Chapter 15 · The Deal Is Sealed

"Don't move another inch, or I'll carve that mark out of you."

Kane's forearm pinned me against the cedar. Rough bark scraped my jacket. His voice vibrated through the space between us, low enough to make my teeth ache.

I shoved at his chest. He didn't budge.

"You're insane." My breath came out sharp. "The hunters are closing in, and you're worried about a mark?"

"I'm worried about what's mine."

"I'm not yours."

His amber eyes narrowed. Not human. Not even close. "Keep saying that. Maybe you'll believe it before they put a silver round through your skull."

A red laser blinked between the pine branches behind him.

My stomach dropped.

"They're here," I whispered.

"I know."

"Then get out of my way."

Kane leaned closer, his heat cutting through the freezing air. Cold rain and metal clung to him, with something darker underneath. Blood, maybe. Old blood.

"You think those rifles scare me?" he asked. "I've slept through empires collapsing, Sia. A few hunters with expensive toys aren't going to ruin my dinner."

"Their dinner is me."

"No. Their prize is the key inside you."

"Then let them take it." I drove my palm into his chest again.