Page 33 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

The tip barely missed the tanned throat of the last male I wanted to see right now. The asshole didn't flinch.

"Fucker!" I hissed, lowering the blade. "I nearly killed you."

"My apologies," he said with a shallow bow and a smirk. "However, it seems you could use some assistance."

Saxon's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with my tense state. The skilled tracker stood before me, his mismatched eyes, usually one blue and one green, bled into a combination of both.

Though they mixed with his emotions, the few times he showed any, they still twinkled with amusement.

His long silvery ash hair was secured tightly in a braid, revealing the markings on the shorn sides of his head. Though he dressed simply, he always carried a touch of fae elegance, hinting at his divine heritage.

"Where's your hound?" I asked, noticing he was solo.

"He's close."

"Did Nox send you?"

"He did."

I gritted my teeth in frustration. Of course Nox would send Saxon to track me down. Not that I could blame him. I was well-aware of how my swift exit would have been taken.

"I don't need a babysitter," I said sharply. "Especially not you. I'm fine on my own."

"Are you now?" Saxon raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his lean, muscular chest. "Because from what I've seen, you've been stumbling around this forest for hours."

"How would you know? Been spying?"

"Something like that," he answered vaguely. "I can help you speed things along."

"Look–"

"I'm going after her regardless of whatever it is you’re about to say, Liam. You may as well work with me instead of against me," Saxon suggested, his voice level and composed.

I stared at Saxon, tense and on edge. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. He could help me find Raina before it was too late.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the thought of partnering with Saxon, given our history. Yet, I swallowed my pride.

"Fine," I reluctantly agreed.

"Good decision," Saxon nodded in approval. "Now let's go get our girl."

I clenched my fists, trying to keep the jealousy at bay as Saxon's playful grin mocked me. Unwilling to keep him at my back, I motioned for him to lead.

Saxon headed due West, the opposite direction I'd been going, because of course he would show me I was wrong without saying it. I'd have preferred if he said nothing, but I would never be so lucky.

"You know," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "if you just admitted your feelings to Raina, things might have been different."

"Shut up."

I didn't need this right now, not from him, of all people. He'd always had an odd relationship with Raina. They had a baffling closeness I failed to understand.

The few times I'd witnessed them interacting when they happened to be in the same place at the same time, typically at a royal function, they carried on like they'd been the best of friends.

Like they knew one another so well they could communicate without speaking and found enjoyment in teasing and tauntingone another. I'd always felt threatened by their connection, especially after …

"Aw, come on," he teased, stepping closer and lowering his voice. "You can't deny there's still something between you two. You tore out of Thornewood like the place was on fire to go after her. I'm sure she'll appreciate knowing that her former betrothed still cares for her."

"Shut your fucking mouth!" I barked, losing my temper.

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