“I was intending to take them from her after the avalanche, but unfortunately you had to go and mess up my plans by not dying,” the fae said offhandedly. “Thus, a change of plan. It still involves you dying, but in a much slower, and, quite frankly, more entertaining way.”
He gestured over toward the corner of the cabin, and an ancient ax flew through the air, landing neatly in his hand. Turning it over in his hands, he examined it intently, flicking off some flakes of rust with a moue of distaste.
Max couldn’t help it – he cringed back a little. This wasnotgoing well.
Even if I don’t bleed to death, the tetanus will get me in the end,he thought dejectedly.
The fae looked up from his ax-stroking. “Any thoughts yet on that limb?” he asked. “I’m willing to go with whatever you choose. I’m notcompletelyheartless, you know.”
“We humans bleed out pretty quick,” Max said, trying to keep his voice steady. “I don’t think Poppy will come if you remove a limb, since she’ll know I’m dead. Maybe you could try sending her a letter.”
The fae seemed to be seriously contemplating the suggestion.
“That may work,” he said eventually. “A little of your blood should be enough to write it, and still leave enough for your body to remain functioning.”
This guy just won’t give up with the bloodletting! Far out.
Still, it was an improvement on the whole limb removal thing. He supposed. He still couldn’t say he was thrilled about it.
The fae looked up at him, a sly glint in his eye. “Of course, none of this may end up being necessary. I did, after all, leave the coordinates of this place for your friend. If her fae half has not been fatally dulled by the presence of her human half, she will be able to use them to locate us.”
“What?!”
Poppy was on her way here? No.No.She had to be kept away from this maniac at all costs.
“She has already shed her chimera and witch protectors,” the fae went on blithely. “While you were lying here in yourunconscious state, I left her a note where she would be sure to see it. I dare say she will be here at any moment.”
She’s not with Levi and Margot?! Oh, shit.
Max didn’t want to get bludgeoned by an ax –obviously– but he would take it if it meant Poppy was kept safe. He would trade his life for hers in a heartbeat.
“How can you know that she’s the one you’re looking for?” he asked desperately. “What if it’s me you’re after?”
“You?”
The fae cackled, and, beneath the terror he felt for Poppy, Max felt indignation rising up.
“Oh, you’re a funny one,” the fae said, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. “Thank you for the entertainment. But, no: you are not the one I seek. From the moment I looked into her eyes, I knew that I had found the one who bears the powers my clan needs in order to gain control over all fae.”
He said it casually, like he was discussing whether to get a latte or a mochaccino, and Max stared at him, mouth agape.
Just what kind of Machiavellian nightmare have I stumbled into?!
This had clearly escalated far beyond anything Max was capable of dealing with by himself. He pulled as hard as he possibly could against one of the chains where it was affixed to the wall, trying with all his might to rip it loose.
And for one golden moment, he thought he had it. He could feel the rough wooden planks of the cabin’s wall bending beneath the strain, hear the groaning of the wood –
And then he was sprawled on the floor, his whole body in agony from where it had been slammed against the wall a split second earlier. He forced himself up to his hands and knees, heaving in a tortured breath.
“Enough,” snapped the fae, looming over him, face twisted in annoyance. “Your antics were amusing, but now I tire of them.Your companion will be here shortly, and then I shall have her powers for my own.” His lips pulled back over his teeth in a mockery of a smile. “If you behave yourself, perhaps I shall merely dispose of you, and allow her to live.”
Max’s back met the wall again, and he bit back a yell. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take.
Poppy, I’m sorry. I’ll do whatever I can to distract him, but I can’t keep him away from you. Turn around and head back. Please.
Through the pain, he wished beyond anything that he had a mate bond with Poppy. It would’ve allowed him to send her a mental warning – not in exact words, but a general feeling. He could’ve warned her away. She would have sensed the danger through their bond.
Not that it would do much good,he thought with a hint of dark amusement.You know that that would just make her even more determined to force her way in here, all guns blazing.
