Page 115 of Their Blood Rite

And I love that I have had them all. Love I have tasted them. Felt them gasp. Made them mine for at least one night.

Dorian’s eyes land on me first. They widen a little as he faces me. Then Archie. Followed by Shaw. All three look up at me, amazed.

‘Not bad for a mud witch, huh?’ I offer, holding my arms wide.

‘Not bad for any witch,’ Archie replies. ‘You are hot!’

Holding the wooden railing, I lift the hem of my long black dress made of pure silk and head down to meet them.

It’s cut low, revealing a fair amount of cleavage. In the light, it shimmers like snakeskin. There’s an indecent slit up my right thigh. Bracelets adorn my wrists, my glamour among them, and their delicate chain dangles around my neck. My hair dries with loose curls, and after using whatever lotions they had by the tub, it seems to be silky smooth for a change.

I reach the hall and stop before them.

‘So. Who’s the love of my life tonight?’ I ask.

‘That would be me,’ Shaw replies. He pulls something from his pocket and kneels before sliding his hands under my dress.

‘Excuse me,’ I laugh. ’Get out from between my legs.’

He starts securing something around my thigh as he peers up at me through his dark hair.

‘If you get into trouble, you’re to use this,’ he says.

I look down to see he’s securing a small dagger to the inside of my thigh. The harness looks like black lace.

‘And what sort of trouble might that be?’ I ask.

‘Any trouble that means you might get killed.’

‘If this is so dangerous, why are we going?’

‘Because if we don’t, the king will send an army to fetch us. Then he’ll want to know why we refused his invitation. And we don’t want him to look too closely at you or us.’

‘And what happens if they find out what I am?’ I ask, my heart racing at the possibility. He finishes securing the dagger and holds my thigh instead.

‘Then all our bones will end up on the village gates. So behave and keep your mouth shut unless spoken to.’

‘Have you seen my snake yet? I’d feel much better going with her.’

Shaw shakes his head. ‘And just to warn you, Dorian has your doll. If you run, he will break both your legs and arms. You will end up in that cell down in the cellar. I will make every dream a nightmare, and I will let Archie play with you in his wolf form. Am I understood?’

‘Play with me in his wolf form?’ I repeat, glancing at a beaming Archie like the idea is the most delicious thing he has ever heard. ‘I hear you. Loud and clear. Can I drink when I’m there?’

He holds up a stern finger. ‘One drink. No Fae wine. It’s extremely strong.’

Oh. I’ve never had Fae wine. But I’ve heard of it. Supposedly, it makes you high as the stars. Perhaps I can smuggle some out to have here.

When he goes to stand, I rest my hand on his shoulder, keeping him on his knees. Annoyance flashes in his eyes.

‘Please don’t pass me around.’

‘Excuse me?’ he asks.

‘I saw the human girls last night. They were free game to anyone. Toys to play with. Pretty things to enjoy. I am not any of those things. Not to humans. Not to anyone.’

‘Why would you even think we would?’

‘This dress makes one hell of a statement, Master. I’m not wearing it to sink into the background. Just… give me your word, and I’ll make it worth your while.’

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