Page 79 of Blood So Brutal

Wolf waited a few more seconds before huffing under his breath and walking to his bedroom, shooting Jessiah a look that ordered him to do the same. “I’ll be waiting inside,” he said.

Leaving Asmodeus and I alone together in the dark hallway.

I forced my hands to unclench and relax at my sides. Asmodeus wanted something from me. I possessed everything he desired, and he wasn’t going to hurt me, not when he was this close to getting everything he ever wanted.

“Busy day for you, I take it,” he started, taking a casual step in my direction. In this empty hallway, his voice echoed.

I forced a smile on my face. “Compared to being locked away in a dungeon, I suppose so.”

His grin sent a chill down my spine. “I’d like to remind you, Huntyraina, that not a single thing happens in this kingdom without me knowing about it.”

“I’d sincerely hope not.”

“That includes your escapades through the skies with my son, and that includes the little establishment you and your friends like to drink ale at.”

I swallowed, not trusting my own words. It wasn’t a surprise that he knew what we were all up to, but Wolf was under the impression that Asmodeus didn’t know about the tavern. I wasn’t going to be the one to prove his suspicions.

“You’re a smart girl,” he said, stepping even closer to me. He was still multiple feet away, but I had to resist the urge to step back. “You don’t care about your own safety, that much you’ve proven, but what of your friends?” I clenched my jaw to stop myself from grimacing. Was this bastard really threateningVoiler? “What about them?” He motioned to the bedrooms behind him.

“What do you want from me?” I asked. “So far, I’ve done everything. You want me to marry one of your sons, and I’m doing it.”

“Are you?” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Because I can feel something in the air, Huntyraina. I feel something coming.”

Once again, I kept my mouth shut.

“Just remember,” he continued, “it is not only your life and your freedom on the line here. Everyone you love is at my mercy.Everyone.It would be very wise for you to remember that before you go off and do something you may regret.”

He stared at me for a handful of seconds, really ensuring I heard those words, before leaving down the hallway, narrowly missing my shoulder as he passed.

Holy fucking hells.

Just when I thought there was a semblance of hope, it was ripped away. It was naive of us to think we could do anything without Asmodeus knowing. I was putting everyone in danger by even thinking of standing up to him.

Jessiah’s door opened first. “Hey,” he said. “You alright?”

I nodded, throat dry.

“Good,” he answered. “You can’t let him scare you, Huntyr. You can’t let him get in your head and control you with fear.”

“But he?—”

“It doesn't matter what he said.” Jessiah took a long breath, glancing once at Wolf’s door before adding, “You and I had a deal. I think it’s about time I take you back to Midgrave.”

My heart stopped beating. “Are you serious?”

He shrugged. “As long as your wings can handle the flight.”

“They can!” My words rushed out of my mouth. “I swear, they can!”

“Good. Meet me here tomorrow when the sun goes down. We’ll be back before anyone notices a thing.” He slipped back into his bedroom without another word.

Adrenaline pulsed through my veins, but I took a long breath before allowing myself to follow Wolf into his room. He stood on the other side, shoulders tense. “I hate him,” he sneered.

“Really?” I teased. “I hadn’t guessed.”

“I’m serious, Huntyr. I hate that he gets to order us around. I hate that we’re stuck here, pretending like he owns us. What did he say to you?”

“He saw me flying today,” I said. “And he made an ominous threat against everyone I care about. Nothing new.”

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