Chapter Twenty-Four #2
Valmer smiled. “It’s already begun. Soon every shifter on the planet will know what you did.
What the Gerans did. You’re about to become irrelevant, insignificant, unwanted.
” He grinned. “Forgotten, unlike the artifacts you tried so desperately to keep out of sight. Now they will never be forgotten, and that’s because of you. ”
Theron’s face tightened.
“But I wouldn’t worry if I were you. I mean, how old are you? How many years do you think you have left to spend them in a cell? Because the Fridans will never let you out. And unlike you, they’re very good at keeping people alive. You might even survive another thirty years.”
Theron glared at him, his lips twisted into a snarl.
Valmer glanced at the walls. “This—or something like it—is going to be your view for the rest of your life. And don’t expect them to put an end to your misery. They won’t execute you. It’s far more satisfying to keep you like this.”
Theron narrowed his gaze. He stood and walked toward the bars. “I won’t be kept a prisoner. I’ll escape.”
Valmer barked out a laugh. “How? You can’t shift.
Your food probably takes care of that. You know, the way you kept me drugged?
And now I’m wondering how long they’ll keep you like that.
Who knows? You might never shift again.” He smiled, knowing that would probably be the barb that found its target.
“Payback really is a bitch, isn’t it?” He paused.
“But there is an alternative.” Valmer’s heart pounded.
Theron arched his eyebrows again.
Valmer reached into his pocket for the small metal box. He held it out to Theron between the bars. “It’s only a tiny bottle, a mouthful, really, but there’s enough in it to be fatal. As strong as you think you are, it’ll even kill you.”
“And why would I do that?” Theron kept his hands at his sides.
“Because I don’t think you want to be caged for however many decades you have left.
” Valmer tilted his head. “I’m right, aren’t I?
And although this might feel as though you’d be taking the easy way out, you’d deprive Aelryn of his victory.
His prize.” He smiled. “And part of me thinks you would rather do that than put up with what your life will become. Imprisonment… locked into your human form. Daily visits from Aelryn to remind you of your crimes. Though I’m sure you’d come to look forward to such visits, because apart from your guard, he’d be the only visitor you’d receive.
” Another pause. “So… do I put it back in my pocket and walk out of here?”
Theron snatched the box from his hand in a flash. “Now get out of my sight. ”
Valmer smiled. “With pleasure.” He turned and went to the door. He rapped on it, and a moment later, the guard opened it. Valmer didn’t glance back as he exited the cell.
“That was short and sweet,” the guard observed.
If Theron drank the contents of that vial, it would be sweet indeed. Valmer had pushed Theron as far as he could. Now it was his choice.
That’s it. I’m done.
Valmer had a mate and a new life. And somewhere out there was their third.
He pushed all his memories of Theron into a mental lock box and tossed the key deep into the recesses of his mind.
That chapter was over.
MILO FLOPPED onto his back, sweat covering his chest. “Oh my God,” he said weakly.
Jana leaned over him in a heartbeat. “Are you okay?” That note of anxiety in her voice touched him.
“I’m fine. Exhausted, but fine. I never thought I’d have someone as perfect for me as you are. I owe Fate big-time.” He peered at her. “I do have one question, however. Are all otters as insatiable as you, or did I get lucky?”
She chuckled. “I’m just getting warmed up.”
He gaped at her and let out a gasp of mock horror. “I may not survive this.” Then he grinned. “But what a way to go.” He held his arm wide, and she laid her head on his shoulder.
Jana tilted her face toward his and smiled, and the sight did things to Milo’s stomach. Good things. Right things.
“Wait until we find our third mate. I have a feeling the two of us are going to run you into the ground.” Her eyes twinkled. “I also have a feeling you’ll love every minute of it.” Then she laid her head back down, her hand on his damp chest.
He stroked his fingers through her hair. She was beautiful, breathtaking, sexy, and so much more.
I fell for her so fast.
He knew there was another out there for them, and he was eager to meet them. It didn’t matter to him if it was a man or woman, because they’d be welcome. He’d even learn to love being on the receiving end if necessary.
There was still space in his heart waiting to be filled—space big enough for their mate.
Did you mean that?
Milo blinked. “I’m still getting used to you hearing my thoughts. Did I mean what? That I can’t wait to meet our third?”
Jana craned her neck to stare at him. “No, I meant the part about being willing to try being on the receiving end.”
He laughed. “Oh, so you’d like to see our mate taking my anal cherry, would you?”
She bit her lip. “Yes, assuming it’s a he, but if not, there are other possibilities too.”
“Such as?”
She grinned. “Ever heard of a strap-on?”
Milo stared at her. “I was right. You are insatiable.”
“And curious. I’ve always wanted to try that. So… can we? Can I?”
He laughed. “Sure.”
She snuggled against him. “Boston has been okay, but I’m happy to be moving. Have you ever been to Galveston?”
Aelryn’s people had found them a house near the Gulf Coast of Texas, and Milo and Jana would be training with a team there.
“No, but I’m looking forward to it. Apparently it’s a good place for otters.” And their future team leader had a sprawling estate with plenty of trees and green pastures, where a gorilla could feel at home.
Maybe our mate is already there, waiting for us. Excitement bubbled up inside him. So what if the war to win over the Gerans was only just beginning? So what if there would be minds that would remain shut to the truth?
Milo was on the brink of a whole new life, and he couldn’t wait for it to get started.