The Mating Intent-mobi Read Online Free PDF Page A

card and purchases. Anything that doesn’t require me to get naked.”
    “We could be inventive and leave your clothes on.” His green eyes twinkled with mirth and she sagged against the cooler for support, her palms splayed against the glass.
    Gabriel’s grin dropped. He cupped her elbow. “Gods, you look famished. When was the last time you ate?”
    “Oh, a century or two ago.”
    At her dismissive hand wave, he frowned. “We’ll discuss the terms of your surrender over dinner, after I get you settled.”
    “I never surrender.”
    “Terms are non-negotiable. Capitulation to my home-cooked vegetarian stew with organic carrots and beans. And you need a good night’s sleep.” At her wide-eyed look, he added, “Alone. I want you fully charged and ready for me.”
    “Gabriel, I’m not a battery.”
    “No, but you did enjoy some toys that ran on them.”
    People started milling near them and a couple was headed for the juice cooler where they stood. The loud voices, the crush and the smell of too many bodies, damp earth and plants clawed at her. She pushed away from the cooler and her knees buckled. Panic filled her and she grabbed at Gabriel.
    “Whoa.” He caught her before she hit the floor and lifted her into his arms.
    She wanted to protest that she wasn’t weak, but the grayness kept clouding her vision. Hooking her arms around his neck, Sienna closed her eyes, willing away the dizziness.
    “Easy now, pixie. I’ll take care of you.”
    “Don’t need taking care of,” she murmured, but the words came out sluggish. Fatigue claimed her and she rested her head against his broad chest.
    “You’ve always been a lousy liar,” he murmured into her ear as he carried her through the store toward the exit.
    Gabriel took her outside, and eased her onto a stone bench overlooking rows of palm saplings. She breathed in the clean, fresh air, grateful for the open space and quiet.
    Sienna struggled to recover her composure and equilibrium. She hated relying on others.
    “Need a minute,” she muttered.
    Squatting down, he put a hand on her knee. “Take all the time you want.”
    There wasn’t enough time. Each day the powerful darkness inside her threatened to take over, controlling her fully. Only the spring of Danu would restore her. Then she’d become open to the benevolent powers of their universe; the good, light magick that would enable her to return to her king.
    No one in the royal circles wanted a dark Elf in their midst. It was like having a cockroach invade the banquet table.
    As a Shadow Elf, she’d spent her entire life trying to balance her light magick against her dark magick. It was a constant struggle, but staying celibate and free to focus on her duties kept her dark side at bay. Then twenty-five years ago she betrayed her king and her people by sleeping with Gabriel and breaking her oath.
    I am dark, and dark is bad, she thought, guilt clogging her throat. Gabriel shattered all her willpower. He was like chocolate to a woman dieting. Rich, tempting and sinful.
    Very, very bad for her.
    But oh, so very tasty.
    She leaned back, enjoying the cool shade and the breeze playing with some strands of hair that had escaped its tight bun. “Your place has changed, Gabriel.  You never had this many customers, only a few commercial businesses as clients. You’ve always gone out of your way to avoid interacting with Skins. And now you’re catering to them.”
    He joined her on the bench. “Skins have money, and they’re important. We have to learn to live alongside them, or we die.”
    “Isn’t that philosophy a bit drastic?”
    “No more drastic than the blizzard of development since you left.”
    “We’ve all had to compromise. But you never struck me as a shifter who likes money and this business smells like cold cash. And what’s the deal with all the hired help? In particular, that mouthy Fairy? ”
    Sienna opened her eyes and regarded him.
    “Willow?” He tilted his head and the hint