Page 48 of Wolf of Ashes
“Why not?” I ask, my voice a hoarse whisper. The longer he studies me, the more strongly the dark energy within him calls to me in ways I need to quantify. Ways I need to put aside and keep in their place because otherwise, I’ll move my hands and explore the rising sensations that are heating my thoughts and warming the space between my thighs.
“Because this mouth should not be messed with,” he says.
I arch an eyebrow at him, trying to lighten the intensity in his expression. “Is it my sharp wit?”
A slow smile tugs at the edges of his lips, but he doesn’t reply for a long moment.
“Possibly,” he finally says.
I swallow and focus on what he’s offering. “If I can conceal my identity, it changes everything. I can infiltrate the empire.”
“You can break it from the inside,” he says, his fingers resting on my chin as a hint of challenge enters his eyes. “The best way to take your revenge: When your enemies won’t see it coming.”
Rapidly thinking it through, I say, “We can pose as mercenaries. Offer to become servants of the empire. But I’ll need weapons and clothing—real clothing—as well as a base of operations.”
“I can give you all of those,” he replies. “I have a place in mind.”
I consider him carefully. “Where?”
“You’ll see.”
My eyes narrow.
“You’ll like it as much as you like burgers,” he promises, widening his eyes at me innocently, but he can’t conceal the darkness lurking at the back of his expression.
Choosing not to push him, I say, “You could make me look like the Serene Commander. All blue-eyed and blonde-haired and stunningly beautiful.”
“Bad idea,” he immediately replies. “Someone might recognize her.”
“True.” I shrug as best I can where I’m lying all pushed up against him. “Oh, well.”
He brushes the hair back from my jaw before his fingers slip across my upper shoulder. His voice resonates with the darkest magic as he says, “You’re already stunning.”
I shouldn’t believe him. Flattery comes easily to the tongues of dark creatures. Or so my mother warned me.
The corner of his mouth twitches as he lifts his hand one last time to press it over mine, which has remained on his heart.
“Your distrust is warranted,” he murmurs, reminding me once again that my feelings are open to him. “You should expect me to betray you eventually.”
My eyes widen at how openly he has acknowledged the basic nature of all dark creatures.
“But for now,” he continues, “we are allies, both of us playing out our roles to the inevitable end.”
“Whatever that end may be,” I whisper.
He keeps my hand over his heart—but really, it’smyheart I’m pressing my hand against—a connection I didn’t know I needed until this moment when exhaustion finally pushes into my consciousness.
It’s been a long day and tomorrow will be harder.
The path before me is uncertain. All I know for sure right now is that I will return to the place of my conception, despite the danger that waits for me there.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Ireturn to wakefulness, aware of one of the panthers licking my face. It seems a very dog-like thing to do, assuming the illustrations in books of dogs licking their humans is anything to go by.
I crack open my eyes while the male panther with the blaze on his paw nudges my face, growling softly in my ear.
“Okay, okay.” I push gently at his face. “I’m awake.”
