He murmured, “From my vantage, I’ve got to weigh whether you’ll be more angry I swived a nymph—or that I let your brother suffer. You’re about to learn a lesson I grasped very early: one measly fuck can equal something you want badly.”

Maybe that was true. Maybe she wasn’t being rational. But it was difficult to stay rational—when she felt like she was being throat punched. She murmured back, “How is this different from your past? You’ll be having sex in exchange for something. You’re going to be a whore again, only this time there’ll be no excuse for it.”

He ground his teeth so hard that muscle ticked in his wide jaw.

“Obviously I was wrong when I said you weren’t that man anymore,” she continued. “But then, I am naïve.”

At her ear, he grated, “If it makes you feel better, I can honestly say I’ll be thinking of you.”

He straightened, then started toward Meliai. They strolled off together, leaving Jo behind.

Knife in gut. Knife in gut. Knife in gut.

That’s when a realization hit her like a Valkyrie’s fist: I’m completely in love with that prick.

Tears ran freely down her face. Of all the times for her to recognize this . . .

She knew she was in love—because nothing else could hurt this much. Nothing ever had, except for when she’d left Thad behind.

Rune glanced back at her one last time before turning a corner.

She could get another lover, but she couldn’t get another Rune.

SIXTY

Dalli stopped Rune and Meliai in the corridor. “What in the gods’ names are you doing?”

He flicked his hand at Meliai. “Her, apparently.”

Dalli told the other nymph, “Wait in your room. I need to speak to him.”

Meliai asked him, “Any requests for lingerie?”

“Whatever’s quickest.”

“Eager. I like it.” Meliai traipsed away.

When they were alone, Dalli said, “Have I heard correctly—you brought Josephine here?”

He nodded. “She’s truly my mate, Dalli.”

“Then what could possess you to do this?”

“Meliai has information I need to free Josephine’s brother from a dangerous situation. I’ve been tasked with getting him back.” Success would go a long way toward soothing his mate’s feelings. She’d see that Rune’s means were often an efficient solution to a problem. She would better understand him.

“You expect her to wait outside while you gather your information?” Dalli was incredulous.

“I brought Josephine with me because she vowed to the Lore she wouldn’t drink again—ever—unless she was with me on this mission. So unless you can force Meliai to cooperate with me, I don’t have much of a choice.” He knew Dalli couldn’t. Despite her age, her authority was limited. The Nymphae power hierarchies weren’t like those in other factions.

“If I could force her to tell you, I would.”

“Then my path is clear. You know I won’t enjoy this. Mentally, I won’t even be there. I damn sure won’t come.” He’d have to fantasize about Josephine to stay hard.

“Rune, I know you won’t be there—your eyes are already glazing over—but others can’t understand that. There’s got to be another way.”

“Should I leave Josephine’s brother in danger? Now my brother as well? You’ve never encountered a creature who loves her sibling more. And besides, she needs to accept this is what I do. Damn it, I’m too old to change!”

Even if she’s my destined female. The one he’d never hoped to have.

“You’re about to harm your relationship irreparably.”

“And what do you think the death of her brother would do?” He lowered his voice even more. “While I’m standing here talking to you, a seventeen-year-old boy is in Val Hall, trapped behind the wraiths. I can’t get to him without Meliai’s information on the Scourge.”

“You’re going up against the Valkyries?”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my new family.” His mission for the Møriør seemed far removed.

Dalli exhaled. “Meliai used to repair Val Hall’s oaks from lightning damage. She could know of a way in.”

“Good. Will you go talk to Josephine and smooth things over? Make her understand this will have no more effect on me than tying my shoe.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

“She isn’t feeling . . . She isn’t doing well.” Those blood tears tracking down her face had wrecked him. “Just watch out for her.” He headed to Meliai’s chambers. Her door was open, and the nymph was lighting candles.

How bloody romantic. The cloying smoke mingled with the overblown perfumes in her room. “Give me your vow you have what I seek.” He shut the door behind him. Amid this haze, he lost Josephine’s reassuring scent.

“My vow, is it?” Meliai grinned coyly. “Would it be so awful to sleep with me? If I’m lying, you’ll still get the lay of your lifetime.”

At his unbending expression, she said, “Very well. I vow to the Lore I possess something you could use to get past the wraiths.” She shrugged out of her robe, leaving her in only a transparent teddy.

Josephine, with every inch of her body covered in bandages, was sexier to him.

“I should warn you, I’ve been satisfied dozens of times today.” Meliai reclined on her bed. “You’re going to have to work for it. It’ll take hours and hours and hours.” She reached for a goblet of wine on her bedstand. “Do strip off all your clothes.”