“Were misinformed. I’ve spoken with Mountain Bridge leadership to confirm she was theirs. Possible spies in the castle isn’t new information, Boris,” the demon next to me said calmly, almost as if he was bored. “I was made aware that Tributes might be used to collect intel. Assassination is a far reach, and you know it. Spying, perhaps. The most obvious answer would be Desert Roseland or Black Forest, neither of which sent Tributes this year that qualified to be within these walls.”
His tone brooked no argument.
“What I do know is that someone is trying to weaken my position as leader, and I expect you and my other trusted warriors to help me find out who and why they’re going afterwhat’s mine.Because believe me when I say that I’ll disembowelthe traitorous bastard myself. No one questions the human I’ve claimed, or it’ll be seen as an act of aggression against me, one I’ll deal with personally and attend indragon form, is that understood?”
Nothing made sense. There was no reason for him to lie or protect me, but he had. Onyx had deceived a trusted warrior and claimed me as his, and I couldn’t fathom a reason why. My thoughts were spiraling, desperately clinging to something—anything—but coming up short.
Boris straightened and hit an arm over his chest, a gesture of respect I’d noted over the last few weeks among demons. “I’ll spread the word. You can put your faith in me, Boss. Whoever’s out to cast negative light on you and attempt to take what’s yours will be found and brought to you.”
Onyx spoke to Boris, but his eyes were on me. “I expect you to keep this little conversation from Blade and Void. I’ll handle it myself. Their intervention isn’t necessary. We have enough trouble to keep them busy. Am I understood?”
“Of course,” his guard agreed, trust evident in his vow.
Onyx shot a look over his shoulder. “And I want someone to keep an eye on Vektor’s movements. He’s up to something, and I want to know what it is.”
I focused on my breathing to keep my pulse from giving me away. Fear I could excuse, but excited interest I couldn’t, and they’d not only hear it but smell it as well. I’d learned far more than I ever thought I would, and I was still breathing. Unless he intended to kill me later, which didn’t make sense after lying to keep me safe.
Now I didn’t know how to feel about him. Onyx continued to prove Iris’s faith in him was founded, that the feeling I got around him was right. It was silly to hope he might help me change things, that I could trust him. But I couldn’t help it, I was hopeful for the first time in my life.
“I was thinking the same. He never does anything without there being something in it for him.” Boris grinned in a way the brute never had, his fangs cutting a nightmare shape. “I’ve been itching to go after that bastard for a while.” The scars around his face pulled as his grin intensified. “Tonight he stank of lies and self-interest. I’ll have a few of our guys keep tabs on him and his. But you know Void—”
“I’ll deal with Void,” Onyx cut in sharply. “Be sure to let Iris know I need to see her as soon as possible.”
The mention of the female dragon I was trying to protect caught me off guard because it’d been so calm between them since their argument. But what if I was wrong? What if he was still angry?
My pulse pounded in my ears.
As if reading my fear—or more likely smelling it—Onyx’s ocean eyes slid over to me. “I need her help with a few things, little Moon Beast. I have no qualm with your friend,” he murmured, lips twitching.
His promise and smothered amusement calmed my sudden worry, and that was enough for Onyx. He rose to his feet and motioned for me to follow. I rushed after him and stiffened when his hand touched my lower back in plain view of his guard.
Boris tried to hide his surprise, but I’d read it all on his face as we passed. This was out of character for the leader of the Sky Demons. Everything that happened here today was, and that weird little flutter in my stomach was back as we left.
Before we could make it back to the room and any more demons were on the receiving end of Onyx’s angry snarl, someone I hadn’t seen since I arrived blocked our path.
The demon’s vibrant red hair was braided along the top of his head but loose around his ears. It fell in patches of braids and smooth hair to his bare, tattooed shoulders. Similar beads to the ones Iris put in my hair decorated the rows running alongthe top of his head. This close, I noticed several delicate tattoos framed the edges of his forehead and eyes.
His gorgeous face hadn’t lost its charm, his features sharp yet beautiful. He was still striking to look at, and the smile on his face said he knew it. I’d seen plenty of men wear that expression before, but this male had every reason to, even if he was a total asshole about it.
I knew his type, self-confident and easy-going. Easy to manipulate. Led around by his dick and quickly conquered by an open pair of legs. My honey trap would’ve worked on him. It should bother me that it hadn’t with Onyx, but pride swelled in my chest instead.
My demon wasn’t conquered so easily.
“Blade,” Onyx rumbled in annoyance, not at all happy to see his brother.
Blade’s sneaky grin widened as he readjusted the large duffle bag slung over one shoulder. “As much as I love this new snarly, fight-me dragon ruler vibe you have going on, I’m afraid it’ll have to wait, big bro. Or maybe save it for our enemies?”
Onyx brushed back his long black hair with a scowl leveled on the other leader. “Whatever it is, find someone else.”
“No can do. Our fearless, all-snarls leader is needed in Black Mountain. Void said it had to be you. Artemis won’t meet with anyone else.”
“Fuck me,” the demon next to me growled, jaw clenching. “That bastard couldn’t be bothered to show up for the Dragon Border Alliance meeting, and now he wants me to come to him? What a bloody joke.”
Blade smirked and handed over the duffle bag. “Void says he’s had his hands full with a human rebellion.”
My ears perked up at the mention of a rebellion in another dragon faction.
Onyx didn’t seem impressed. “Oh? And here I thought he’d either killed or bred them all on that island stretch of his, but to think there were enough to rebelandcause him issues?”
