They stared at each other, neither willing to back down. After at least two minutes, Lucian stepped in between them. “It’s done,” he said in his deep voice, his thick accent giving the words an ominous ring. “There’s nothing to do about it now except prepare for the possibility that Myanin is actually willing to die for the Order’s cause.”
Lilly shook her head. “She’s not. I’m telling you. She doesn’t want to work with the Order. They were a means to an end, but something has changed her. She’s not the same person she was when she killed her elder.”
“Really?” Peri said. “Because I’ve always found once a murderer, always a murderer.”
“You’ve been around long enough to know that isn’t a fair statement, Peri,” Lilly challenged. “People can change. Especially those who’ve been visited by the Great Luna.”
“Tenia, I can understand,” Peri continued, as if Lilly hadn’t said anything. “I mean, they have her kid. Of course, she’s going to cooperate with them, but Myanin went to the Order of her own free will. She not only killed the elder but took her power and fled to the human realm. Now, suddenly, she’s had a change of heart? I’m not buying it.”
“So you’re telling me you don’t trust the Great Luna, the goddess who created all of us and cares for every single one of us and has our best interests at heart? That’s what you’re telling me? Not to mention, the stones that go where they’re needed were here. And who knows? Maybe they’re just hiding because they don’t want to see your grouchy ass.”
“Don’t get preachy with me, queenie,” Peri said through gritted teeth. Her hands were fisted at her side as if she were desperately trying to keep herself from zapping Lilly again or throwing more snowballs.
“I’m just trying to get you to stop for a second and examine all the facts. You’re thinking with your emotions. Stop. Consider everything I’ve told you.Everything, Peri. Then tell me what you think.”
Peri stared at her mate. No doubt they were speaking to one another through their bond. Lilly turned to look at Gerick. His large form leaned against the wall, arms crossed and brow drawn low as if he were thinking hard. “Gerick,” Lilly said as she stepped closer to him. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away. I honestly believe we are in no danger of betrayal from Tenia and Myanin.”
Gerick raised his yellow eyes to hers. “You said the Great Luna blessed the oath.”
Lilly nodded.
“Then that is enough. We may not understand it, but that’s not for us to worry about. For whatever reason, these two females have been sent to us. We can remain vigilant, but we must trust that the goddess is in control.”
“You don’t mind a female djinn working with you in training our warriors?” Lilly asked.
“A smart general knows when to take instruction. A foolish one lets his pride get in the way, which could get those under his command killed. I’d prefer not to be the latter.” Gerick’s lips turned up in a small smile.
“Thank you.”
“Of course, your highness,” he said, bowing his head.
Lilly turned back to look at Peri who was no longer staring at her mate. Instead, she’d once again resumed her pacing. Lucian glanced at Lilly, and his eyes seemed to say, “Give her a minute.” Lilly nodded and then waited. What else could she do? Peri was a force to be reckoned with. She was not someone you wanted to back into a corner, unless you were feeling suicidal. Then, by all means, shove that fae back and let her slit your throat. She’d do it with a smile on her beautiful face.
After what felt like way too long, said beautiful face stood less than a foot from Lilly. “Do we need to have a talk about personal space, Peri?” Lilly asked as she took a step back. The high fae stepped forward, keeping the same closeness. Lilly knew she’d lose this battle, just like she had the zapping battle.
“I’ll roll with this little game,” Peri began.
“It’s not a game, Peri. She’s not going to betray us,” Lilly interrupted.
“But I will be here every timethey’rehere,” Peri continued without acknowledging Lilly’s words. “I will watch every move she makes, and if she so much as breathes wrong, I will end her.”
“I think we should iron out exactly what constitutes breathing wrong, because my idea of breathing wrong and your idea of breathing wrong could be two very different things,” Lilly said, completely serious.
“I’m not playing, Lilly.”
“I’m not either, Perizada. You can’t just kill her because she makes a face that you interpret to be deceptive. You are not judge, jury, and executor.” Lilly had to make this clear to the high fae or Myanin would be gone before she could prove to Peri that she wasn’t a fraud.
“Says who?”
“Says the Great Luna,” Lilly growled, her eyes narrowed on the high fae as she stepped closer this time. “Not only that, but Myanin’s crime was against her own people. It’s on them to deal with it. I know how much you care about those who you consider yours, Peri. I know. But you’ve got to trust me. I’m not just Lilly, Jacque’s mom, Slate’s grandmother, or some human brought unwillingly into this world. I am a supernatural being, and I am the queen of the warlocks.” She stood taller and raised her chin. “I am telling you, as one leader to another, that I am not making a mistake. I am not putting my trust in the wrong people. I have taken a calculated risk that the Creator of our races has blessed. As a queen, I am telling you this is what is going to happen, whether you like it or not. As a friend, I’m asking you to trust me.”
Peri closed her eyes and took several breaths before finally opening them and meeting Lilly’s gaze. “I can’t lose any more people I care about, Lilly. You understand that.”
“I do.”
“As an ambassador, I accept what you’re telling me. As your friend, I’m tellingyouthat I will unleash hell if she hurts you or anyone in our pack.”
Lilly knew that the word “pack” no longer just meant the wolves. Peri was speaking about the combined supernatural forces who’d joined their cause, those who were willing to take a stand against the Order. Those willing to give their lives.
