“Tomorrow,” she told him, tugging him closer. “Right now, let’s walk through Central Park.”
No one was out. The snow was too deep, and the paths hadn’t been cleaned. Drifts, however, melted easily around them — and they didn’t mind getting a little wet. Deeper and deeper they went, into the woods, getting lost in the middle of the city.
Finally, when it seemed as though the tangle had become part of a fairy tale, and the trees were thick and loomed like stark soldiers, they stopped and put down their things and lay together in the snow.
“Life is strange,” said Lyssa, pulling off the glove of her right hand. Golden claws gleamed, and her scales were blood red. Even regaining the ability to shape-shift had not healed that part of her body. She would always be caught.
But that was okay. She was okay. The last of the Cruor Venator, for now. Watchful, ready, waiting. Because one day, she knew, it would not be enough simply to leave her alone. Someone would come. Perhaps Long Nu. Maybe another witch. And she would have to fight again.
Not to save her life. . but to save the lives of the children she planned to have. . and to keep her mate, her husband, safe. Just as he kept her safe, in so many ways.
“I’d rather have it strange,” replied Eddie, in that low, thoughtful voice that she loved so much. “It would hurt just as much. But this way, there’s magic. And you.”
She rolled over and kissed him, hard. Then, she laughed, and began to strip.
Eddie sat up in the melting snow. “What are you doing?”
“Magic,” she said, as golden light danced across her skin and mixed with threads of fire. “Has there ever been a dragon in Central Park?”
“I don’t know,” he said, catching her clothes and grinning. “But there’s one now.”
Acknowledgments
Heartfelt thanks to my lovely editor, May Chen, and all the hardworking souls at HarperCollins who have been so very kind and supportive. I’d also like to thank my wonderful agent, Lucienne Diver — as well as friend and publicist, Elena Stokes.
To my readers, who are delightful and magical, a mighty thank you.