Page 15 of Darkness I Become
“You’re welcome,” Lana said with a smile, and then her tone turned playful. “It’s like anywhere else here, you know. You just gotta figure out how to work the system, sweetness. You want food and nice things? Fuck a man. You want to get off? Fuck a woman.”
Asha couldn’t help it; she laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Chapter 5
The meeting took place in a large courtyard on the west side of the clubhouse. It must’ve once been the patio of the ruined restaurant that now served as a mess hall. Most of the people who lived at the Nest seemed to be assembled there, chatting and laughing around a massive bonfire. Flames shot toward the darkening sky, illuminating the party with an orange light. The men largely stood or sat in small groups while the women brought food or drink to them. A small gaggle of children with dirt-streaked faces played together in a corner, largely unsupervised.
At the far end, a small wooden platform had been constructed, and Asha’s eyes widened at the sight of Angel sitting there on what was unmistakably a throne. A throne made of scrap metal and decaying old tires, but a throne nonetheless. On his left side, an enormous bald man with crude tattoos and multiple facial piercings stood. He was evidently some kind of bodyguard.
Cade sat in a plain wooden chair next to Angel, his arms folded, his expression impassive. He was one of the only men who looked like he wasn’t enjoying himself. Lana tugged on Asha’s hand and led her to the foot of the platform, presenting her with a nod to Angel. Angel gave her a nod in return, and she retreated back with the other women to help with serving food.
“Welcome,” Angel said to Asha, but there was no warmth in his voice. “We’ll start the claiming in a minute.”
He wore the same filthy clothes as earlier, including the crude circlet. His dark eyes were cold and unfeeling as he appraised her—therewas nothing behind them. The corner of his mouth was upturned in a self-satisfied smirk, which sparked unease in her belly.
To distract herself, she looked at Cade instead. His gaze was much warmer, though he maintained an aura of aloofness. He inclined his head in the tiniest acknowledgment of her, as if to tell her,I’ll keep my word.
Asha had to hope that was what he was communicating, because seeing Angel again reminded her that he scared the shit out of her. There was something about him that seemed innately cruel and eager to cause pain. He still stared her down, and her heart jumped uncomfortably when his smirk broadened.
Angel lifted his dirty fingers to his mouth and whistled, calling everyone to attention. Instantly, every conversation fell silent, and all eyes were on him. It would’ve been impressive if it hadn’t been so frightening. They were sodeferentialto him by default.
“We have a guest,” Angel said in a loud voice. “In Little River, we picked up a stray. A damn fine-looking stray she is, too.”
Asha flushed, embarrassed. She didn’t like the way all the men were looking at her now, with an obvious curiosity and hunger. They were hoping he’d announce it was a free-for-all—she could feel it. She forced herself to focus on Cade, but his expression hadn’t moved an inch. Still, he was the only possible source of comfort she had.
“Cade wants to claim her,” Angel continued with a chuckle. “Never thought my boy would take a woman. He’s been living like a priest or some shit.”
There was collective laughter, and Cade’s eyes narrowed, but he otherwise showed no reaction.
“But are there any other takers?” Angel asked the crowd, raising his eyebrows. “Fair’s fair. Raise your hands.”
Asha’s heart started pounding.Other takers?Cade had said nothing about this. What would it mean if someone else wanted her?
She cast around her, but to her immense relief, not a single hand raised. The men’s eyes were on Cade, who stared them down with complete confidence…and a palpable air of menace. Nobody wanted to challenge him, Asha realized.
What, were they just gonna brawl over me otherwise?she thought, disbelieving. But her answer came immediately when Angel goadedthe crowd: “What, no one wants to take on our fearless Blackguard leader? Cowards.”
Yes, they very much would have brawled over me. And what does it say that not a single man here dares to challenge the guy who wants me?
She didn’t want to examine that thought too closely.
“Alright, spoil my fun,” Angel said, rolling his eyes. “Cade, you claiming her, then?”
“Yes.” Cade spoke for the first time as he got to his feet. He stepped down from the platform and approached Asha. From the sheath at his hip, he drew out a long knife, and Asha instinctively recoiled.
Angel snorted, mocking her fear, and Asha gritted her teeth. But Cade didn’t pay him any mind; his eyes were fixed on her.
“Give me your hand, darling,” he said. “It’ll only take a second.”
His voice was a soft caress, a soothing balm on her anxiety. He was trying hard not to scare her even more. Asha hesitated, unsure of his intent. Her pause caused speculative murmurs to begin among the crowd.
“Trust me,” Cade whispered, low enough so that only she could hear.
His grey eyes pled with her, and in the end, what choice did she have anyway? She reluctantly offered him her hand. He took it gently in his, and in one quick, precise motion, opened a small, clean slit across her palm with his knife. Asha gasped in pain, and blood immediately oozed out onto her brown skin, reflecting orange rays of firelight in the dark crimson droplets.
Quick as a cat, Cade sliced through his own palm as well, and took her bloodied hand in his, pressing them together. His eyes met hers with the same intensity she’d felt when she’d first seen him. Like hesawher. Like he already knew her.
“My blood runs in her veins,” he announced to everyone else, though he didn’t tear his eyes away from Asha’s. She trembled slightly, though not with fear. She didn’t understand the connection she felt with this man when he looked at her. “She’s claimed. Mine. Now. Always.”
