Page 56 of A Song of Air
To Conquer a Mate
Weylyn paced back andforth the next day, keeping his hands clasped tightly behind his back. He stopped, stared at the clearing, and when no one came, resumed his pacing.
If that ice cold Fae of a woman reneges our deal, I will make her suffer.
Draped along his shoulders was Ryker’s familiar. He couldn’t seem to rid himself of the beastly thing. Especially not now, when he wanted her around even less. Because he could feel her claws digging into his shoulders and her amused voice flitter through his mind.
You are very entitled.
Don’t chastise me, feline.He had the urge to chuck her from his body and let the wild animals have their way with her.
She purred with amusement.The Elemental does not belong to you.
“She does,” he said aloud. “She ismine.”
No. She is Everett’s.
Weylyn sneered at the mention of the human’s name. The fucking rat bastard... The way he draped his arm over Bryson as though he owned her. The way he kissed her like she was his, and relished in doing so in front of Weylyn.
The only reason he hadn’t ripped his entrails out the asshole was because Bryson seemed taken with him, and he did not want her to despise him for such violence just yet.
“I’ll not let some pathetic, sniveling human keep her from me.” He resumed his pacing. It was the only tell of agitation he would show. “Besides,” he continued, “I already know everything about her.” He smiled, content with his magic and the ability to dig deep into his mate’s mind and know her every dark secret before she even told him. “He is not enough to sate my mate.”
The cat rolled her eyes, and Weylyn’s feet stopped when he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. He whirled, his anger building as Iona emerged.
But she wasn’t alone.
Trailing after her were Shula Azzarh and Corvina Rhian.
He cut a glare to the ice Elemental. “What is this?”
She looked at her companions then back at him unapologetically. She was pissed, and he could read her hatred from her body language without having to dive into her mind. He knew he had frightened her the night before, but he did not care.
She’d deserved it.
He had tried to ask her in an amicable way, but when she’d proved difficult, he’d been forced to call in on their deal. So, she would suffer the consequences, and he would feel no remorse if she failed.
“You never told me I had to keep it a secret.”
His teeth gritted as he imagined her whispering the words to Julius. Their whole party would know by nightfall, if they didn’t already.
“You also said you need my help to ‘conquer’ Bryson’s heart. Well, I’ll need reinforcements if we’re going to make you seem even the tiniest bit likable.” She sneered at him, and he fought back a chuckle at her obvious disgust.
“Be careful where you pass your judgment, Iona Wylde,” he warned. “I have seen your mate. If there is anyone with questionable taste, it is you.”
Iona snorted. “Fuck you. Now, let’s get this over with so I can get this thing off my arm.” She went and perched herself against the edge of a large boulder.
Shula followed, casting wary glances at Weylyn as she passed. He fought the urge to hiss and frighten her on purpose, to scare her just a little more. As Corvina passed, she paused, smiling tentatively at him.
He returned it with one of his own.
“Now.” Iona clapped her hands together. “How do we get this heartless, creepy bastard to make Bryson fall in love with him?”
The wind fluttered.
The trees swayed.
The cat stretched.
