Chapter 515

“What do you mean?” He looked lost. “We are.”

I just shook my head. “No, there are others. I don’t know where they are. It’s not even up to us to find them. That will fall to someone else. The goddess has already told me that.”

“There are others?” I nodded. “How?”

“The goddess,” I stepped closer. “When the Brotherhood hunted them, she did something. I don’t know all the facts, but there is a hidden colony somewhere.”

“We have to look for them.” He tried to turn away, but I pulled him back.

“Even if we were to look, it would be a waste of time. It’s not for us to find them.”

“Then who?” He rumbled, and I felt my stomach clench.

“Carly,” I sighed. “It will be her task to find the lycans and bring them home. Our job is here, now.”

“What do you mean?” His eyes flashed. Erubus was nearing the surface.

“The humans are paying attention. If we let Vince and the Brotherhood continue, we will be discovered.” He swallowed, and I watched his Adam’s apple bob. I shook my head; he was affecting me again.

Nix panted. “Our heat is near. I don’t think we’ll make it through the night.”

“We have to,” I called back. “We’re supposed to attack the rogues tomorrow night.”

“She’s just a kid,” Rowan’s words snapped me back.

I nodded. “I know. But the goddess has a plan. All I can do is support her when the time comes, and complete the task the goddess gave me. I will help you save our kind and give her time to grow into the strong woman I’ll raise her to be.”

“Like your mom did for you?” He looked at me with such intensity that I felt myself grow damp.

“Fuck.”

“What?” He tilted his head. “What’s wrong?”

“The heat is coming faster than I expected,” I took a step back. “I think we’ll have to postpone the attack.”

Rowan followed. “I don’t think we can.”

I growled. “Well, I’m about to be out of commission for a week or so. So we’ll have to figure it out.”

He rumbled. “Have I ever told you how sexy you are when you’re angry?” He stepped closer, and I took a deep breath.

And there was nothing. I growled. “You need to leave.”

He smirked, pressing his chest against mine. “Why would I do that?” He looked down, his eyes flashing the ice blue I craved, but I shook my head.

“You know what’s about to happen?” I turned away.

“I know. And I don’t care this time. Erubus chose Nix, he chose Megan. And mate or not, I have chosen you.” I sucked in a breath, but there was no scent. Another growl ripped from my chest. “Now the question is…will you choose me?” His tone was even, but I heard the worry he tried to mask.

“You don’t want me,” I shook my head. “Not really. You’ve said it time and again. I smelled wrong. I wasn’t your mate. I wasn’t enough,” I growled.

He pressed against my back, his length pressed against me. “Does that feel like I don’t want you? And don’t tell me it’s because of your heat. I can’t even smell you.” He leaned down to my ear.

I felt myself purr. My eyelids fluttered as his lips grazed my ear. “Rowan…” My words were soft, and I tried to move, but he followed with a taunting growl.

“Amy,” his teeth grazed me. “Listen to my words.” I shivered. He rumbled, making my eyes flutter and my breath hitch. “I choose you. Mate or not. It’s you. It has always been you.”

“Do it, Amy,” Nix panted.

“Yeah, Amy. Mate or not. We need to be truthful, not just for him, but for ourselves.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “I don’t know…” I whispered.

“Do you love me?” His question was so quiet I almost missed it.

“What?”

“Do you love me?” His hands trailed up my sides. “Because I love you. May the goddess forgive me, but I love you with everything I am. I would give up being king to be by your side, and I wouldn’t lose a night’s sleep. So, do you love me?”

I took a ragged breath before I dispelled the magic hiding my scent.

Chapter 516