He needed to fix things between Coal and the human. He’d taken Julie and he shouldn’t have. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but I do know what I saw. That male was a like a puppy dog on your heels – did I say that human saying correctly?” He raised his brows.

“Yes, it’s only because his brother commanded him to mate me though and—”

“Nope.” It was funny how people didn’t see what was right in front of them. He shook his head. “He was desperate and needy. He is in love with you. It doesn’t matter about previous females in his life or things he didn’t tell you, probably to protect you. The male is desperately in love with you. He looked completely pathetic. Maybe it is better that Candy is gone.” It is better. “I don’t ever want to be that pathetic.” Too fucking late. No!

She sort of smiled and then turned serious. “It’s not better that she is gone and you know it.”

It is better! Good riddance. She didn’t want him. The human hadn’t welcomed him to her bed but she had accepted money from human males. Why them and not him? Why? His chest hurt and he struggled to draw breath.

You know why! You deserved everything you got.

Fuck it!

“Are you ready to go?” His voice came out sounding gruffer than he intended.

She nodded once. He could see her shoulders relax. The female was deep in thought. Then she smiled and gave a small nod of the head. Coal was one lucky SOB.

“I take it I’m taking you back to the fire prince?” Torrent smiled, something lightened in him. At least things would work out for Julie. She was a sweet female. Clueless but sweet.

“How did you know I’d changed my mind?”

“You gave a little smile just now and your cheeks are flushed. I can tell that you were thinking about the male. It seems that you have it just as bad as he does.”

She shook her head, preparing to deny it but sighed instead. Maybe not so clueless after all.

Torrent laughed and although she first rolled her eyes, she couldn’t seem to help but to smile along with him. “Let us go.” He put his hand on her shoulder as they walked towards the balcony.

The double doors leading to the balcony flew open. Glass exploded out as both panes of glass were obliterated. Coal stepped into the wide opening, taking up the whole space. He was a bundle of tension. Every muscle was corded. Smoke curled around him. Small flames erupted from his nose and mouth. His eyes were slitted. His frame enormous, his beast, barely contained within his human skin.

What was that he had promised himself earlier? Something about taking a punch or two if need be.