Page 85 of Taken By the Fae

Back on campus and nearly a month into my last semester of college, tensions continue to rise between the fae. After I was attacked in my hometown nearly two months ago, Tristan explained that, despite a relatively civil meeting with the unseelie knight, he was unsuccessful in putting an end to the killings. Jules also refused to speak to Tristan about Elijah, insisting on meeting with me. Needless to say, both Tristan and Allison won’t let that happen, no matter how hard I fight them on it. Which leaves us trying to find a loophole, some way to wake Elijah without the fae who rendered him comatose. It doesn’t help that since the day I barged in on Dr. Collins talking about fae being involved, she’s completely disappeared. As shady as it is, I refuse to waste time searching for her when we could be figuring out how to bring my brother back.

Besides the weight of Elijah’s condition on my shoulders, I’m also plagued with thoughts of being targeted by the unseelie fae because of my relationship with Tristan. They threaten to consume me when I should be thinking about many human things—most importantly, what I’m going to do after graduation in a few months.

While I could dwell on the supernatural shitshow that has taken over my life, what I need to focus on today is the final assignment for my business class.

I sprawl out on the couch in Tristan’s office, where I’ve been hanging out once or twice a week after class despite my internship being over. He invited me to spend time here instead of on campus when I’m not in class, and with everything going on—plus the excuse to see him more—I accepted without hesitation. I’m still figuring out what being with Tristan means, but it makes me happy. Fuck, giddy even. The stolen moments between his meetings, the dark looks filled with the promise of so much more, taunting and teasing me constantly. And while we haven’t gone any further than the fiery kisses and lingering touches, this drawn-out challenge between us is exciting.

Pulling out my notebook, I flip to my draft proposal and start reading it over when Tristan storms in and slams the door shut.

“Long day?” I ask, glancing at him over my paper.

He lets out a heavy sigh. “I didn’t know you were here.”

I frown, sitting up. “I don’t have to be. Do you want me to leave?”

He approaches the couch. “That is the last thing I want, Rory.”His tone softens when he uses my nickname, and warmth fills my chest as he rakes his fingers through his hair, messing up the already tousled blond strands.

“Okay,” I murmur, offering him my hand. “What has you so on edge?”

He slides his hand into mine and sits on the coffee table in front of the couch. “Four seelies were found dead this morning. I sent Max out with a team to get some answers.”

My stomach sinks, and I lean forward. “What happened at that meeting with Jules, Tristan?”

He bows his head, looking at our hands as he brushes his thumb across the top of my knuckles. “Jules is hell-bent on seeing me fall.” He says it so calmly, so matter-of-factly, but his words make my chest tighten as I squeeze his hand.

“Why?”

Tristan shrugs. “Power over the seelie court, perhaps. Some fae are open to the idea of coexistence, and Jules wants to capitalize off that, gain support from fae outside his court.”

“Again, why?”

“To garner favor with the queen, I’d imagine,” he answers distantly.

“Have you met her? The unseelie queen?”

Tristan nods.

My voice is lower when I ask, “Did you ever consider joining her court?”

“No. I don’t share Ophelia’s ideals or beliefs in many things, namely the exploitation of humans for sport. Hunting and feeding for pleasure as opposed to necessity.” I shudder at that before he continues. “The queen is, of course, one of the most powerful fae from both courts, rivaled only by her brother.”

I arch a brow. “Her brother?”

“Rowan, the seelie king.”

My eyes pop wide and my lips part in a silent gasp. “They’re siblings?” I don’t know why I thought they were strangers or maybe ex-lovers, but royal siblings sure as hell weren’t on my fae world bingo card.

Tristan’s lips twitch at my shocked expression. “Just when you thought you were getting the hang of my world, huh?”

I exhale a heavy breath. “No kidding. I have so many questions, I don’t even know where to start. At the same time, I’m not sure I really want to know any more.”Yeah, I definitely need a minute to wrap my head around this.

“Take your time, Rory. I’ll answer any questions you have whenever you’re ready.”

My brows furrow. “Do you think the queen knows what Jules is up to?”

He frowns. “Her knowing and giving it any attention are, unfortunately, very different things. If she knows, which I’d guess she does, she won’t intervene. Jules isn’t breaking any fae laws, and she certainly won’t care that he’s targeting a seelie knight.”

My jaw clenches. “Then we have to do something.”

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