XAVIER
Earlier that night…
“Come forward, recruits.”
The sound of my father’s voice causes Delilah to sit up straight, her spine about ready to snap. “What’s going on?”
Nothing good. “I don’t know.”
The vigilance I’ve lived with all my life expands, covering my bride in a cloak of protection as though my will is strong enough to keep her safe. It’s not, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do everything I can to ensure she’s far away from all of this. This being evil incarnate.
I fucking knew the Order was up to something. It always is, keeping some fucked-up plot twist in its pocket to screw us over. It’s supposed to teach us something, and it does, but the lessons are hard won.
“Recruits, it’s time,” another council member says.
I recognize Daniel Kent, Declan’s father. He’s not as bad as my old man, but from the things my friend has told me, I’d never underestimate the leader of the medical empire. If I did,I’d probably end up dead with my organs in boxes, shipped out to the highest bidder.
I tighten my grip on my girl’s waist, bringing her attention to me. “Delilah, you need to go back to the dorm room. It’ll be safe there. Wait for me, and don’t leave my room under any circumstances, no matter what anyone tells you about me.”
The last time a crow lied to my bride, saying my life was in danger, she left the safety of my room to find me. I can’t let that happen again. Except this time, my life won’t be the only one at stake. Like the other recruits, Benjamin will be involved in whatever’s about to happen.
I add, “Or McKenzie.”
“But I?—”
My gaze hardens at the idea of her disobeying me, along with the possible consequences. I don’t care what I have to do to convince her, but Delilah will leave.
She shakes her head, and I grab her hip, digging my fingers in the material of her dress so she can feel my urgency. My rising desperation.
“Delilah, please. For me.”
I have never begged another human being. Not when my father beat me to within an inch of my life. Not when he flayed the skin from my back. Not when my mother stood next to him and nodded in approval.
But for my future wife, I would do anything.
Delilah nods, and relief floods my body. “Okay, I’ll wait for you,” she whispers.
I kiss her temple, telling her without words how much I appreciate her acquiescence. Her submission.
“I’ll come back to you as soon as I can.”
“You better not die, or I’m going to be fucking pissed,” she says.
“I won’t. I have too much to live for, little raptor.”
She doesn’t understand the lengths I’m willing to go to survive, the things I’d do to have her in my life. To have her at my side as my wife. Maybe it’s for the best. Because if she knew, Delilah would fucking own me. Body, mind, and soul.
After setting Delilah on her feet, I force myself to release her, my arms falling to my sides. She stares up at me, her gaze full of concern, and something else. A tender emotion that’s soothing, despite the horror waiting for me.
Knowing that I won’t leave her if I don’t do it right now, I turn away and walk toward Declan and Benjamin. The recruits have gathered in front of the dais like obedient soldiers awaiting their general’s directives. The Order is similar to the military, not caring if the people who lead the charge die, as long as they do it carrying the banner of the confederation.
Daniel Kent gestures for us to leave the ballroom by jerking his chin in the direction of the double doors. I fall into step until Declan taps my shoulder.
I keep walking but glance at Declan, who leans in close, his expression tight with urgency.
“Look, X.”
With growing trepidation, I shift my gaze.
