Page 65 of Chosen By the Fae King

I looked away in hopes of hiding my embarrassment at the mention of Nox, only to catch sight of my bow propped in the corner. Right beside the male in question.

He sat in a chair, elbows on his knees, expression stormy. My heart leapt at the sight of him until I read the anger covering his aura.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Nox ranted, coming out of his seat like he was going to attack.

I knew he wouldn't, though I was too tired to do anything even if he did.

“You could have been killed!”

“So I shouldn't have fought back?” I retorted. “If this is how you show concern I'll go without it, thank you very much.”

“You'll have it whether you want it or not!”

Nox dragged a hand through his hair, chest heaving. “Bloody hell, Aeryn. I thought …” He shook his head. “Promise me you won't do anything like that again.”

I lifted my chin. “I won't make promises I can't keep. I didn't know if Lorne or Sofiya were hurt. That thing came at me and I did the only thing I could.”

“I ordered you to stay safe.” Nox leaned over the bed, bracing his hands on either side of my waist. “You will not defy me in this.”

I stiffened as his face loomed close to mine. My heart pounding in my throat.

Sage snorted and his head snapped up. She laughed again.

“Brother, she did as you ordered and saved her own life. What would you have her do? Lie still and watch herself get eviscerated?”

“Well, sister, I would have her let Lorne take care of it.”

Did Nox not know the entire story? “Lorne and Sofiya had an entire tree thrown at them. I think he took the brunt of it.”

That dark gaze punctured right through me. I swallowed. Being so close to Nox and his scorn made it hard to breathe, never mind argue.

For a moment I thought he might kiss me. Then he pulled away, addressing Sage. “See that the little hellion is well enough for our evening together.”

“Nox–” she tried, but he was gone.

I slumped back against the pillows, pulse racing, imagining being alone with him again. Then it hit me.

“Sage, uh Lady Sage, I mean.”

“Just Sage, please.”

“Sage,” I amended. “What was Nox talking about? He promised an evening with the winner of the hunt.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Congratulations, Aeryn. You had the most impressive kill of the day.”

Dumbfounded, I stared at Nox's sister. I'd won? I hadn't even wanted to participate!

Taking pity on me, Sage patted my leg and left me to sort out the meaning of her words. My focus was shot, but I tried.

I supposed I had, technically, killed a formidable creature. I doubted the other contestants were thrilled about it. Zoriyah was probably setting traps in my quarters right this very minute.

Stop it. I should have been thanking the gods I'd lived through it.

Astrid's insights on the archery range began playing inside my head. Our exchange felt oddly fortuitous.

Then my fractious mind switched to Nox's words and behaviors when we weren't around the others. Confusing as it was, I liked it. Craved it, even.

Maybe it was because I'd almost died. Or maybe it was because I was too tired to be logical, but I found myself wondering why I was so resistant to his advances.

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