“Did he… He looked like he was going to—” I couldn’t even say it. “Or that maybe he already had…” Her gaze softened. “Would you like me to add that to the list of examinations?” “Yes.” I took a deep breath. I’d need to add it to the case. “Would you like to stay for it?” “Yes.” He paused a
Theodore I was across the room before I realized it. She blinked slowly, confusion clouding her gaze at first. But then she looked at me, and I could see the recognition in her eyes. I wrapped my hand around her. Her lips twitched with discomfort. She tried to speak, but her throat was dry. She
Her brows furrowed. “Acknowledge what?” “That we’re mates,” I snarled. “You know it. I know it." I gestured to my forehead where I was sure the band still was. "The Goddess has said it. What more do you need?” She flinched. Her lips parted, but no sound came out at first. Then, like a dam breaki
Theodore My heart felt light enough to fly when she leaned into the kiss, melting against me the way she had that first night we met, yet now it felt like so much more. Her fingers curled into the fabric over my chest as she leaned closer, tugging just enough to let me know that I could give her
“I’m not going anywhere, little flower.” She let out a soft, sleepy chuckle. "My mom used to call me that…" I wrinkled my nose. "I'll have to think of something else then." She chuckled again and started to relax. She closed her eyes and rumbled with contentment as she fell asleep. A warmth
Violet I woke slowly, the sterile scent of the hospital room giving away my surroundings before I even opened my eyes. The ache in my body from the fight reminded me of everything that had happened, but it was the warmth at my side that pulled me fully into consciousness. I shifted slightly and
"And one more thing." Kincaid dug through his pockets for a small box and offered it to me. Theodore went tense beside me. I looked at him wondering what his problem was only to find him glowering at Kincaid. Kincaid blinked and chuckled before offering it to Theodore. "Returning it on behalf of t
Theodore I looked at Violet. "What do you mean?" Tyron was still on the line, and no one else said anything, but I could all tell they had a lot to say. My mind wasn’t quiet. The thought was like a brewing storm in my head. Part of me knew what she was going to say, hated it, agreed with it, and
The afternoon sun had begun to dip, casting a warm, golden hue over the gathering. By the time the matches concluded, a festive air had settled over the estate. The nobles gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting as the servants began setting up for the reception. Theodore was surrounded, drawing
Violet I turned back at the sound of a sharp clatter and caught sight of Nora dumping the plate of food into a small waste bin by the cot. Her expression was tight with anger as she muttered, “I don’t need your pity.” I didn’t flinch. The action—and her defiance—meant nothing to me. I wasn't going
I shook my head. My conscience would nag at me all night if I didn't, and I had better plans to enact tonight with my husband than worrying about my ex-husband's mistress. I licked my lips thinking about the look in Theodore's eye before he'd stolen that kiss. Yeah. A lot better things to think ab
Violet The combat matches drew to a close rather quickly. No one was dragging it out after Lucas and Owen had been tossed around like helpless chickens for nearly an hour. I won't say that it wasn't entertaining to watch Lucas land hard and fast at the feet of men several times his age. Owen was no
Finally, in one coordinated movement, we both struck—our blades flying from our hands and landing in the grass at the same time. The crowd erupted in applause as we stood there, breathless and staring at each other. “Well,” I said, panting. "What happens--" I yelped as she tossed me over her shoul
Theodore She came in fast and hard, cutting low and quick, faster than I expected. Faster than should have been possible with her still laboring under her bond with Violet. She aimed a solid kick to my shoulder, pushing me enough that my feet slipped and skidded across the ground. The sleeve of my
“You’ve already won most of them over,” she murmured, her voice calm and confident. “Consider this a chance to seal the deal. Having noble allies is always a good thing.” That didn’t stop the knot of unease forming in my stomach. Fighting Violet? In front of an audience this critical? It felt lik
Theodore As we crossed the area towards the seating, around the combat pitch, I struggled to keep a straight face. The scene unfolding was almost too good to be true. Owen’s wife and Nora trailed behind him and Lucas, looking thoroughly out of place and entirely ignored. The nobles, who had been so
My eyes widened. "What?" She smiled. "The Vainthott Events are quite expensive, and it would be to every noble in attendance in accordance to their cost of attendance and any cost that could be proven." I blinked and looked at her. "You'd probably annex Twining River with ease." And I'd do everyt