Page 135 of Their Blood Rite

He strolls towards me and leans down so his eyes align with mine. I swallow dryly, unsure what to expect.

‘We have no intention of putting our cocks anywhere else but inside you, my foul-mouthed little pixie.’ He taps the end of my nose. ‘You wanted some more freedom. I’m giving it to you. Go and pick your dress. Come back here. Give us a show, and then we’ll ravish you in it. After that, I’ll have you standing by my side as Cole kneels and pledges his loyalty and obedience to me. The man who will marry the woman he loves.’

‘I’ve already told you. He doesn’t love me.’

His hand settles on my cheek.

‘Sweet Pixie. You have no fucking idea just how wrong you are. Now. Eat your breakfast.’ He lowers himself to his knees and slowly, so fucking slowly, eases my legs apart. ‘And allow us the same pleasure.’ He hitches my skirt up, bunching it around myhips. His fangs glint as he leans down, and he bites my inner thigh, drinking deep. I offer my wrist to Archie, who takes it and pierces my skin, moaning deeply as he pulls my blood into his mouth. Dorian sweeps my hair over my shoulder and kisses my neck before biting.

Chapter 21

Walking out into the hall of the king’s castle alone is a thrilling experience. Me. An earth witch. Walking royal corridors to go and select a dress given to me by a queen. That’s quite a step up. Shaw told me precisely where to find the room I’m looking for, so I follow his instructions, passing the odd guard or court member. They don’t acknowledge me but side-eye me in silence as we pass one another, then hastily start whispering to their companions as soon as possible.

I find the large white double doors Shaw told me to find and step inside. The door slowly closes behind me, and I stand in awe at this room.

Dresses line the walls. Fantastic gowns of all colours covered in sheer silk, protecting them from dust, light and moths. Ahead is a black rail as tall as me. Hanging there are ten dresses. I walk over and start looking, excited to choose one of my own. My fingers settle on a deep red one with black trim and a chiffon skirt.

‘You think you’re something special, don’t you?’

I drop the dress and spin, startled to hear I’m not alone.

‘Cole…’

‘You’re not, you know. You’re nothing. Not to me. Not to them. Not to anyone.’ His words are laced with venom, and he attempts to look smug, but I see the muscle in his jaw twitching. He’s mad. Furious.

I kind of like it and struggle to find the strength or want to hide my smile. I return the dress to the hanger and face him.

‘Is that right?’

‘You should be ashamed of yourself. Degrading yourself like this. Letting him touch you. Kiss you.’

‘Letting him fuck me?’

He winces at the crude word. I remember my father telling me Cole hated that I swore. So I’ll make a point of it.

‘He is a killer.’ He steps forward. Each step is slow until he stands before me. ‘And so are you. You murdered twelve of your own coven.’ He sneers hatefully. ‘Then you return to cut out my father's eyes? Have you no shame? No decency?’

I could tell him that wasn’t me. That a wraith took them. I could even rub it in his face that my lovers killed that wraith.

I don’t. I simply smirk and enjoy his anger.

‘You are putting everyone at risk. Return the Grimoire and come home. I will make your death quick. I will show mercy.’

‘Mercy? You stabbed me before fucking my best friend right in front of me. You watched them all cut me.’

He shrugs and runs his hand over his jaw, accentuating his smile. But something on his wrist catches my eye. A bracelet, just like the one I wear.

I snatch his glamour from his wrist, dodging him as he attempts to grab it back.

I laugh. I knew it. He was wearing a glamour, covering the deep scars I left on his face when I boiled his blood. It’s grotesque.

His hand is around my throat in an instant.

‘When I get you back, which I will, you’ll pay for it all.’

‘Is that before or after you kneel in front of my lover and swear your servitude to him this afternoon?’

‘You think he’ll marry you?’ he scoffs, looking at me like I’m filth. ‘You? A Blood whore slut.’

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