Binding Ties by Shannon K. Butcher Page B

Athanasian prince who came here for the sole purpose of creating me. Mom fell for his good looks and charm, and cheated on her husband. It’s not exactly something my family likes to talk about.”
    A female Theronai. Under his roof. And he’d had no clue.
    He shook his head in an effort to get reality to sink in. “Does Andreas know?”
    His thumb stroked across her birthmark. His fingers had somehow wrapped around her arm in a grip tight enough that he could feel bone and muscles shifting beneath his hand. He knew he should stop touching her, but it felt so good to be free of pain. He couldn’t yet stand the idea of letting the weight of his agony crush him. Soon he would let her go, but right now, he needed this respite.
    She looked to where his fingers wrapped around her arm, but didn’t try to pull away. That alone was a miracle.
    She’d spent so much effort dodging every close contact, Joseph hadn’t realized just how much he’d dreamed about touching her until now.
    â€œHe knows,” she said. “It was part of the reason he sent me here. He knew that if things went to hell or you betrayed him and I became trapped here, I could always beg for mercy because I was like you. He was certain that you wouldn’t kill me—not when your women are needed so desperately.”
    So Joseph had been tricked into agreeing to peace?
    He couldn’t go there. Not now. He was still trying to absorb the impact of the woman standing in front of him. “That’s why you wouldn’t let any of the men touch you. You knew that if we did, we might figure out what you are.”
    She nodded. “I’d heard the stories. I’m not exactly sure how it all works, but I thought it would be safer if none of you pawed at me.”
    â€œNow I understand why you could guarantee your mystery woman’s cooperation.” He paused as the consequences of her vow began to sink in. “You have to choose one of our men. Immediately.”
    She swallowed hard and lowered her head in acceptance. “I know.”
    â€œAnd you promised to bind yourself to him irrevocably.”
    â€œI know that, too.” She lifted her head and looked at him. The impact of her golden gaze was nearly enough to drive him to his knees.
    â€œI thought you hated us. Why would you willingly tie yourself to a man you hate?”
    â€œBecause I love those children. I love my brother. I’d gladly give up my life for any one of them. So I did.”
    He didn’t like it that she thought binding herself to one of her own kind was the same thing as giving up her life, but he let it slide. There was too much to do now to worry about how she felt about her promise. She’d madeit. Now all there was left was to ensure that she did as she said she would.
    â€œYou’re free to go,” he told her, “as soon as you choose your man. I’ll summon everyone who is available back home.”
    â€œNo need. I’ve already chosen my mate.”
    â€œWho is he?”
    She closed her eyes and tensed up, as if bracing for a hard punch. “You.”

Chapter 10
    L yka tried hard not to get sick all over Joseph’s boots. She knew that giving up her life to save her people was the right thing to do. She also knew her path was now set in stone, and that it wasn’t going to be an easy one. But she hadn’t expected her decision to evoke such deep feelings of fear and trapped helplessness.
    Her breathing was too hard and fast. Her stomach churned dangerously. She’d backed away from Joseph, putting as much space between them as she could, but all she’d gained was a harsh groan of pain from him. She was still just as trapped and terrified on this side of her suite as she’d been on the other.
    â€œYou can’t be serious,” said Joseph. “You hate me. Why the hell would you even consider binding your life to mine?”
    â€œI don’t hate