Darkyn's Mate

Wynn studied her, warmth in his eyes. "I don't know how this all unfolded," he said. "You truly are an innocent caught in the politics of the Immortals and the scheming of deities. You are the last person who deserves to be here."

"You always say the right thing," she murmured. "Even while you were killing me."

She paused, knowing she shouldn't ask what she'd wanted to since finding out what he did. At this point, there was no reason not to.

"How could you, Wynn?" she asked, with more emotion than she intended.

"It's done, Deidre," he said.

"It's that simple to you? I mean nothing to you, like I meant nothing to her? I'm disposable?"

"Deidre," he stopped then continued with some effort. "I loved you in this life and the last. I lost you in both, too, once by the choice of Past-Death and once by my own. There is no part of me that wishes I couldn't go back and save you from this. He won't let me out of here alive, I don't think."

Deidre returned her attention to the girl. Wynn regretted what he did; he regretted the impact to him more. Immortals and deities didn't have the capacity to care for others. Would she be alone for eternity?

"Can you help her?" she asked.

"I am doing my best. My deal with your mate is dependent upon me succeeding. He gave me five days."

"If the magic of Hell can't cure her, can yours?"

"Not so far. I've tried traditional medicine" he motioned to the machines lining the perimeter of the room "and my magic."

"Poor girl," she murmured, recalling all her years of pain and misery with the brain tumor Wynn caused to expand. Her deal with Darkyn damned her, but also saved her life. "Is she demon?"

"Half-breed like Rhyn. Demon and Immortal. Mother is long dead, most likely one of the blood slaves. Darkyn was known for going through them like tissue paper."

The reminder of what her mate was made Deidre nauseous.

"At least I can save other women from that destiny," she said. "The mating bond is absolute, isn't it?"

"It is. Neither mate can have someone else on the side. Yours is more so. He's dependent upon you for blood, a condition that transcends the normal mating relationship."

She deliberated on this information. Darkyn was determined to keep her, determined enough that his insurance limited him more than her. He was serious about not losing.

Wynn was looking at her again, an odd light in his eyes. It made her uncomfortable.

"He was wise to turn you quickly," he said after a long silence. "He can't harm you now with the double-bond. Did the transition hurt?"