Page 38 of Detonation
Once I get them out of here, I can focus solely on separating Anshar and Ash without worrying about anyone else’s safety.
As the last shackle falls off, he puts a hand under my arm, helping me to stand, and I nod at the still man in the corner. "Who is he? He doesn't seem to be doing well. Is he important?"
Anshar looks towards the man before dismissing him and begins walking me out of the dungeon. "Ah, he is exactly where we want him. Do not concern yourself with his wellbeing. If you're good, I'll fill you in on all the things he's accomplished for us in our forty-year absence."
What could a man in such poor condition do for them?
As we pass the redhead I spoke with yesterday, I hear her hock a loogie on him. He releases me and lunges to backhand her, the crack ringing loud for all to hear.
She glares up at him as blood dribbles from a crack in her lip. "Worth it."
Damn. I want to keep her as a friend.
Knowing I need to distract him before he retaliates again, I grab his arm and croon, "My love, get me out of this place. I want to spend time with you alone."
Puke in my fucking mouth.
He visibly relaxes at my words and straightens, walking back to me. "You're right. Let's get you out of this festering cesspit of criminals."
I sigh under my breath, knowing she won't come to any more harm, at least for now. I respect the woman but does she have a fucking death wish?
We exit the dungeon, my hand resting in the crook of his arm, allowing him to guide me. My heart jackhammers at the thought of being alone with him. I don't think I can force myself to stay calm if he touches me intimately.
Laughter comes from the doorway to a large dining room and, as we enter, I see the many fae lounging inside, drinking together, as if they don’t have a care in the world.
Apparently, this doesn’t sit well with Anshar as he stops in front of the door, his jaw grinding, his eyes narrowed. I follow his gaze and notice that his eyes are set on Sebastian.
He guides me inside the room and deposits me to the side, motioning for me to wait for him there as he continues further into the room. Many stools are littered around the dining table but one large black throne sits at the head and, of course, Sebastian is lounging in it. I doubt Anshar is too happy about that either.
In his drunken stupor, he doesn't seem to notice Anshar in the room and I can't help but be amused by his stupidity.
Without warning, Anshar raises his hand and lets a bolt of his purple electricity loose towards Sebastian's chest, hitting his target perfectly. The throne chair tips back with the force and crashes to the ground, splinters of black wood flying through the air.
The hall quietens and Anshar smiles. "If he happens to survive that, bring him to the torture chamber and alert me." With that, he turns back towards me, that smile still twisting my mate’s face. "Oh, and build me two new thrones by breakfast tomorrow. My queen will be dining with us from now on."
He grabs my arm, leading me away from the room. "Let's get you settled into your chambers. You're going to love it. I knew you'd come to me. I had it detailed to your every need and desire.”
My only desire is that you cease to exist and all remnants of you are wiped from this realm.
He wanted me? He’s got me.
Be careful what you wish for, Anshar.
* * *
Shockingly, he deposits me at the door to my room and tells me to rest and freshen up.
When I walk into my room, I'm hit with an episode of vertigo. It looks identical to my room back in my kingdom in our first life. Pale blue walls with white furniture, a white duvet, and two grey, wingback sitting chairs.
Candles are lit all over and teal rose petals spread across the bed.
Teal rose petals.
My thoughts flash to when Serenity did that for my mates and I. It led to my time with the twins in the shower as they played my body like an instrument they’d mastered. Delicious shivers run through me at the memories.
My heart aches for my mates. With Anshar only steps away and no sign of Ash in those black eyes, the fierceness with which I miss my men hits me with a tidal wave. I collapse to the floor, an overwhelming feeling of loneliness consuming me as I curl into a ball on my side, picturing their faces in my mind, recalling their soft touches and loving words.
I know it was my decision to separate our paths but what if it was the wrong move? I don't know if I can do this without them. How much have I accomplished in their absence? All I’ve managed to do is get myself locked up with Anshar hand still have absolutely no idea on how to kick him the fuck out of Ash's body.
