Page 19 of Ruthless Reign

"We met briefly," he confirms, a small smile on his lips. "She made quite the impression on the others—especially James."

My face scrunches up. "You mean the pair that manhandled me? Yes, they made quite the impressions themselves. Not a good one, if I'm being honest."

Cade waves his hand dismissively. "And Marie?"

The witch's gaze snaps to him at the sound of her name. "I was there too," she says with a grunt.

"Great," he answers, unfazed. "Release her wolf."

It's apparent that he hadn't briefed the two of them prior to our return. Sawyer looks puzzled, glancing between us with uncertainty, while Marie rolls her eyes at the order.

"Are you sure?" Sawyer asks quietly. "Can we trust her yet?"

"Are you questioning my decision?" Cade shoots back coolly.

Sawyer shakes his head, his blonde hair somewhat disheveled at this time of night. "Not at all. I'm just surprised."

"She's not going to run. Are you, Nyx?" he directs the last part to me with a smile.

I throw him a snarky smirk, folding my arms. "Yet to be seen."

While Cade looks unbothered by my reply, I can sense Sawyer's hesitation. But he doesn't say anything further, not willing to defy his leader.

Cade points toward me as he looks at Marie. "Marie, please."

Her posture stiffens as she turns toward me, eyes narrowing as she silently mouths some words. Suddenly, I feel Mira's presence in my mind, my body relaxing slightly.

"Mira. Are you okay?"

"I suppose so,"she answers."Are you?"

I sigh out loud, even though it's a private conversation. Let them see my reaction."Not in the slightest. Just make sure to control yourself. Remember—we already have two mates."

Cade gives me an amused look as Mira and I converse silently, his sweatpants hanging on his hips dangerously low. I notice that he's still shirtless, wearing an unzipped hoodie that flashes his torso, but at least his balls have been put away.

"Step inside, Nyx. I held up my end of the bargain."

On cue, Sawyer reaches for the door handle, pushing open the large wooden door.

Immediately, Marie turns around, stalking back inside now that her job is done. I hesitate for a moment, apprehensive of going back to the cells, but under their heated glances, I need to honor my side of things too.

There's no honor among thieves though.

I slowly climb the stairs, shooting a deadly glare at Cade, silently daring him to pull any sneaky moves. The two men follow me inside, and I'm surprised when they gesture for me to head through the open door to my right instead of the cell door on the side of the staircase.

As we walk through, I recognize the dining room from earlier, except the table is empty this time. Though, I'm not sure what I was expecting at this time of night. Cade takes a seat at the head of the table, casually leaning back as he motions for me to sit.

I wait for Sawyer to pull out a seat, mentally calculating which spot is the furthest from them, before I finally sit down. Cade laughs at my choice, sharing a look with his right-hand man.

"You were right. She is feisty."

"You're just working that out, now?" I goad.

Cade shakes his head with silent laughter. "Just an observation. Calm down."

"Calm down," I repeat, feeling somewhat more confident at the table. "I think we're beyond that."

Sawyer shoots Cade a knowing look. "Perhaps it would be best if this discussion took place tomorrow."

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