n freezing cold ones on rooftops when the job

like it had witnessed things it would never dare speak. Black silk

e was

ap

y. His scent was everywhere-cedar, musk, and something wild, like t

ching the moonlight. His body was inked with markings that looked mor

ing in your be

k at her. "Yo

ake the

N

I'm not your

g slowly, voice dropping lik

echoed lik

r head. "That'

hen explain why I can fee

o the wall. "Y

brow. "I tol

Gave her space. Walked to the far side of the r

aid, pouring himself a drink. "But

e just paced, trying t

nting me," she finally

er. Crueler. They want you be

is that

turies," he said. "Something th

d. "So I'm basically

. "More like a thron

he wind was cold. Below, the city stretched-dark, glitt

said softly. "Is that some k

es

didn't

he said, stepping b

at of him, just

g so close,"

did

ike trouble,

a

to face him

black. His jaw clenched, veins in his

cie

aking up. I can feel every breath

hat n

N

d back again-f

stay away fro

hy

e said, dragging a hand dow

ould h

rms. "What exactly happens

be mine. In every way. Mind, body

itterly. "Sou

her then. R

ood and violence, and you-" he paused, shaking his head. "You're a crack in

e stre

aid, "So I'

rushing her shoulder

id. "You're

n he wa

h a finality that

She wasn't sure if it was anger, fear, or som

into the m

idn't

use she

e was starting

pu

fi

bo

st part of her, somethi

cien's name o