Meadow’s POV:

“Making demands, are we?”

I lifted my chin, feeling a smile pull at the corners of my mouth. “Think of it as insurance,” I said, making sure to keep my voice firm and tremors at a minimum.

Alaric didn’t say anything at first.

His hand stroked the stubble on his jaw, almost like he was considering my request, and then he turned to face me slowly. I thought I saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by something darker.

Something ...