Page 49 of Ruthless Monsters

None of the rebels complained when we joined them in the armory, and Mason advised them that we’d be joining the party. Truthfully, a few of them looked relieved that I was there, probably because they knew it was suicide to attend the wedding without me. But then Mason had pulled me to him, pressing his lips to mine and declaring that he was my mate. It’s funny how quickly the mood changed then. At first, the centaurs had stared in disbelief, but as the realization had set in, they’d dipped their heads to me in respect. Like the simple fact I was mated to theirprince meant I was someone to be honored. Which was weird, but kind of sweet.

“I don’t know about this, Blake,”Shade’s worried voice fills my head, breaking me out of my thoughts.“We’ve made it through some things, but this seems like a bad idea.”

“You’re not doubting me now, are you?”

My friend paces on my shoulder and flutters her feathers.“I’m being real. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Reaching up, I stroke her feathers.“You know me better than to think I was ever going to stay behind. Who knows what the situation is back in Seral, and this is our best chance of getting out of here.”

“I just…”she trails off.“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Honestly, I don’t. I’m taking a risk. A big one, but it’s not like I could let Mason go without me. King Celzar would likely kill Princess Nerelia if I didn’t turn up, and then he’d turn his sights to Mason and the other rebel warriors. I think about Sassia in the palace, and the rest of the Perstalians, including the bird, Pask. They’re all cuffed, stuck in this state of imprisonment, and as much as I tell myself I’m not going for them, as much as I remind myself that this is all simply to get back to Seral, my heart squeezes at the thought of what might happen if I don’t turn up for the wedding.

I think of Celzar’s initial lover and the witches.“Celzar caused this mess,”I tell Shade.“He’s the reason the witches attacked Seral. The reason Perstalia was destroyed.”

“I know. But if he takes your power, it won’t help anyone,”Shade points out, more serious than I’ve heard her in a long while.

“Then I’ll have to make sure he doesn’t.”

We’re silent the rest of the way as we move through a series of secret tunnels, and then we’re skirting the edges of the city in The Haven.

“It’s quiet,” Nate mutters, scanning the buildings near us.

“Many will already be at the ceremony,” Mason replies, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. “I don’t think attendance is optional.”

“Meaning there will be more collateral if we attack during the ceremony,” Eliza points out bitterly, the female striding behind me.

We don’t encounter another soul for the remainder of the journey to the palace, but when we near the massive crystal structure, we stop, sheltered by a row of smaller buildings.

Mason rests his large hands on my shoulders and warmth goes through me. “It’s not too late to turn back, my mate.”

I swallow and smile, though my heart rate has picked up. It’s different this time. I wouldn’t say it was easy facing the challenges the demon king had thrown at me in the past, but the stakes had never been this high. If I fail, King Celzar will take my power, and the Perstalians will never be free. If I fail, things are about to go very badly for me and my mates.My confusing, addictive, and annoyingly handsome mates.“And let you have all the fun?” I reply to Mason. “I don’t think so.”

The prince’s gaze remains serious. “Remember, Blake. Once your cuff is off, you can’t let his magic take hold of you. If you do?—”

“I know,” I say, waving a hand in the air. “I won’t get another chance.”

He nods, but his expression is strained. His hands grip tighter onto my shoulders, like he’s afraid to let me go. Reaching up, I place one of my hands over his, and I think of the rules Dad has drilled into me since I was a child. “Rule number one for a demon royal,” I tell Mason. “Never show weakness.” I pause, grinning at the prince. “And Rule number two…Never show mercy.”

“No mercy,” he agrees with a nod, and I step back from him. Taking a deep breath, I smooth my hands down my silky black dress. “Think the king will be happy with it?” White crystals are embedded into the black lace pattern stitched on one side, and the sweetheart neckline shows a generous amount of cleavage. It’s the best dress Eliza could find on short notice. Well, one of them anyway. There was a white one that would have been much more suitable for a wedding, but this seemed more fitting.

Mason smiles but worry still shines in his eyes. “Celzar is never happy.”

Dante comes from behind and wraps his hands around me. “I look forward to tearing this off you, princess,” he murmurs into my ear, and I grin.

I tilt my head back at him. “Does that mean you’re going to try not to die?”

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart,” he replies.

I turn my attention forward again as Mason leans in close and presses a kiss to my lips, and for a moment, I’m deliciously sandwiched between my demon and the fallen prince.

“Have I mentioned that it’s not fair?”Shade comments, still on my shoulder.“Where are my irritating, but sexy mates?”

My laughter sounds in her head.“I’m sure they’re out there, Shade. Just waiting to make bird babies with you.”

“Bird babies?”I can’t tell if she’s delighted or horrified by the sound of it, but I’m distracted when Eliza steps up behind Mason and clears her throat. “It’s time, Mason. If we’re doing this, she can’t be late.”

Mason pulls back, and I straighten, trying to ignore how hot I feel right now.

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