This woman was consuming him, bit by bit. She was becoming the reason and the reward of his existence, and if he did not shield himself, everything he did not have to give would belong to her.

Well, here were the ugly facts. She had no mad-ninja-skillz to rely on and her family didn’t know where she was. She didn’t know where she was. The only way she was leaving was if this creature allowed it.

Make no mistake, little human. You are under my protection now, and I protect what is mine.

I don’t do magic. I turn your attention back to Friday night and the big-ass sword I was carrying. My job is to run and swing.

You are sweet to be so concerned over my love life, but I’ve decided only to date guys who have bigger swords than me.

How many did she kill?”

“Dozens, my Lord, until her sword was dull with the blood of her enemies.”

Reign stroked the edge of the dagger with his forefinger until a drop of blood was drawn. The blood absorbed into the blade. “Only that? I will see her bathed in blood before me.