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  “Collum might not know how to date. But he knows how to love. You gotta give a little too you know.”

  “I'm not going to worship him, Mar. Adulation isn't what he wants or needs, and it isn't the kind of relationship I want.”

  “Right. I gotcha.” Mar shifted her stance. “Do you have sand up your crack? I totally have sand up my crack.” Wading into the Mediterranean Sea, she started splashing water over herself. “He'd obliterate the world for you. Like, insane.”

  Alex didn't even flinch as Mar jumped from one thought to the next. By now, she was used to it. Probably wouldn't know how to handle her if she didn't.

  “No, I don't have sand up my crack, and no he wouldn't. I know he's your buddy and all, but Collum would not obliterate the world for me, not unless it fell under the Guardian’s charter of rules and regulations. And I don't even want him too. I want him to take me out on a date. It's simple.”

  Finished rinsing herself off, Mar walked out of the water and plopped back in the sand next to where Alex stood. “So dreamwalk and tell him.”

  Alex sat beside her and stretched her toes into the water. She had no intention of going in any further. “I did tell him. I told him about cheap Tuesday movie nights, gummy bears, and wanting to be a part of the human world. He left.”

  Alex picked up a handful of sand and threw it into the waves. Her fire tattoo writhed against her flesh in agitation. “And I am not going to him in his dreams. Dreaming leads to sex and then I'll get all needy. I don't want to go there again. I want Collum to get to know me outside of all the immortal world stuff.”

  Snorting, Mar said, “A—he's a Dragon. B—he's two-thousand. C—he's the Guardian of the Races. All he knows is immortal world stuff. Not to rain on your parade or anything, cause I totally agree he needs to do whatever you say, but I don't know if he can be anything but Dragon-Beast-Master-Guy.”

  Alex sighed. “I know. I still need him to try.” She stood, and reached down to pull Mar up. “C'mon we better get back. What time do you leave?”

  Mar waved her hand and sand and grit fell off them. Their towels folded themselves and climbed into the beach bag. “Tomorrow at five in the morning. My flight leaves Greece at noon. Though if your brother had anything to say about it, I'd have been outta here a week ago.”

  Alex reached down to pick up the perfectly packed bag on their way back to the castle. She wiggled her eyebrows at Mar. “It's because you're cramping his style. His harem won't go near him with you here.”

  “Well I don't give a shit if they jump him in the great hall.”

  “Sure.” Alex hesitated a moment. “Have you ever had a serious boyfriend?”

  Mar winked. “A lot of wishful thinkers out there. But no. I like hot, juicy dates. Nothing serious for this girl.”

  Alex plodded up the hill as Mar carried on behind her.

  “I mean, I been busy perfecting my skills. Guys get in the way. Neeren's groupies can calm down. I'm not clamoring to jump Sir Cat's bones.”

  Alex prodded, as Mar caught up to her, “Anyone else that might be worried about you while you're here?”

  “Nope. I told you. Only boy toys for me.”

  “I mean like sisters? Brothers? Parents?”

  A shadow covered Mars eyes for the briefest second. “No one.” She shook her hair. Winked. “I was born from the mouth of magic.”

  Alex rolled her eyes before replying, “I'm sorry I won't be able to see you off. I have training. Mom and Aunt Quinn are ridiculously strict with my schedule.”

  They'd reach the top of the path by then. Alex looked back down at the beach. Sand glistened below. The waning sun cast a red glow over everything.

  “Are you going to tell her you're leaving?” Mar asked.

  “Yes. I hope she understands.”

  Mar held her hand again and squeezed. “She will. You're her daughter.”

  Chapter 5

  The next morning Mar waited on the dock as Neeren's staff loaded her luggage onto the speedboat. Salt from the ocean clung to her skin. The wind blew her hair about her shoulders. She was dressed head to toe in butter yellow leather that clung to her curves and accentuated the dark hazel of her eyes. She looked good enough to eat and she fucking knew it.

  On the cliff edge, stood Neeren. The sun rose behind him as he surveyed the scene. His ebony hair glistened. Her breath hitched as he strode down the path toward her. Really, he sauntered, in no hurry. It annoyed her.

  She waved at him. Yelled, “Hi, kitty,” and grinned at the collective gasp from his staff. His step faltered, for only a second. She'd take it.

  Before the binding, Neeren had always seemed to be around, checking on her and Alex. Brushing up against her. Offering assistance with a glimmer in his eye. He'd even tried having a few flirtatious conversations with her. As far as she knew, women threw themselves at his feet. The entire immortal world heard stories of the secret Parthen King and his harem of groupies. She understood—to an extent. The guy was gorgeous. If you went in for the whole cold as stone, perfectly polished, put the lady on a pedestal, thing.

  After the binding, he’d changed. The flirting stopped. His actions became more intentional. More intense. He knew what she'd seen. He didn't have to pretend to be indifferent with her. Every time he spoke to her, she felt like he was claiming her. Tasting her. She couldn't tell Alex. She didn't know what it meant.

  Returning to the task at hand, she contemplated her airline tickets. She was scheduled to meet with Collum in Greece for a debrief before joining the other guardians in Vancouver. Mar still felt guilty about keeping the news from Alex.

  Mar brushed ocean salt off her leather top. No matter what, she was shopping before any job or visiting occurred. She needed a new outfit for the big intro.

  She stared out to the water. Refused to look at the Cat King as he walked onto the dock. Being in his presence annoyed her. She felt his hot breath on her neck. His calm, measured breathing.

  “Seriously, do you have no understanding of personal space?” Mar complained, baring her teeth.

  She pointedly studied the sea. It was still. As clear as glass. She remembered Alex telling her the sea around the island followed Neeren's emotions. How could anyone be calm all the time? It was disturbing. He didn't lack emotions. She'd felt them. What was it?

  “I'm nowhere near you,” he retorted.

  She turned back, ready to blast him, only to see he was on the other side of the dock. His perfectly manicured, bare feet, poked out from under gray slacks. Knowing she'd have to face him to say goodbye, she squared her shoulders. He stood, feet apart, shoulders back. His hands lazily settled in his pockets. His face chiseled. A slight smile lifted the corner of his upper lip. His hair glistened. Like silk. Like steel. If you couldn't tell he was a panther you'd have to be completely dense. If you couldn't tell he was a king, you'd have to be blind.

  Heat pooled in her stomach the same time it surged up her neck. She grimaced and folded her arms across her chest. Everyone knew the stories of the Parthen King. Even though no one knew who he was, they'd all heard he was a legendary lover with a harem of kittens at his beck and call.

  Mar dropped her arms and lifted her chin. No way was she going to feel turned on. “Well, I can smell you from across the dock. When's the last time you showered? I thought cats liked to be clean.”

  She grinned as a wave hit the dock directly behind her.

  Goddess, why was she nervous? She'd been inside his mind. What she'd seen had scared her a little. It had intrigued her as well. Made her realize there was more darkness and depth to him than she'd thought. Maybe he wasn't just a player. She hadn't wanted to know. Could she know what he was and still be a little turned on by him?

  His voice carried across the dock, smooth as butter. “You are in fine form today. Tell me, how much work is i
t always trying to come up with witty one-liners?”

  Mar grimaced. “You're mean. The others may not see it, but I do. You don't like being told, no.”

  He tilted his head to the side, “And you are a child trying to play an adult game, Maria.”

  “Fuck you.”

  He laughed. “Are you offering?”

  He sauntered across the dock crumbling her resolve to find him undesirable. Muscles pulsed in his legs with each step. He invaded her space for real, this time. Ran one finger down her arm.

  She ignored the tingling sensation and stepped back. “Now who’s playing a game? You're pissed I bound your dreamwalking power against the elementals. I might be young compared to you. But I'm not a child, compañero.”

  “True. Do you think you will stop me from taking what I want?” He shrugged. “I can still walk into your dreams, little girl.”

  “Kitty, you have no clue. I'd turn you into a fur purse if you try any shit against my will.”

  “So, invite me.” He leaned in. Behind them water began to rock the boat against the dock.

  “Excuse me? Quit pretending you want me. You don't even like me.”

  “I do want you. I don't have to like you to want you.” He nodded to the men on the deck before looking directly into her eyes. Challenging her. “I've wanted your rock hard little body since the day you arrived on my island and asked me to massage your shoulders.”

  “Is that what this is about?” she exclaimed. “I turned you down and it hurt your special feline feelings. Have you been trying to figure out how to get me in your bed since then?”

  He simply grinned at her.

  Mar shifted on her yellow stilettos and leaned in until her breasts touched Neeren's arm. “Everyone here thinks you're into me, but I'm just a challenge until the next thing comes along. Let me make this perfectly clear. I don't have sex with strangers or playboys. You're both.”

  Around them the sea began to foam. The staff loading the boat had disappeared. The captain headed below deck. The dock was deserted. Even the birds sought other shelter.

  Neeren leaned into her breasts. A sinister smile curled his lips. He towered over her. Placed his hands on her hips. Stood perfectly still while staring.

  “I'm no stranger Maria. You've seen who I am. I think you like it.” He leaned down, lifted her hair off her shoulders and licked the side of her neck.

  She forgot to breathe. Her lips parted. She swallowed quickly. He smelled like temptation. Goddess, she was tempted. Her feet remained rooted to the deck. Moisture flooded her mouth. “I told you not to touch me unless I asked you to.”

  “Ask me.”

  He nibbled sensitive muscles on her neck. His left hand kneading the soft flesh at her hip. His right tightened in her hair.

  “I'll give you whatever you want. Ask me.” His voice purred.

  Her nipples tightened. She felt tipsy. Flush. Scorched where his hands kneaded. She turned her head. Only the slightest bit. It was all he needed. His growl burned into her stomach. Moisture slammed into her belly. His fingers gripped her.

  He covered her lips with his. They were soft and hard at the same time. Insistent. Heat poured over her flesh. She'd never felt anything like his lips. She whimpered against his mouth.

  He nibbled her lips. Licked. Bit them. Added more pressure until she opened her mouth. He moaned as he slid his tongue between her lips. Pressed one palm against her breast and slowly pushed against the hardened nipple.

  Whimpering she leaned against his hand.

  “Maria. Give me everything,” Neeren’s voice was guttural, dark.

  With a flash of clarity Mar remembered what she'd seen in his mind. What he could do. She wasn't fooled. She'd had enough dark people in her life trying to take.

  She pulled away and straightened her shirt. Took a moment to catch her breath before speaking. “I'm not doing this.”

  He stood in front of her perfectly calm as the world raged inside her chest. Waited. Like they had all the time in the world. Made no move to pull her back.

  Mar flung thick hair over her shoulders and glared. “I know you, Neeren. I haven't told anyone because you're Alex's brother. I'm not putting her at risk because of your crazy shit.” Her voice rose an octave. Came out strained. “You enjoyed hurting them.”

  Neeren took two steps back. Glanced at the water before focusing intense eyes on her face. The sea quieted. “I'm not defending myself to you.”

  “You enjoy killing.”

  “I'm a hunter. What do you expect?” Neeren closed his eyes and when he opened them again they were blank, emotionless. He was back to being king.

  He pulled the purse off her shoulder and placed it in the boat. “You think you know me? I know you too. You like playing games.” His lips parted on a slow grin. “I'm willing to play.”

  “Screw you,” Mar replied. “I don't want to play anything with you.”

  “No? I can already smell how much you want me. You don't have to hide it.”

  Anger laced her voice. “I'm not willing to be a member of your harem. How could you not know that yet? Figure shit out, kitten.”

  A predatory smile curved his lips. “Done. I accept the challenge.”

  “What are you talking about? I didn't issue a challenge.”

  He reached out. Took her hand to help her on the boat. “You asked me to figure you out. I accept. Since I'm not locked on this island any longer it should be easy.” He gently stroked along the flesh at her waist. “You'll see me soon, little witch.”

  His men wandered back onto the platform as Mar stood flabbergasted. She watched at a complete loss as he passed instructions to his men. He'd bested her. She didn't like it. She'd take his challenge. Twist him up in so many knots he'd beg her to let him run back to his island hideaway.

  Chapter 6

  Alex cleared her throat. “I'm leaving in the morning with Quinn.”

  “What, honey?” her mom said from across the gym.

  She tried again. Aunt Quinn escaped the gym a few minutes before, leaving it to Alex to tell her mother they were going back to Victoria.

  “I'm leaving in the morning with Quinn.” She stumbled at her mother’s shocked look. “I miss my job and my home in Victoria. It's beautiful here. Really. Maybe you and Neeren can come visit me.”

  “This is your home now. You will be safe here.”

  “I don't need to be safe here anymore, Mom.” She begged her to understand. “I was raised among humans. I'm not comfortable here. I . . .”

  Gray interrupted her. “What can you possibly mean you aren't comfortable here? Everything is taken care of. You’re a princess.”

  “I know.” Alex studied the gym floor. The skylight ceiling. Weapons glistening along bamboo walls. Each item painstakingly polished after a training session. Just as the grounds were groomed after each outdoor session. From day to day, you’d never know, she, her mother, and aunt ripped the earth apart with wind and fire. The Island offered perfection. Everywhere. Everyday. It was suffocating her.

  “I miss my job. I'm a really good journalist and I want to go back.”

  Gray pursed her lips. “Journalism is beneath you. I blame Quinn for this. She always had an interest in human work.” She turned her back.

  Alex stared out the glass wall to the sea beyond. Everything here was immaculate. There were no heavy walls. No dark colors. This castle felt a little like how she imagined heaven would. Everything soft. Clean. Warm. White.

  Black panthers roamed the estate, standing out with glistening ferocity. Alex wondered if Neeren planned it that way.

  Alex tried to reason with Gray. “It's not Quinn. It's me. I was raised in Victoria. I studied hard to get my degree. I want to use it. We're out of danger. I need to go back.”

  “It
's my fault. If I'd brought you here sooner this would feel more like your home.”

  Alex shook her head, but didn't deny it. She walked over to her mother and wrapped her arms around delicate shoulders. Quinn said Gray was like a porcelain doll. Her mother lost everything twenty-five years earlier. She'd been brutalized. Her husband murdered in front of her. Her child ripped away from her. She was getting stronger physically. It would take much longer for her emotions to heal. If they ever did.

  Alex squeezed her shoulders. “C'mon, Mom. I love you. Everything you did, you did to protect me. I understand. I'll love you forever for giving me a normal life. It's a life I enjoy.”

  “You are destined to be one of the strongest warriors in the world. Your powers exceed almost everyone except for your dragon and brother. If you stay and train, you'll be untouchable.”

  Gray hung her head. Her voice came out like a whisper. “Others will always come after you because of who you are. You're never going to have a normal life.”

  Alex tipped her head back and sighed. She'd known Gray wouldn't like this, but she still had to go. Neeren walked in the door as she prepared to convince her mom to come with her.

  “Your friend, the witch, has departed,” he blurted out.

  “Not now, Neeren.” Gray sniffed.

  “What is going on? Mother, why are you crying?”

  Just great, now she'd have to deal with Neeren in savior mode. Alex steeled herself for his inevitable reaction. “I'm leaving with Aunt Quinn in the morning. I told Mom and she's upset.”

  “Okay.”

  “That's it? Okay?” Alex's voice rose on the last word.

  “I never thought you'd stay here forever.”

  Her mom pouted. “Well I did. This is our home.”