“
Raising both of her glowing palms, she beckoned him with wiggling fingers. “Come on, then. I’ll go another round. Though by now even an amoeba would’ve learned not to fuck with me.”
Everyone grew still, silent. Then Cade started back down for her, redoubling his speed.
“No, Cade, I’ve got this,” she said evenly, never looking away from Bowe.
Meanwhile, Bowe had subtly pulled his head back, feeling as if he’d just been presented with a species of creature he had never seen. Then he caught Rydstrom’s look of amusement—the demon was obviously loving this—and he found himself . . . grinning. “Kitten’s quick to bear those claws, is she no’?”
Rydstrom ruefully shook his head at Bowe, as if sorry for his unavoidable and imminent demise, then got everyone, including a reluctant Cade, moving again.
As Bowe passed Mariketa, he leaned in close. Not bothering to hide his surprise, he murmured to her, “And damn if she does no’ have them sunk into me.”
Her gray-eyed gaze was wary. He noted that she kept her palms fired up for some time after they continued on.
Even after her blatant show of magick, he felt so proud she’d held her ground that he wanted to stand tall and point her out as his female. That’s my lass. Mine. But his heart was also thundering because he realized that in the heart of the full moon, when he was completely turned, she might not run from him. He still intended to get her away from him before this full moon, but for the future . . .
Excitement burned within him, and he found himself closing in on her and saying, “You’re bonny when you’re about to strike.”
“You would know.”
“Come, then, sheath your claws, kitten. And we’ll be friends once more.”
“We weren’t friends to begin with!”
“You’re warming to me. I can tell.”
“True. I only throw guys I dig. And don’t you dare call me kitten again!”
“You look like one with your wee, pointed ears.”
“Are you done?”
“Canna say.” He was silent for a moment, then added, “Think you’re the bravest lass I’ve ever seen. Though I doona care for your using magick against me so readily. Do you enjoy it?”
She seemed to mull this for a moment, then raised her brows. “I do. Besides, I think you need someone to threaten you now and again. To remind the great and powerful Lykae that you’re not so unbeatable.”
“Aye, I do.” He clasped her hand in his. “Sign on.”
She pulled out of his grasp. “I don’t do temp jobs. And that’s all you’re offering.
”
”