Free Ruling Fire (Bad Boys Of The Underworld Book 4) by Mallory Crowe Page B

made her way to the balcony. The breeze was too cold for her t-shirt and shorts, another reminder that she was not dressed up to her normal standards, but the fresh air was exactly what she needed.
    Thomas joined her on the balcony. Even though it was almost midnight, the city was busy as ever. The tall buildings that surrounded Sonin Tower were lit up sporadically as the cars below turned the streets into red and yellow rivers of light.
    The tower was only recently built, but she’d lived in the city ever since Rebecca married Roman. This was the life she knew. Had known since she was twelve. Fifteen years might seem like nothing to an immortal werewolf or vampire, but it was over half her life.
    Thomas’s voice broke the silence. “I’d be more worried about the myotis if I were you.”
    Elsie looked over her shoulder to Thomas. “Since Brock and I really are mated now, they have no reason to come after me.”
    “Did you ever figure out why they attacked him in the first place?” Elsie didn’t answer, but the look on her face probably said it all. Fuck . Why hadn’t she asked? “Myotises are dangerous. If they want Brock dead, they wouldn’t stop at one.”
    “The clan came after me. They didn’t seem to know why Brock was attacked.”
    Thomas shrugged. “Either way, you need to be careful.”
    “Don’t you think I know that?” she bit out. There was no need to point out the obvious.
    “You can always leave him,” said Thomas softly.
    She gave him a look dripping with disapproval. “I could never do that,” she whispered.
    It was the curse of the siren. Anyone unlucky enough to have a siren bond to them was cursed with the inability to be with anyone else as long as they lived. She hadn’t told Brock.
    How could she?
    He claimed her in public to save her life. She kissed him. He hadn’t asked for any of this. Her anger turned back to sadness. A tear escaped her eye and she quickly wiped it away, wishing she could get a hold of her emotions.
    “Does Max know?” she asked. Roman was head over heels in love with Rebecca. Monogamy was no trouble for that power couple.
    Etta had only been with Max for two months when their bonding was announced. The marriage they were planning was only a formality.
    Thomas’s jaw clenched at the mention of Etta. Elsie’s heart broke at the sight. He deserved so much better than her sister’s selfishness.
    “I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” he said simply. After a second, he added, “I’ve heard her singing to him more often lately.” Not a good sign. A siren’s voice could entrance and bewitch, but only temporarily. It was a great way to stop a fight, but as soon as the seduction of the song wore off, the same problems would remain.
    Elsie reached out a hand to his. He didn’t move away, but he stiffened at the touch. Vampires were strange about touching. Elsie didn’t care. She wanted to offer him comfort just as he comforted her when she needed it.
    “Etta cares about Etta. You need someone who will care about you,” she insisted.
    “I’ve never heard anything so beautiful.”
    She gripped his hand tighter and looked him straight in the eye. “One day I’ll sing for you. It’s not her. It’s her power as a siren. Trust me. I can wrap you around my little finger any time I want to. I just choose to use my power for good instead of evil.”
    At least that got a small smile from him. The intercom buzzed, the noise plenty loud enough to breach the peace of the balcony.
    Thomas pulled his hand away and Elsie prayed he would get over her sister. Even if Etta left Max, she would still be off-limits. He could never betray one of the council members by running off with their mate. His father was on the council and needed to deal with Max every day.
    Thomas needed to be on his best behavior.
    He walked over to the intercom and said his name to announce he was there.
    “Where the fuck is my mate?” came Brock’s hostile voice.
    Elsie’s jaw