“You presume to tell me I’m failing my obligations to my territory? To my face?!”

“Aren’t you?” Thomren visibly steeled himself as Kain’s lip drew up in warning, but he still continued. “When did you last patrol anything but the area near the warehouse where we found her? The females aren’t dumb enough to go back there. We need you north—umph!”

His voice died on a grunt as Kain grabbed him by the collar, pulled him into the room, and slammed him against the nearest wall.

“Don’t you dare tell me how to run my territory! I am your Lord, and I govern these lands!” Darkness welled within him, flooding through the hand twisted in Thomren’s shirt and into the other man. Blood trickled from the lesser demon’s nostrils, ears, and the corners of his mouth.

“Kain,” Thomren grunted, placing a hand on his Lord’s chest. But instead of fighting to break the connection that was harming him, his touch was gentle. “I know your longing. I know what it’s doing to you. When I saw Meredith, I knew she was mine, and I bid more than I had to claim her.

“You gave me the remaining balance; you saved me from losing her when it came time to pay up. And that’s why I’m here. You need to claim that girl. For your territory, for your own sanity—but also for her.

“She’s the first Pure Breeder to be auctioned since your mother. Every unmated Lord is going to be at that auction—I’ve even heard rumors that Prince Naharan may bid this time. And if you don’t claim her… one of them will.”

“It won’t matter to her who claims her,” Kain hissed. “She hates us all the same.”

“Even if that’s true… it’ll matter to you, friend.” Thomren’s voice was strained, blood seeping faster from his orifices now. He wouldn’t remain conscious much longer.

With an effort of will, Kain stepped back, breaking the physical connection to his underling. “Go.”

Thomren staggered, clearly fighting to remain on his feet. He rubbed his throat with a shaky hand. “Kain—”

“Go! Before I change my mind.”

With a regretful look in his direction, Thomren finally stumbled out of the office, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more.

Kain pushed off the wall and began pacing the room, hoping to calm his throbbing head just a little. Somewhere past his fury, he recognized Thomren’s bravery—and his loyalty—for doing what he did, and that was the only reason he’d let him live despite his insubordinance.