Page 49 of Ransomed to the World
Anthony chuckled again, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Did he tell you nothing about his family?” He clicked his tongue, not waiting for an answer. “The bite, witnessed in front of another, is the only way to prove your claim. It will either show that you really are mated…or you die, because our venom is so potent, it turns your insides to liquid. The last hours of your life are lived in agony as you throw up your guts.”
“Just do it.” Disgust curled her lips as she scowled at the asshole, but she wasn’t even a little worried. Her uncle had done much worse to her.
“You’re not afraid.” Anthony sauntered toward her, curiosity sparking in his expression. When Camden growled, he politely stopped three feet away. “There are less than a handful of successful matings to other species recorded within our annals.”
The amusement faded from him the longer he gazed at her, his words barely above a whisper. “I hope you’re right and know what you’re doing.”
Annora shot him a defiant, commanding look, and Camden shook his head, his jaw clenched tight, everything inside him churning at the thought of his venom coursing through her veins.
Killing her.
He couldn’t take the risk. “I won’t do it.”
Anthony lunged forward, dragging Annora in front of him, his poisonous spike like dagger at her throat. Not touching but too damned fucking close for his liking. He reached out, approaching slowly, a vise clamping tightly around his chest. “Just let her go.”
Anthony hesitated, then his face hardened and he brought the spine closer. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have any choice, and you know it.”
Camden went cold, dread clawing down his spine. His eyes locked on Annora’s confident, almost defiant face. Her fingers twitched, wisps of darkness weaving eagerly between them, and his breath lodged in his throat.
His heart stopped beating, and he gave a quick, subtle shake of his head.
She wouldn’t be fast enough.
And even if she somehow managed to kill Anthony, they would only send more.
He could petition their council to call off the contract, but even if he could convince them, which was highly doubtful, it’d take time that they didn’t have.
Maybe if he turned himself back over to them—
“Camden…just do it. I trust you.” Annora’s dark eyes stared at him so trustingly that his gut clenched. “Remember what we discussed in the tunnels.”
Pack grá.
She was telling him that she could handle it, but the risk made bile rise up in his throat. If he was wrong…if they were wrong…he wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
Even though the bonds were new, he very much doubted any of the guys would be able to survive if they lost her.
He glanced at them—this wasn’t a decision that he could make on his own.
He expected resistance, and was totally shocked to see each one nod his approval.
Mason and Logan answered immediately, but Xander and Edgar were slower to respond. Even though they were aware of the risks, they agreed anyway. Camden wasn’t sure if he was thankful or wanted to kick their asses.
As he stared into Annora’s dark eyes, his resistance melted at the complete conviction in her gaze. He couldn’t help wondering if the terror that infected his very being was what she felt when she used her powers around them.
She believed in each of them—in him—without reservation.
Maybe it was time he did the same.
She said she could handle it, told him over and over that she wasn’t afraid, but he’d been terrified enough for the both of them.
She fought back, overcoming a lifetime of conditioning to be with them. Maybe it was time he took a leap of faith and trusted his heart.
She was his mate.
His pack grá.
He believed it to the bottom of his soul.
