Page 42 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

A low rumble of laughter bounced off the ceiling as he leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. Before I could vocalize my disgust, he sighed theatrically. “Don’t feel bad, little one. You’re not the only newblood they’ve hidden our history from. Can’t believe everything you read, now can you?”

Of all the ludicrous things ever said to me, no one—not once—had called this seven-foot frame “little.”

Chuckling darkly, I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t think I missed any history classes. Furthermore, I dunno if I had one too many drinks tonight, but I won’t be able to take anything you say seriously while you’re wearing a fuckin’ Halloween mask.”

“I’ve grown rather fond of the effects these have.”

In an instant, he flitted through the shadows, closing the space between us until dark brown eyes peered through the cutouts in the leather. I matched his height, but the brute force of his frame—his sheer presence—had me doubting my odds.

“I don’t have long, so I suggest you listen.” His voice was a hiss of warning. “I do believe a pet of mine has taken an interest in your assets.”

I said nothing.

His eyes wrinkled in what could only be a knowing smile. The power radiating off this motherfucker made my magic thrash against my ribs. Slowly, he started circling me like a vulture studying its prize. I held my ground, shadows wreathing around me to watch him as his steps landed soundlessly, prodding for information they refused to surrender.

“The Wraith and I have unfinished business, and I would like her returned to me in one piece—with a functioning mind, Princeling.”

“Her life belongs to the Paladin heiress,” I stated indifferently, though the sweet taste of validation sat thick on my tongue. I was fucking right. “As of tonight, there’s a bounty on her head, and I can’t say I’m willing to call it off without good reason.”

“And what about a debt settled?”

Judging by the wolfish tilt of his head, I did a shit job of concealing my curiosity.

“It would help if I knew which debtor was calling.”

A low chuckle sent shadows pouring off him like mercurial beings. My magic roared for release as darkness swallowed the moonlit windows. Eyes darting to his display, I barely made out the illusion of massive black wings.

In some alternate world, he was one of us.

That knowledge did little to still my hammering pulse. My body screamed to run or fight, but the echo of my father’s voice held me steady.

Stuarts didn’t run.

Knowledge came first.

Reaching for my connection, I was met with nothing but silence.

“They can’t hear you, Princeling. Neither can anyone else, so stop wasting your energy.” His voice was almost amused. “Your Queen knows. Tell her my offer stands. But I need my prize returned, and unfortunately, time is of the essence.”

“I have to admit, I’m disinclined to settle a debt I do not owe,” I said, matching his ridiculous formality. That earned a chuff of humor. Damn, he was a force to be reckoned with, and I wasn’t dumb enough to start a fight I couldn't win.

“Perhaps a token of goodwill will help?”

In an unspeakably bold—or foolish—move, the man turned his back on me. Either disproportionately confident or underestimating his opponent. I was magically outmatched, but not an invalid. And one hell of a shot.

Leisurely, he lowered himself back into the ornate Paladin throne. “If I tell you where to find your thief, can you ensure your Wings return her to me in one piece after their fun?”

Our most elite warriors bore their angel-wing gauntlets permanently inked into their forearms, a celestial gift from our familiars once earned. Nix, Carr, and our friends had been marked. Poe had yet to grant me mine. What he was waiting for, I wasn’t sure.

“What state would you expect us to deliver her in?”

“The price of her crime is a hand per offense.”

This motherfucker knew way too much about old customs for my liking.

“Unfortunately, I’ll need her sentence postponed. At least until I’m done with her. Or she’s of no use to my king.”

“And the offer of goodwill?”