Page 135 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“Tell me the prince didn’t actually chase you in the woods and you told our people not to interfere.” His voice grows harder.

“I can’t.” My voice is soft as I look into his eyes.

“Why?” he asks.

I shrug, but I know why.

“No, you don’t get to do this. I want to know why you told our people not to get involved when you clearly needed help.” He grips my chin.

“Because I didn’t want them to get into trouble. I didn’t want one of them to die. I don’t want them to start a war before we can break the curse,” I whisper.

“That is not a good enough reason.” His eyebrows pull together.

“It was my reason, and I stick by it. I would do it again and again. I don’t want them to get hurt because of something I said,” I mumble toward the end.

Kieran just stares at me for several seconds, searching my face. He gently moves his hand to pull my scarf down, his eyes narrowing on the dark purple handprint on my neck.

“Was it the prince or one of the guards?” he asks, his eyes still on my neck.

I don’t answer.

“Adeline.” He makes eye contact with me. “Who the fuck did this to you?”

CHAPTER 41

“Sweets, you have to let me know who did this to you.” His voice is gentler this time. “I need to know.”

“Need to know to do what?” I ask.

“To kidnap and torture them so they feel the pain you went through. I want to feel their lives drain away by my hand, watching as they die and beg for mercy.” His voice is ice cold.

My mouth hangs open, not believing he just said those words.

“When it comes to you, Sweets, I want to do things I normally wouldn’t do. I want to torture and kill anyone who dares look at you wrong. I want to see the life drain from their eyes,” he slowly explains. “I want to keep you safe.”

I clench my thighs together, not daring to look away from Kieran. He takes a deep breath in, his nostrils flaring and eyes darkening.

“Does someone like what I said?” he purrs, his face getting closer to mine. “I think you do. I think you secretly want to watch that happen. Watch as I take care of what’s mine.”

I shouldn’t be turned on by this, but my body has other thoughts.

“Kieran,” I gently say.

“Who did this to you?” he whispers. “Who wrapped their hand around your neck and hurt you?”

“The prince,” I reply without thinking.

Kieran steps back, and a murderous look flashes across his face. “I knew it. I should have killed him when I had the chance,” he growls. “He deserves to die a slow and painful death. He doesn’t deserve to walk on this land, threatening my mate and hurting her.”

“Kieran.” I try to get his attention. “Kieran, look at me.”

“I’m going to kill him now. I’m going to show him who is really in control and who you belong to.” Kieran raises his voice.

“Be quiet!” I slap his arm.

Kieran looks down at me, his eyes full of anger. “I will not be quiet when someone in power has hurt my mate. He and his father should never have been in power to begin with. None of the humans should have.”

“Listen,” I start, but he doesn’t let me finish.