans, tank top, and blue sweater he’d handed her.

A glance over his now-clothed torso told her that his clothes were the right size as well. Although, his black, long-sleeved turtleneck shirt appeared to be painted on, thus accentuating his flawless physique.

Leela suspected that had been done for her benefit.

Thank you, Skye, she thought when Balthazar turned to show off his fine ass in those fitted jeans.

He found two coats in the closet, handing a white puffy one to her before slipping the black leather jacket over his shoulders.

Someone had obviously expected their need to travel to Iceland because this was not appropriate attire for the Bahamas.

And there was only one person who could have predicted who would need the clothes in this exact room.

Which meant Iceland was their next stop for a multitude of reasons.

“Let’s go meet with the others,” she said. Vera had either already told them about their necessary trip, or she’d expected Leela and Balthazar to pass on the message.

Stas would also probably sense the lingering threat outside. Sethios and Caro, too.

Leela started toward the door, only to find her wrist caught in Balthazar’s grip. “Take us to Iceland.”

“What?” She blinked back at him. “We need to tell the others.”

“No. We need to make sure we’re not misting into a trap, then we will return for the others,” he corrected.

She gaped at him. “I can sense the danger.”

“From a rune created by Vera, right?”

“No, Caro…” She trailed off, frowning. “Sort of.”

Runes were complicated. All Seraphim knew how to create them. But it was somewhat taboo to mark oneself.

Mostly because there were certain risks involved with drawing the wrong edge or angle.

So Seraphim always helped each other.

However, that assistance came with a catch—only the rune’s maker could alter it once etched into flesh.

Wards and runes on inanimate objects could be changed by anyone. But anything on a live creature required the original Seraphim.

Or, in Leela’s case, multipleSeraphim.

Because Vera and Caro had worked together to connect Leela’s rune to Stas during the fealty pledge.

“I don’t see what that has to do with anything,” Leela finally said. “We need to tell the others.”

But Balthazar shook his head. “We need to check the location first to make sure it’s safe before everyone mists there. I won’t put little LJ or her parents in danger.”

Protective energy swarmed around him, cloaking him in a cape of assurance and necessary control. He meant what he’d said—he needed to ensure the safety of the situation for his best friend and his family.

Because they were Balthazar’s family, too.