Page 45 of Forsaking All Others

“Sure, I made a strategic alliance in the heat of the moment. That doesn’t mean I’m joined at the hip with her.”

“And the twins?” I narrow my eyes at her.

“The way I see it,” she rises and stretches like a Siamese cat, graceful and beautiful, “this challenge, we need to help one another; you, me, the shitty little Nepalese, and the Icelander who thinks she’s on a Brownie camp and is going to get us all killed. After that, all bets are off. Now, if you’re satisfied with your cross-examination, how about telling us why you keep talking as though you’re our self-appointed leader? What’s special about you?”

It grates on my nerves to open my mouth and tell this bitch anything, but if we have to share strengths to join forces, and if I have to prove why I’m the one that should lead our room, not her, then that’s what I’ll do.

“I have no problem killing,” I shrug. “I’ve been brought up surrounded by deceit and relied upon violence to keep myself safe for years. I don’t like people in general, you all included, and I’ll take out anyone, do anything, to win this game.”

“We’ll all do anything to win this game,” Eleanor snorts.

“I killed my best friend to get here,” I add, smiling as they all gasp.

34

Staring at the phone, I wait somewhat impatiently for an answer to my question.

“That’s not something I know anything about,” Wolf says after a long pause. “Falcon’s the special blood connoisseur. You know, virgins, fairies,” he chuckles.

“Yes, but he seems distracted with other problems at the moment. I haven’t had the opportunity to ask him about the blood, and he isn’t being open with me about whatever trials he’s currently dealing with.”

“And he probably won’t tell you,” Wolf snorts. “Until you’re married you’re still a threat.”

“We both know that’s bullshit, Wolf.”

“Is it?”

I wait for him to add more, but he doesn’t. He can be obtuse like that.

“Go on,” I eventually sigh, “I can tell you’re pissed with me. Get it off your chest.”

“Thirty years,” he growls. “Thirty years you fucked off with never a word to your friends. Out of sight but not out of mind. I thought after the last time you did this you’d understand what a cunt move that is.”

“Wolf,” I sigh heavily, “Falcon banned me from his presence…”

“I didn’t.”

“I know, but if I spent time with you it would have forced him away from you too. I didn’t want to take that from you — not when you’re dating his maniacal ex and need his help.”

“It wasn’t ‘either-or,’ Jag.”

“Yes,” I mutter, “it was. ‘Because I couldn’t have suffered hearing about his life with her and not being a part of it.’ “But let’s not argue. I hear you’re still managing to stall your marriage.”

“It’s an extended engagement.”

“How are you pulling that off? My understanding is that her mother is keen to jump bodies sooner rather than later.”

“Easy. I told her I won’t marry her while she’s still in love with Falcon — and I ensure we visit the Dragonspur’s often enough, and I praise him high enough, that her love for him is eternal.

“Diabolical,” I snort, “and I can just imagine how that goes down with Lady Dragonspur. After all, the princess did try to murder her.”

“You don’t have to concern yourself with the Lady Dragonspur,” Wolf says lightly, “and if you want Falcon’s help solving your blood dilemma you’d better figure that out.”

“Always a pleasure, Wolf,” I mutter.

“It’s been too long, brother. Make sure mine is the first castle you visit during your honeymoon, or I’ll hunt you down and rip your new bride’s fucking heart out.”

“You’d most likely be doing me a favour. But you’d have to find us first,” I quip, “not something you have much success with, if the search for your sister is anything to go by.”