Claimed by Light by Reese Monroe Page B

“What?”
    “Kill me, please.”
    “No. Slade. No.” Addie squirmed again within Justin’s grip. “Please.”
    “Why on Earth would you ask that of us?” Theo sheathed his Mavet.
    “To keep Addie safe. You have to kill me. I don’t want to hurt her. I—” He gulped, staring at Halena. “I’ve hurt too many people already. I need this to fucking end.”
    “It doesn’t break your contract. You’ll go to Hades,” Theo said.
    “Fine. As long as Addie and Lena are safe. That’s all that matters.”
    “They’ll just send more demons for Addie,” Justin said. “You dying doesn’t solve anything. But it’ll leave Halena alone for eternity. And trust me, nobody wants that.”
    “Justin!” Halena smacked his shoulder.
    The idea of Slade dying punched a hole in her chest. But he was almost demon. His kill—the final act to transition—had been assigned. He hadn’t done it yet, and wouldn’t, considering it was his sister, but the demons wouldn’t let that go. They’d hunt him—and Addie—forever. Halena jammed her fingers into her hair and pulled hard. What the hell was she going to do?
    If you mate him, he might be saved. Theo’s voice sliced through her mind and straight to her heart.
    She froze.
    He’s still human. He hasn’t taken a life.
    I can’t, Theo. I just—can’t.
    I’ve read his thoughts, Halena. There is more to him. More to Addie. This is bigger than all of us.
    Doesn’t mean I should jump into bed with him, Theo. He betrayed me. I—what—how do I get past that? She wanted to, but…feeling so strongly for someone scared the shit out of her. What if—?
    A warm hand rested on her shoulder. “Maybe not now. Give it some time.”
    She looked up at Theo. He had no doubts, did he? This guy had waited more than 900 years for his Mate. Never even touched another female. He would have mated Sadie when he first laid eyes on her—without even knowing anything about the girl. That was how strong his faith was.
    Evidently Halena’s faith needed some work. But so much had happened over the centuries. For her to open herself up, totally and completely, to someone… She couldn’t. She barely knew Slade.
    “Take him to the cabin with Addie. We’ll dig into Jace and Votar and see if there’s a connection to the remaining Artifacts.”
    “What am I supposed to do with them up there?” Halena asked. “What if he hurts her?”
    “He won’t.” Theo smiled. “And if he tries to, you’ll stop him.”
    “You sound so sure he won’t hurt her.”
    “He’s not meant to be demon, Halena. He’s been marked for more.” Theo tapped her neck. “As you will be.”
    She batted his hand away. “Fine. Can you splice us there?”
    He stepped away. “The drive will do you good.”

Chapter Thirteen
    “Damn drivers.” Addie flipped the bird at the passing car.
    Slade sure had missed her. It was nice to see her so…lively. She was smiling, laughing, and driving horribly as she always did. And he’d know, he’d taught her.
    Lena sat in the front seat, staring out the window. She hadn’t said more than a few words since they’d piled into the car. Slade was thankful for a chance to get a quick nap, but now the silence was beginning to deafen him.
    “We’re almost to the cabin. You think there’s food there?” Addie asked. “Cuz I’m starving.”
    “When aren’t you hungry, chiante ?” Lena sat up.
    “How’d you find her?” Slade asked.
    “Your computer, Mae, and my stellar Shomrei talent.”
    Addie laughed. “You should have seen her, Slade. She was amazing. She—”
    “That’s enough.” Lena’s firm voice sent a chill through him. He grabbed the back of Addie’s seat to pull himself up more.
    Lena flinched. “Don’t touch me.”
    “Don’t worry. I won’t.” Not until she asked. No. He couldn’t, that was the next step in the mating process, and from what Votar mentioned about it, Slade couldn’t chance touching her.
    God, he was so screwed. He wanted her