Page 105 of Undying Thirst

“We should leave before the chase begins.”

“If you leave now, they will turn on you?—”

“You’ve said enough.” Ren sneered. She clamped her mouth shut.

“Calliope,” Freya called, echoing from down the hall. “They’re waiting for you.”

“Please, Ren, let me go.” He only stared. “I will tell you anything I overhear about what’s going on. It’s only a matter of time until they try to get me to join them.”

On my third breath, he let her go.

Calliope disappeared by my next blink.

Asher was suddenly in front of me, clasping my face between both palms.

“Yohr sqwuaging ma face.”

“I should have never doubted you,Älskade.” His eyebrows furrowed and his lips twisted. “You may drain me or tie me to a bed post. Or not let me come for a year?—”

“No.” I tried yanking away.

Confusion flitted over his expression. “Do you require Jaxon’s apology, as well?” Asher turned to his twin who still pressed against my side and jerked his head down at me.

“Whatever apologies you have. Stuff them. They’re not enough.”

“Not . . . enough?” Asher’s frown deepened.

Was I speaking some fictional language he couldn’t understand? I scowled and yanked away from Asher’s grip so hard I would have hurt myself if he hadn’t let go.

“We can talk later. Let’s get this stupid game over with. I want to get back to Crimson Manor and soak in the bathtub.”

I looked at Tobias. He looked too serious.

“Tobias, she said it was not enough. I don’t understand.” Asher blinked, running his hand through his hair. “What do those human mindset book thingies tell you?”

“They’re studies, Asher. We have caused her stress and suffering. She does not owe us her forgiveness—according to what I’ve read.”

“But I want it.” A small wrinkle formed at the bridge of Asher’s nose. “Jax, too, even though he looks like he has a pole stuffed up his ass right now.”

I peeked at Jax under my eyelashes. Jax stared at me expressionless, too expressionless, but his palm had slid around my side and pressed to my belly.

Asher’s description was too accurate.

“None of you believed me,” I said and wiggled my jaw. “Let me go.” I elbowed Jax in the chest until he finally released me.

I fixed my dress back in place.

“Am I going to be expected to play this game like this?” I waved a hand down at my dress and heels.

“You will not be participating.” Jax crossed his arms.

“You guys can’t have more of a target on you. You were all right. You need to treat me like your blood-whore. They can’t be wondering more about me. They can’t?—”

“Catalina, breathe.” Tobias cupped my jaw. My chest tightened painfully.

“What if they find out about Peter?” I whispered so low it was practically only the movement of my lips. “No. I’d rather die.” I lifted my chin, setting it stubbornly. “I can do it,” I said and licked my lips. “I am doing it,” I repeated, stubbornly.

“You don’t even know what it is,” Jax snapped. “Chased through the forest, with nothing to guide your way. The losing Coven Sires execute their Pet or blood-whore, whichever they choose to enter.”

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