“Galen will be suspicious of every inhale from now on. I have to take the risk.”
Tristen looks my way. I see no other option. “We’ll plan to go tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Selene snaps, her eyes pin me down.
“You have used every ounce of your magic. You need rest,” I remind her.
“I need answers.”
“What good are answers if you can’t think as you consume them? Rest. Recharge. Tomorrow, we will seek out this vampire.”
Tristen’s eyes narrow as he scans his shadows in the direction of the castle. “We’ve got company.” He breathes quickly.
I nod and step back from Selene. Her hand squeezes mine before she drops it. Gods, that small gesture just pierced my heart. I want to strip the title of ‘soldier’ from my name and be called a thief so I can throw Selene over my shoulder and run away with her.
But thieves are hunted down.
I will stay and fight to make the world safe for her.
Tristen drops his shadow. We all look towards the castle. “Tell Galen I wanted you to fight me, and you refused,” Selene instructs in haste. “Do it,” she presses.
I used to see steel in her eyes: cold, hard emotions. The fear that I’ll be taken from her has softened them.
“You can’t ask me to stand aside as he touches you. I refuse.” I release a pained whisper. I can’t do this. I know what’s at stake. The future of our world, but she’s my mate.
Her throat rolls; she forces down her wants and desires. How many times has she been forced to choke on them so others don’t see? “If you want to win me in the end, you must.”
My pulse beats through my eyes, shading the world red. “I’ll win you now.” Yes, the bond likes that. Take her now. “You’re mine.”
“Tristen,” Selene pleads. “Stop him. Titus! Look at your brother. If you fight now, his life is on the line too. A few more days is all I ask.” She steps back. “Stop!” she seethes in such a fury it forces my bond to pause and obey.
Just then, Galen comes into view with a dozen soldiers. He strides through the rose-covered walkway with a mounting fury; the sun glints off his crown. He always wears it as if it were a shield that could protect him.
The fool should know it’s more target than shield.
I step forward, rage so white-hot it blinds me. I’m going to kill…
“You coward!” Selene shouts, then she rushes forward and starts to attack me. “Fight me!” she screams as she puts on a show, hoping Galen will fall for it. Her hands latch onto my uniform, lips sneaking close to my ear. “Please, for me,” she mutters a hushed prayer. “Ignore him.”
“I can not ignore chains for long,” I bite. I’m angry with her for emasculating me. For begging me to step aside as this fucking prick orders her around.
She makes sure to get the last word before Galen gets too close to hear us. “If you care about this bond, you will endure Galen as I have.”
Her words loop around my body like a trap.
Galen pulls at his sleeves, huffing, “Selene,”
All these weeks, not once has he visited her training field, nor checked on her. He’s not worthy of the title of husband. He thinks it means owning a trophy. In reality, it means bending a knee, forming an alliance, and showing mutual respect, love, and compassion.
I glare at Galen. If only my eyes were a knife, better yet, my own hands to end him.
Throughout my entire life, I thought I owed Galen everything; he provided a roof over my head, fed me; his men taught me how to survive. But it was never out of love, only fear that the crown on his head would be snatched.
I want to melt that useless symbol made of metal. I want to show the world that a true king does not need a crown or fear to rule.
Punch!Selene’s fist blinds me. My head snaps to the side, and then more hits come to my ribs. She punches me in the other eye.I know you’re trying to blind me so I won’t attack.
“Selene, enough!” Galen shouts.
