“A poem from my youth. It means that fate is set, no matter what we do.” He often wondered about fate, about his calling, about the shield that protected his body from within his skin. Had there ever been a choice? “Promise me you’ll go to Realm headquarters, have the queen take a look at you, and then stay with Ronan and Faith until your safety is assured.” He’d never had a regret in his life, but one kiss the night before had him rethinking choices that were long set.

She studied him. “All right. I promise.”

Good. His shoulders finally relaxed as much as possible under the circumstances. Oh, he shouldn’t have kissed her the night before, but regretting the moment was impossible. He’d wondered how she would taste for years, and now he knew. Like perfection.

A light pink covered her cheeks. “So. Um.” Her gaze cast around as if looking for somewhere to land. Then she frowned. “That box isn’t big enough for a full assault, is it? Don’t you need more weapons or something?”

Or something. “Benny is meeting with a source on the way here to get us what we need.” It was a good thing Benjamin Reese had connections all over the world for all sorts of shady things.

As if on cue, a black SUV roared up the drive, spinning snow in every direction. The vehicle slid to a stop, and Benny Reese jumped out, all six-and-a-half feet of him. His abnormally large boots slammed through snow and ice, and he jogged toward them. “Grace Cooper, I’ve missed you.” He grabbed Grace up and swung her around, setting her down before the mating allergy could grab hold and give him a rash. Mated people were unable to touch a member of the opposite sex. Ever. “You sweetheart, you.” Benny’s voice boomed off the mountains around them. He slapped Adare on the back. “Hey, brother. It’s a good week to die, no?”

“No,” Adare growled, his skin prickling. He had it bad. Benny was one of his best friends, and the hug with Grace was harmless. Even so, he had to force his fangs back where they belonged. “I’m hoping we live.”

“Ditto,” Benny said cheerfully, his barrel of a chest ensconced in a black leather jacket that must’ve been special ordered. His metallic eyes told another story. One of loss and absolution, tinged with sorrow. He wasn’t ready to die, either. “Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

“Maybe.” The chances weren’t good. Another vehicle drove sedately up the road below—this one for Grace. “Did you get our, ah, supplies?”

“Yep.” Benny motioned toward the darkened SUV. “The shifters in the area are excellent barterers, but I got a sweet deal. For some reason, they wanted to meet you in person before we go.”

Adare frowned. “My name wasn’t to be mentioned.”