Page 13 of Bonded Chaos

Ryker

The fire crackled, and light flickered across the polished wooden desk that dominated the room.

Ignoring the inviting ambiance, I headed straight for the wine cabinet. It had been a long day, and I needed a moment to myself before I faced the vixen locked inside my chambers.

The thought of Cadence’s violent outburst brought an amused smirk to my lips. I had no idea she would be so bloodthirsty, but I had to admit, I didn’t hate it.

My cock swelled inside my trousers as if in agreement.

Bringing Cadence to the palace with me had been an impulsive move. Necessary, but still impulsive.

Now I had to ensure that no one discovered who she was to me.

Especially my father.

That thought had my cock deflating.

He would use her to curtail my power. My strength had far surpassed his own and he no longer looked at me as the son he used to adore.

Now, he only saw another threat to his reign.

Still, I couldn’t help but think the prize waiting in my chambers was worth the risk.

“What has you smiling like a fool?” an amused male voice called from the shadows near my desk.

A muttered curse escaped me as I faced the man lurking in the darkness. My failure to sense his presence earlier galled me.

“What are you doing in here?” I snapped.

My younger brother, Riordan, sat in the armchair beside my desk, his expression smug as he swirled the contents of his goblet.

“Does it involve the woman hidden in your chambers?” he asked, ignoring my question.

Anger tightened my features, and I crossed my arms over my chest. I had the sudden urge to punch something, but I refused to let my brother see that he was getting under my skin.

He’d enjoy it far too much.

“Where did you hear that?” I asked.

“The servants talk, Brother. You know this.”

My brother’s grin showed he knew exactly how much his words irritated me.

“They must wish to be separated from their tongues,” I growled.

So much for keeping myself in check.

Riordan chuckled. “You didn’t think you could keep her a secret forever, did you?”

I grunted in response, not willing to acknowledge that had indeed been my plan.

“So,” Riordan pressed, raising an expectant brow.

When I didn’t answer, he added, “Who is she?”

I sighed, running a hand over my face. There was no escaping this conversation.

I could delay it, though.

---