He leaned down, at the same time lifting her to her tiptoes. Their mouths smashed together, their tongues frantically tangling. Another lift, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, using him as an anchor.

He lowered her to the couch, the length of his erection pressed against her aching core. A hoarse groan left him while she moaned a prayer of thanks. How she’d missed his weight.

Maybe she’d been too quick to decide they shouldn’t sleep together again. Maybe, if she fought hard enough, she could win him...forever? She could have this forever.

Forever...with Bane...

I want it, she realized. More than anything!

But a royal versus a beloved wife? Even though he’d claimed Meredith wouldn’t be coming back, the odds weren’t in Nola’s favor. But, if she wanted him, shouldn’t she fight for him, no matter the outcome?

He deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue with more force in a mad dash to reach the finish line. The rest of the world began to fade...until the entire RV shook, dishes rattling. A panting Bane jerked his head up, ending their kiss.

A terrible scraping sound rang out, and she cringed. “What is that? An earthquake?”

He leaped to his feet, strapped on multiple weapons and wound two links of chain around her waist. “Do you know how to shoot a gun?”

Trepidation slithered down her spine, plucking at her nerve endings. “I do, yes.” As part of her and Vale’s self-defense training, they’d taken a course on gun safety and handling.

“Good. Because Aveline contacted me and confirmed her kill order to Micah. He’s here, and he’s hunting for you.”

Smiling, she purred, “Let him come.” Dark Nola had a surprise for him.

Bane did a double take. “I think he’s here, and I think he’s in beast form.” He placed a semiautomatic in her hand, then lifted a battery operated...nail gun? “Stay here while I—”

Suddenly the roof of the RV ripped from the vehicle and was thrown aside, cool air and dirt whipping all around them as a great and terrible beast was revealed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Personality makeover!

BANE HISSED AS sunlight bathed him, his eyes watering and blurring, his body shaking. Must stop Micah. Must protect Nola, no matter the cost.

Only seconds ago, Bane had luxuriated in primal arousal, needing his woman more than breath. He needed her...always.

I’m keeping her. Never letting her go.

Drogo prowled through his mind, enraged at the sight of the other predator.

Micah would die in blood and pain. But first, Bane had to transform. To defeat a beast, he must become a beast. Only another beast’s teeth and claws could slice through those inch-thick, steel-hard scales. Not yet. Hold... He wouldn’t risk harming Nola or his weapons.