But judging by the way Nikolai’s life essence pulsed erratically, he needed more than her doggy good nature. I braced myself and mentally reached for his energy. It grabbed on to mine immediately, and my own merged like we’d been doing this all our lives.
Against my skin, the hornburned. As though it were coming alive. Surprised, I pulled it free.
Nikolai reached out and wrapped his huge hands around it.
And Sebastian’s horn began toglow. The spiral edge suddenly grew sharp and cut into me, but I didn’t dare let go. The energy flowed from Nikolai to it and then into me, filling me to the point of pain.
“Nikolai. Enough. That’s enough. You’ll hurt her.” Aria had risen and stood with him.
Only then did I acknowledge what I sensed—the seething maelstrom that flowed up through him, and now, into me. So powerful it terrified me, but the beast inside me only wanted more, the tendrils reaching for it, sucking it up like candy.
Talakai moved to loom over me, his metallic eyes sparking fire.Anna,he said.Enough, let go. I don’t know where he’s getting that, but it’s not meant to be held on to.
“No,” I breathed. “It’s okay. I can take it.” I was filled with a sense of wonder. The energy hurt as it filled every part of me, but my beast wasn’t afraid.
Anna! Let it go.Matt, now, sounding panicked.Talakai, pull her away!
The Dragon reached for me, but I stopped him.No! Don’t touch me, I’m fine.I wound my alpha power into the command.
“Nikolai! Let her go!” Lucas strode forward and grabbed the big Bellati’s arm. The energy lashed back, sending the Morph flying into the wall across the room.
The power cut off like a switch had been thrown, and Nikolai released the horn. He ran to Lucas and cradled him in his arms.
Talakai’s big arms folded around me.Are you okay?He was growling, a continual low rumble.
I’m fine. It didn’t do that to me. Maybe it’s a family thing.
Or you’re just sharding lucky,was his assessment.
Aria’s eyes were flashing like mad as she bespoke her mates, and now she turned to me. “I am sorry. This Galeran thing has him on a razor’s edge.”
You okay, Angel?
“I’m fine,” I insisted, aloud and through the link, although I tingled all over.
Look.Talakai’s mindvoice was filled with awe.
As his arms dropped away, I examined Sebastian’s horn. It was hot to the touch, and the edges of the spirals were once again razor-sharp.
Lucas disentangled himself from Nikolai and stood. His eyes were flashing like mad as he approached me.
“Put me on the team,” he said.
I glanced at Nikolai. “Is that a good idea?”
“If I don’t go, he will,” Lucas said. “And if I’m there, we will have access to his power.”
Aria didn’t look happy. “The last time he did that, it almost fried you.”
“Galeran is dangerous,” Nikolai rumbled. “But teamed with Isobel, nothing can get near him. You will need my power. I cannot pump all of it through Lucas, but enough.”
Images flashed through me from Talakai—of the carnage wrought by Isobel during the battle.He’s not wrong.
Aria didn’t appear convinced, but Lucas straightened. “He’s right.” He met my eyes. “Put me on the team.”
I looked from Aria to Lucas.
Where we are going, we might need him,was Talakai’s grudging verdict.
