Page 111 of Reforging Onyx

Onyx didn’t lift his head, but he was practically shaking as he pressed harder against Dominic.

“Instead,” Enzo continued, “you treat it like a pampered pet.”

Dominic’s fingers stroked through Onyx’s hair, attempting to soothe as well as relay his approval for not reacting to anything that the other witch was saying. Whether Enzo knew it or not, those comments had found blood, but Dominic would not — could not — show how much they’d gotten to him.

He let the smile linger on his lips instead. “I am hardly the first witch to have a pet at my feet, pampered or otherwise.” His eyes went pointedly to Axel’s pet.

“A pet is what you see before you there.” Enzo gestured to the young woman. “Yours is a mongrel. Not only do you allow it to walk around, but you give it privileges. Training.” His nostrils flared, and he didn’t bother to keep his disdain from his expression. “There are those who wonder where your loyalty lies, Dominic.”

Dominic laughed. “I have no quarrel with any witch who has their enjoyment of a tame house pet at their feet. I find it so much more rewarding when it is a tiger at mine. Why settle for something so plebeian? I am a Bancroft after all.” He smirked. “I admit I find great pleasure in the physical form, toned muscles, virile and young. He is a work of art, is he not? Unfortunately, such form does require maintenance.”

“Being a Bancroft does not exempt you from consequences, should that tiger of yours decide to act out,” Enzo said sharply. “I can see the expression on its face. You barely have it under control.”

“What consequences have I sought to be exempted from?” Dominic asked. “If my tiger acts out, then I will contain him. He knows what he has to fear from my wrath, and it is a remarkable leash.”

Servants cleared the plates away, bringing out the main dinner course.

Dominic used the opportunity to cup Onyx’s face in his hand, tipping his face up to meet his gaze.

Patience. Breathe.

Onyx nodded at the wordless commands, almost imperceptibly, but he was still shaking from what Dominic knew to be rage. He hadn’t expected anything less from his tiger.

Once the plates were placed, his attention turned back to Enzo again. “Are you attempting to see me discipline my pet, Enzo? Is that the reason for tonight’s gathering, then?”

“I wished to see this spoiled, rabid beast myself,” Enzo replied coolly. “Not everyone has forgotten what it did, and not everyone is comfortable with it in your grasp. The Council wonders if it would be best served with the creature contained with someone whose loyalty can be assured.”

“Loyalty?” Dominic arched an eyebrow. “Loyalty to whom, to the Council? If there is any cause to doubt my loyalty, please bring it forth so that I can laugh at how patently fabricated it is.” He shook his head. “No, you will not find anything like that, Enzo, because there is nothing to find. He is well contained and will remain that way.”

He’d meant his earlier comments about the upcoming Council seat vacancy only as a test of strength, but if this was the direction the Council was considering, maybe he would have to evaluate his options there after all.

“There have been accusations,” Enzo stated bluntly. “Of course they have no merit; we know as much. But take care with where you bring your tiger, Dominic.”

“Am I to understand that the Council is seeking to put limitations on what I do with my pet, Enzo?” Dominic asked, tone turning icy.

“Of course not.” Enzo gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “But when it turns and bites the hand that feeds it, it will be put down.”

Dominic chuckled, picking up a piece of meat with his fingers and offering it to Onyx, eyes never leaving Enzo’s. “You cannot have my Rayne,” he chided lightly. “Find your own.”

Enzo’s lips thinned into a line as he watched Onyx eat the meat from Dominic’s fingers. “I assure you, I do not want your… tiger.” He stabbed his own meat, taking a bite before turning his attention from Onyx to Dominic. “But I cannot say I don’t understand why some think it should be taken from you.”

Dominic’s smile was predatory. “Well, let us hope that no poor fool attempts to fabricate cause for my ownership to be called into question. I might find myself most displeased.”

“I’m sure if anyone made such accusations, you would be informed,” Enzo replied stiffly. “In the meantime, you are free to enjoy your little pet in any manner you wish.”

“Your permission, as superfluous as it is, is noted.” Dominic smiled, offering Onyx another bite of meat. “And by all means, I shall.”

The visit had been a test, and a warning. Dominic took both seriously.

“Now that that is out of the way,” he said, voice laced with amusement. “For what other reasons are we meeting?”

“I believe that concludes the conversation,” Enzo replied.

“A pity,” Dominic murmured. “Just when it was getting fun.”

Enzo cast a disgusted look in his direction. “I believe we’ll pass on dessert. You can have the joy of your pet in private.”

“Very well." Dominic got to his feet immediately, which prompted the other three witches to do so as well. “My servants shall see you out.”