Page 46 of Maiming
My attention swings to Kain, but the quiet look he gives me reveals nothing. My teeth sink into my lower lip and I know what it’s like to trade the wrong thing with a demon.
“What did you guys give for it?”
“Answer me first and I’ll tell you.” Chaos’ mouth whispers against mine.
“Chaos, tell me what you guys gave for this ring. I can’t wear it if it’s tainted with something you three gave up.”
Goddess I hope it wasn’t his cock. He needs that cock.
“I gave up my horns,” Kain says, his gaze held hard on my changing features.
“What!” My mouth parts and before I can stream together all the angry words in my head Chaos kisses me. His tongue slides against mine just as cold metal slides over my middle finger. A heavy crystal weights my hand and I pull back from him immediately. My eyes meet that damn stoic green gaze from over Chaos’ shoulder. How can Kain be so casual about this?
“Go take this back. Get your horns back. You’re an alpha, Kain.” I don’t even know if that’s possible but he has to try.
“I’m not an alpha.” He shrugs, his hands slipping into his pockets with so much indifference I want to scream.
I face Chaos, hoping he’s the logical one right now.
“Say you’ll take it back.”
“Say you’ll be my mate.” Big wanting eyes look at me. Chaos’ sweet stare tells me everything I need to know. I’m ruining this moment. They knew what they were doing when they traded for this ring. And they knew what they were doing when they asked me. They do things differently. But the sincerity is there. This isn’t about horns or crystals at all. It’s so much more important than any of that.
It’s so important I can barely reply.
“Of course, I’ll be your mate. I’ve been your mate the moment you assholes shoved your way into my life.”
“You know Agatha told us that you stole us, Tamer.You, stoleus.” Rime steps closer and pulls my side against his chest, his lips pressing to my jaw.
Agatha sways to the front of the crowd in a beautiful blue gown and matching shawl with her new male friend in tow. She smiles at Rime’s comment, and I still can’t help but wonder if she planned my future all on her own.
Did she leave them out there in her garden for me? Did she know I needed love in my life more than ever? Or was it truly just a coincidence.
Kain’s slower to walk toward me and wrap me up in his arms. For some reason my gaze shifts to his crimson hair and I can’t imagine his dragon without its pale white horns. I can’t believe he gave up something so important to the shifter world. Sure, they’re just horns, but to dragons they’re a status symbol. And Kain, his status was … considerable in size.
And he gave it all away. I lean into his shoulder without comment.
That’s a lie. I actually mumble under my breath and he hears every word. “I cannot believe you did that.”
His laugh shakes through him but he just holds me in silence.
From over his shoulder, I spot Sinister. He watches us as three men claim me as their own. A sinking feeling pulls at my stomach, but then rumbling words are in my head.
He picked out this ring, Low. Sinister arranged it. He picked this ring out. For you. He’s not jealous. He isn’t hurt.Chaos presses his temple against the side of my head and then his words are mixing with Kain’s.
His low timber fills my thoughts with a tickling feeling in my mind.I want you to keep it and wear it. This ring is a symbol of devotion. I’d have given up anything for you. I’d give up my ability to shift just to have you. All of us would give away all our magic to have you. Sinister included. Promise me you’ll keep it, Arlow.
I push the ring more firmly into place as my eyes close slowly. “I promise,” I whisper to all three of them.
It’s the sweetest moment.
Until she speaks.
“They’ll ruin you. Fill your head with false promises. A mating ritual takes a month to gather the supplies from all corners of the continent. I only lasted three weeks with Kain. I can’t imagine you’ll last longer than that.” Narrowed eyes lock onto the four of us.
I’ve never in my entire life hated someone as much as I fucking despise Brylee. I can’t even properly fucking hate her because I can’t see her right now.
I push out from between the three shifters. Chaos’ fingers trail against my palm but he does release me. On slow steps I walk closer to her, her father lingering behind her like a protective shadow. Agatha’s white eyes shift from me to the girl in front of me and then back again.
