“Fair enough. I guess Hey, did you know you’re gonna sprout wings in a few thousand years? isn’t exactly a great icebreaker,” he muttered.

The prince smiled. “Oh, I doubt it will take that long.”

He eyed the prince. “What makes you think so?”

“Your powers are quite remarkable, so I have a suspicion that your wings will emerge much sooner than mine did.” The prince sobered, beginning to look tired. “That’s also the reason my father has taken such an interest in controlling you.”

“Yeah, but if I’m so damned superior, how can he control me?” Kalen asked in frustration. “Because he’s getting pretty fucking good at doing it and I don’t have an inkling of how to stop him.”

“He couldn’t manipulate you unless you already possessed a thread of darkness that he can seize and mold into something terrible and useful for him. You know this.”

“Jesus.” He sighed. “You’re right. But why don’t you have some darkness he can pounce on? You’re his son. Not that I’d wish that on you, because I don’t. I’m just asking.”

“I was fortunate that I was blessed with my mother’s strong royal Seelie characteristics. That didn’t save me from being cast out of my realm when he decided to target me, but at least he has no hold over my mind. For what it is worth, I’m truly sorry he does with you.” The prince yawned, blinking slowly.

“Thanks.” He could tell the guy meant it. They studied each other for several long moments, and as they did, Kalen couldn’t help but feel a budding sense of kinship.

Was it simply because he’d finally found someone like himself? Here was a decent guy who’d been thrown out of his home, left to fend for himself in a cruel world, just like Kalen. They had a common enemy. They were both Fae. And as incredible as it seemed, he’d one day earn wings just like the prince. Maybe he’d live eleven thousand years, too.

He just hoped he wouldn’t have to live even one of those years away from Mackenzie, especially not under Malik’s rule.

“How do I defeat him, Your Highness?”

Sariel’s head nodded as he attempted to stay awake. “With your light and your love,” he murmured cryptically. Then his lashes fluttered closed and his breathing became deep. Even.

Light and love? What the hell was that supposed to mean?

“Sounds like something a faery would say,” he grouched as he stepped from the room.

Oh, wait—I’m a faery, too. Just not the light and love type.

That might explain why he was doomed.

He learned from Noah that Mackenzie was busy in her office on a personal phone call, so he strode toward the rec room. It wasn’t until after he left that he remembered they hadn’t been able to enjoy that shower together like they’d wanted. It would have to wait until tonight. In the meantime, they would have to finish their day drenched in each other’s scent. Every creature in the building would know who the gorgeous doc belonged to.

And that suited him just fine.

Seven

Mac hurried toward Kalen’s quarters, trying not to appear as though she was worried. But she had good reason to be.

Kalen hadn’t showed at dinner. That in itself was cause for concern among the Pack—the men loved their food and rarely missed one of the cook’s excellent meals unless one of them was sick.

She knocked firmly at Kalen’s door. Waited and listened for signs of movement. No response. She rapped again, louder this time. Still nothing.

“Kalen!” Worry ramping up to dread, she started pounding. “Open this damned door right now or—”

It abruptly sprang open to reveal her Sorcerer standing there bare-chested, jeans slung low on his hips. His hair was rumpled in sexy disarray and he blinked as though he’d been napping. “Or you’ll huff and puff and blow my house down?”

She scowled at him, determined not to let his mouthwatering, half-naked bod distract her. “I just happen to know a few wolves who would help me with that. Are you going to let me in or should I go fetch a couple?”

He gave her a lazy smile. “Feisty, aren’t we? By all means, come in.”

Stepping aside, he let her in and then closed the door behind them. Immediately he pounced, spinning her around and backing her against the wall in the small foyer. He looked just like a panther, she thought, jewel-green eyes glittering in the dimly lit apartment, expression hungry. Dangerous.

His mouth swooped down, capturing hers, his tongue thrusting inside. He kissed her like a starving man, causing every nerve in her body to tingle with delight. His lean hardness felt so good, and he smelled even better. Like the forest and pine, with a hint of musk. Raw and male.

He pulled back some, giving her a heavy-lidded look of pure need, and a prickle of alarm skittered along her spine. Not because of how much he obviously wanted her, but because the dark Sorcerer was back. The wicked one who would take no prisoners, show no mercy.

As if sensing her unease, he cupped her face and whispered, “I’ll never hurt you. Never. I’d die first.”

“I believe you.” She laid a hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating so hard. Strong and steady. Like his gaze, full of fierce determination to ward off the shadows. For her. “Take me to bed. Please.”

With a growl, he lifted her into his arms and strode for his bedroom. She’d never been inside his place, but it was the same layout as the ones belonging to the other Pack members, only more sparse in furnishings. There were no decorations or personal touches at all. Given his background, that wasn’t surprising, but it was sad. She’d change that if he’d allow it.

In his room, he set her gently on the covers as though she were the most precious gift on earth. Pulse jumping, she eyed him as he slid off his jeans and underwear, leaving him naked. The man was a delicious feast for the senses. Such a bad boy with those black painted fingernails and kohl-rimmed eyes.

She’d always had a thing for bad boys. Didn’t a lot of good girls?

“I missed you at dinner.”

“I fell asleep,” he said as he knelt on the bed and crawled toward her.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“Oh, yeah.” His lips curved up and he reached for the button on her pants. “Don’t know why you even bothered to put these back on.”

“Because I have a little problem with being naked in front of all the guys. Even if they don’t have the same issue.” The Pack didn’t worry much about walking around in the buff, before or after shifting. Made for nice eye candy.

“There is that.” In short order he had her pants and undies off, and her blouse and bra soon followed, joining the rest on the floor. The only item on her person was his silver pendant around her neck, hanging between her breasts. “You, my lady, look good enough to eat.”

“Me first. Let me?” Reaching out, she wrapped her fingers around his erection.

Sucking in a breath, he rocked his hips toward her. “Whatever you want, baby.”

Eagerly, she stroked his straining member, loving the silky hardness of his skin sliding through her palm. She enjoyed the rush of making a grown man tremble, reducing him to a quivering mass of want. Men believed they were so powerful, but when it came to a lover’s touch, being fondled, licked, and sucked? They weren’t so mighty.

Bending, she tasted the head of his cock, capturing the pearly droplet that escaped through the slit. He groaned, urging her on, and she took him in her mouth as she cupped his balls. She’d never get tired of this.

She sucked him slowly, taking him deep, to the base and up again to the tip. Bobbed and laved like he was a lollipop, while massaging his heavy balls. She even traced the treasure trail leading from his belly button to the trim, neat nest of black hair at the base. So manly.

“Honey, I’m not gonna last if you keep that up.” Carefully he disengaged and gave her a smirk. “My turn now.”