Of Heat and Obsession

OF HEAT AND OBSESSION THE DEATH WHISPERER BOOK 2 KATIE MAY EXPRESSO PUBLISHING, LLC Copyright © 2023 by Katie May All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Cover Design by Claire Holt of Luminescence Covers Edited by Lindsey Loucks of Midnight Library To all of the thirsty bitches who wished Feyre had ended up with ALL of the sexy fae instead of just one. This book is for you! And a special shout out to LaRitha for being the first person to message me SHADOW MAN PENIS! CONTENTS Foreword Glossary Recap Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Afterword Acknowledgments About the Author Also by Katie May FOREWORD This is a fantasy reverse harem romance and book two of a series. It contains strong language, violence, and sexual situations. The men in this series are antiheroes and villains who must learn what it means to love. It’s a slow, slow process, but I can promise you the journey will be worth it. Kassandra is already the center of their world, even if they don’t know how to show it. Triggers include past abuse and sexual assault, though the assailant is NOT a harem member and will be dealt with (chapter 34). Please message Katie with any questions or concerns! GLOSSARY Tick — Second Orbit — Minute Set — Hour Fae disease — Common cold Black virus — Subset of the fae disease but deadlier Land of Ingens — Home of giants Amorite — Home of dwarves, elves, and other mythical creatures Falkan — Language of the hands Harbara — Mythical weapon with two forms, the aguela and begula Teroan — An object imbued with air magic to talk to people over long distances Death weep — A plant used commonly in poisons Megarts — Spiders Julets — Pegasi that have been hunted to near extinction because of the magic in their horns Mulnios — Horse-like creatures with horns in the center of their foreheads but no magic Jamas — Wasps Pacons — Vicious, dog-like creatures with horns and fangs who usually hunt in packs Bulbas — Wolf-like creatures with similar temperaments to pacons RECAP Kassandra has spent her entire life as a servant to Madam Herra, using her abilities to heal fae. One of her hands allows her to take the ailment of other fae onto herself; the other kills. Her gifts have taken her voice, leaving her mute. Blaze, the Prince of the Fall Court, arrives at Madam Herra’s house with the intent of purchasing the elusive Death Whisperer from her. Upon seeing Kassandra, he discovers that she’s his fated mate and kills Madam Herra for her horrible treatment of Kassandra. Prince Blaze takes Kassandra to the Spring Court with him to undergo negotiations with Prince Treyton. The Day and Night Courts have banded together and have already obliterated the Summer Court. Treyton fears his kingdom is next and seeks help from the Fall and Winter Courts. Treyton quickly discovers that Kassandra is his mate as well, though he remains oblivious that she is the Death Whisperer he’s been searching for. Meanwhile, Kassandra finds herself in a strange world whenever she falls asleep. During one visit, she kills the king after he tried to inappropriately touch her. The king’s son arrives in a blind rage and throws Kassandra into the dungeon. In the real world, Prince Calan of the Winter Court arrives at the Spring Court with a secret agenda—he’s searching for the Death Whisperer to heal his sick brother, who’s currently dying of the black virus. He is extremely rude and standoffish towards Kassandra when he first sets eyes on her. During a meeting between Prince Treyton, Prince Blaze, Kassandra, and some of Treyton’s generals, a fae diagnosed with the black virus enters the room. The virus has eroded her mind and filled her with rage and the desperate need for blood and flesh. Kassandra uses her gifts to heal the fae female, revealing herself to be the Death Whisperer. In the process, she loses part of her hearing. Treyton, in a misguided attempt to protect Kassandra and her secret, murders everyone in the room besides Blaze and Serena, including the female Kassandra just healed. He vows to protect her, no matter the consequences. CHARACTERS: Kassandra — The Death Whisperer. She lost her voice when she was a child while healing someone with the black virus. She originally lived in Madam Herra’s home as a servant before she was bought by Blaze and taken to the Spring Court. She does not know that she is the princes’ mate. Blaze — The Fall Prince. He quickly discovers that Kassandra is his fated mate and vows to protect her. He’s arrogant, possessive, and protective of those he cares about. It’s hinted that he may be immortal. Treyton — The Spring Prince. He has a dark past that he’s trying to make amends for. Despite his agreeable nature, he’s shown to be bloodthirsty and violent, especially when facing those who wish to harm Kassandra and Serena. Calan — The Winter Prince. He’s aloof, icy, and struggles with normal social interactions. He has an older brother, Moran, who he respects and admires. When Moran dies at the end of book one, Calan vows to kill the Death Whisperer in the name of vengeance. Raven — Kassandra’s imaginary friend who she visits in her dreams. Upon arriving