Page 36 of Bonded

I smile at him, feeling my heart banging in my chest, knowing that this king is going to be dangerous for me. But maybe that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.

Chapter Twenty

The river sparkles in brilliant shades of blue as I walk with Reed and Orion along its edges. I barely got five minutes back in the Mother Pack before they asked me to come for a walk with them and pulled me away from Zyran. Blackfire was called to Alpha Gaia, and he didn’t look happy about it, but I’m glad I don’t have to deal with him calling me his wife at the moment. It’s nice to spend some time alone with Reed and Orion, and to see this river area.

“Did you have fun in Void City?” Reed asks casually. “You seem refreshed.”

My cheeks brighten as I remember Zyran on his knees, where his tongue was. We went back into the club after that and danced for hours together before he wrapped me in his arms and flew me home, leaving Illyia with a guard to take her back. I slept in his arms, like I did every night I was there, and more often than not, he would wake me with his mouth between my legs. We haven’t taken it further than that yet, but I want to.

I mumble some weird kind of yes, my cheeks reddening. Reed notices, one eyebrow going up as he watches me, but I clear my throat and ask, “So—what’s the river called, water heir? Is there something special about it?”

“This is the major river. It branches off in five different areas and goes straight through the mountains and connects most of this court,” Orion answers instead. “It might be a river, but it is my land.”

“It needs cleaning,” Reed grumbles. “I’ve told you more than once—you need to get some people in on the water to clear it, and perhaps let us put some magic into your rivers.”

“They’re fine, and I’ve told you more than once that you live in sand, so I don’t want your opinion on the earth pack,” Orion barks back.

I roll my eyes at the pair of them. “Have you two just argued the entire time I’ve been gone?”

Reed doesn’t say a word, and Orion tenses. I take that as a yes. My shoulders drop. “I feel like things are more urgent now, and I wanted to speak to you both. In Void City, one of the Wrath has gotten across the water. That’s why my brother brought me back. I was going to tell you when Blackfire’s here, but I’m sure you could pass the message on when you see him.”

“What does your brother want?” Reed softly asks.

“Everything to hurry up, including getting you all to come to Void City. I’m asking you three to come with me to Void City to see the Wrath they captured, and to test whether any of your powers work on it.” I turn to Orion. “What about your plan for the swords? I don’t want another visit from that god.”

Orion crosses his arms. “It’s complicated. As it turns out, I cannot touch the swords. Anyone who has tried has died, and I don’t want you to try, Meredith. My plan was to get back to the ballroom and just take them, but things have changed.”

Reed shakes his head. “You can’t touch them, little human.”

“The god wouldn’t have sent me after them if I couldn’t,” I point out.

“You know we’ll come with you to Void City.” Orion changes the subject, and I sigh. “I know you want the alphas behind you too. But we could leave soon.”

“Not without Elizabeth.” I look directly at Orion. “If you’d just speak to her. Please.”

“I said no.” Orion stops. “Don’t ask this of me. If you care at all, don’t.”

“It’s because I care that I’m asking you to go,” I whisper. His expression doesn’t change, still hardened and firm. “Thanks for hearing me out, asshole.” I storm away from them both, ignoring Reed shouting for me. Orion doesn’t. I feel like I’m being pulled between Elizabeth, who’s my friend, and Orion…who I like.

I follow the edge of the river until I get to a lake. The entire surface is covered with lily pads that make almost a bridge to the other side. I step across the first couple, wanting to get away from Orion but having no real sense of direction.

Water splashes over my head. I look up as Reed drops out of the water and stands dripping wet in front of me. “Did you really try to storm away from a man who controls water?”

“He’s being impossible and stubborn!” I snap, ignoring his question.

Reed steps closer to me, the scent of ocean and salt washing over me. He touches my cheek. “Mere⁠—”

The lily pad shakes as Orion slams onto it. “The more you run from us, the more I want you, Princess.”

“Oh, go fuck yourself!” I turn to him.

“You keep saying that, yet you still haven’t said if you’re going to fuck me or not.” He tilts his head. “Did you fuck him? The bat? You have come back from Void City smelling like he has been all over you.”

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, Orion.” It’s such a lie, because it does look good on him. Jealous Orion is wild, demanding and sexy.

Reed strokes my neck, moving behind me and I break out in shivers. “Tell us what he did and let us do the same to you. We can do it better.”

My face warms. “No. Zyran has never lied to me or done anything but be at my side. Both of you have kept secrets and⁠—”