“Tonight’s competition was a testament to your commitment to the Order over the past three years. We have responded by awarding the best of you with a bride. We value skill, power, and loyalty above all else. It is these qualities that will be tested in the upcoming Trials. Tonight, the victorious three are free from their vow of celibacy. Only them and only with their bride, each one specifically chosen to serve.”
The instant the council member disappears from the clearing, the recruits’ voices rise, becoming a cacophony ofsound. I take several deep breaths, but my efforts are wasted. Ben rushes up to the altar at the same time Xavier unlocks the first manacle.
The look they exchange has all the air in my lungs leaving me in a rush. My mind spins as I watch them, my gaze darting back and forth. Although their masked faces reveal nothing, their eyes tell me everything.
“Delilah, are you okay?” Ben asks. He takes my hand, rattling the chain still connected to my wrist, and brings it to his chest. “Say something.”
“If you don’t remove your hands from my bride, I’m going to kill you.” When Ben and I look at him, Xavier tilts his head. “I thought you wanted me to say something.”
My foster brother rips off his mask and tosses it to the ground, his expression fierce. I gently tug on his hold and his gaze snaps to mine.
“It’s okay, Ben,” I say.
“No, it’s not. None of this is.”
Xavier leans forward, his mouth thinning with displeasure. I slap his chest and dig my fingers into the fabric of his black t-shirt. He stops and looks down at the contact before taking my hand in his.
I lie there with two men holding me, both of them ready to kill the other. All at once, the night’s horrific events slam into me. I blow out a breath and fix them with a scowl.
“I don’t care about anything except getting the fuck out of here. When I’m gone, you two can whip out your dicks and slam them on this altar for a measuring contest, okay?”
Ben swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Okay, Lilah.” He kisses the back of my hand, earning a growl from Xavier. Then he releases me and retreats a step.
Xavier rips off his mask and stares daggers at Ben. I squeeze Xavier’s fingers, and his attention immediately shifts to me. I quirk a brow and shake my fist, rattling the chains.
He’s quick to remove them while Ben watches us with his arms crossed. Once I’m free, I grunt with the effort to get into a sitting position. I refuse to show any weakness, but I’m physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Everything takes a toll on me.
Xavier walks around the altar and slips his arms beneath my legs and around my waist. Before I can protest he pulls me into his arms and cradles me against his chest. The movement tugs at the skin around my burn, making me whimper in pain.
“I’ve got you,” Xavier whispers in my ear. “Just relax.”
He starts walking toward the group of recruits, and Ben blocks his path. “What are you going to do with her?”
“Whatever the fuck I want,” Xavier says. “With the Order’s approval, I might add. You had your chance to win her, but you didn’t. Now fuck off.”
“I won’t let you hurt her.”
I roll my eyes. “Too late, Ben. That shit was brutal.”
My foster brother looks down at the mark on my shoulder and winces. “I never wanted to involve you, Lilah. This is my fault.”
I sigh, too tired to properly console him when I’m the one who’s been traumatized. “We can argue tomorrow about who fucked up more, okay? Please don’t make this a thing. Xavier already promised me he wouldn’t…” My cheeks heat at the thought of sex with him. I hope my embarrassment isn’t clearly visible in the dying light of the fire. “You know,” I finish lamely.
Ben shifts from one foot to the other, his unease clinging to him. “Is that true, X?”
“Oh, I’m definitely going to fuck her,” he says. “But she’s going to beg me for it first.”
My face is on fucking fire. It burns more than the brand on my skin.
I stiffen with shock and outrage. So does Ben.
Xavier continues, ignoring both of our reactions. “If it’d make you feel better, I’ll promise not to be rough with her. At least, not the first few times.”
“You motherfucker,” Ben says.
“Fuck you both.” My voice comes out strong and firm, although still quiet. The pair of them look down at me, their expressions varying. Xavier has amusement written all over his features while a muscle flickers along Ben’s jaw as he clenches his teeth.
“Either put me down,” I say, “or start walking.”
