Page 25 of Bonded Chaos

I rounded on my brother, and he had to dig his boots into the ground to stop himself from colliding with my chest.

“I told you that was none of your concern,” I bit out.

Riordan stepped back and rubbed his hand over the nape of his neck.

“I won’t mention it again,” he promised before casting a pointed look in Malesh’s direction.

My friend knew better than to weigh in on the discussion, however.

I gestured toward Riordan. “I want you to stay with Cadence while I am away. You are not to let her out of my chambers or feed her tidbits that may aid her in her defiance of me.”

Riordan grinned, and I growled.

“I’m serious, Brother. This is important. Cadence and I must settle a few things before she may leave my quarters.”

Like her willing submission.

“Now promise me you will obey my command.”

“You can be so boring when you put your mind to it. Has anyone ever told you that, Ryker?”

“Riordan,” I snarled.

“Fine. I’ll be as dull as you are while I entertain your mate.”

I gave him a curt nod and strode away from him.

“Ryker, where are you going?” he called after me.

“There’s something I have to do before I leave,” I called back.

The thought brought a smirk to my lips.

This would be entertaining, if nothing else.

Chapter Ten

Ryker

As I passed through the curtain of beads that framed the doorway, they swayed gently, making a soft clicking noise as they brushed against one another. Each line was woven withcare, and the beads were strung closely together to offer the interior some privacy.

I pushed the strands aside and entered the small space without waiting to be invited. The curtain settled at my back, its faint rustling slowly faded, restoring the quiet.

Unnatural darkness cloaked the room, and I waved my hand in front of me, parting the shadows with my own.

A woman stood behind a counter, her head bowed, grinding something with a mortar and pestle. She lifted her head as I approached, her crimson eyes narrowed and calculating as she tracked my movements.

“Eleanor,” I rumbled, and a slow grin spread across the Blood Fae’s features that were too sharp to be called warm.

Eleanor straightened and dusted her hands off before she smoothed her long, raven-colored hair, which was a stark contrast to her alabaster skin. Her fathomless, blood-stained eyes gleamed with intrigue, and she pursed her painted lips as she considered me.

“Your Majesty,” she purred. Her voice was as smooth as silk but edged with danger. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

She moved around her workstation. Her black gown, which was more suited to a ballroom than a workshop, clung to her every curve, accentuating her figure. I could feel the intensity of her magic radiating from her, and the way she held herself told me she was aware of the aura her presence cast.

Eleanor was among the last Blood Fae to serve the King. The Unseelie Fae were notorious for disposing of those they feared were stronger, and blood magic was one of the most potent.

I, however, had no such reservations.

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