Page 21 of Dark Fate

I don't lay hands on women—but this bitch is testing my limits.

Alinar looks more intrigued than affronted by my audacity. "Still an insolent cur. But we shall cure you of that in good time."

"Do your worst," I dare recklessly, "but I'll never crawl on my belly or play the tamed pet for your amusement."

I grit my teeth and force myself to hold tight; it's all about timing, not losing my shit. I drill this truth into my head like it's gospel, keeping my cool.

I can see Alinar's expression of pissed-off surprise and smirk. Maybe they've met their match this time—a guy who won't bow down or rollover, no matter what sick games they play. Let's find out who will crack first—it sure as fuck won't be me.

Finally, Alinar waves a dismissive hand. "Throw him back in his quarters. A few more days choking on his lofty principles ought to change his tune."

I go to leave, slowly breathing.

"Wait!" Amara demands, forestalling my exit. "I want to know who this person of yours is who preoccupies those defiant thoughts." She pauses, staring me down, black shadows inking toward me. "I may not be able to compel you, which is aggravating, but I have other methods to get your compliance."

I halt, fighting back a growl. This damn bitch thinks she can demand my secrets like they're hers to take?

"None of your fucking business," I snap frostily. I step closer, glaring down at her.

Alinar looks mildly intrigued by my audacity. "Come now. No need for rudeness. Surely you can tell my generous wife what she wishes to know?"

I bare lengthening fangs at his mocking tone. "Your 'generous' wife can go fuck herself. I bow to no one here."

Amara gasps in outrage. Alinar chuckles. "It seems the dog has some bite yet. Who knows, he may even prove entertaining."

I crack a cold grin at the steaming queen. I'm coiled tighter than a spring, itching for a fight. But I keep my cool, eyes like chips of ice. Amara's shaking with rage, her eyes spitting daggers like she's planning to kill.

But I couldn't give a damn about this minor-league royal's hissy fit.

"You will regret insulting me so crudely," she seethes.

"The only thing I regret is remaining in the presence of your staggering ugliness."

"Remove this cur from my sight!" Amara screeches to her guards.

As they grab my arms, I shake free with ease. My restraint hangs by the barest thread—violence would take little provocation to erupt, which may be the spark needed.

I glare at Alinar, seemingly oblivious to his enraged queen. "I grow weary of these games. Either execute me or set me and my brother free. But cease these bullshit attempts to cow me into obedience."

Amara moves to strike me again, too incensed for reason. But Alinar restrains her wordlessly. Intrigue and amusement dance in his crystalline eyes. Perhaps I've found the more rational monarch to manipulate.

"You try my patience dangerously, vampire," the King warns silkily. But beneath the menace, interest lurks.

I offer a mocking bow. "Then our feelings run mutual, High One."

Alinar's lips crack into a smirk, barely holding back a chuckle. When he eyes a worthy contender, the King knows a power match when he sees one. That's when the first seeds of a potential alliance take root...

Alinar snorts, turning to his wife. "Why do you care? It's not like this female or his mate is prancing around our realm. We'd surely know already."

Amara continues peering at me sharply. "Yes, perhaps you're right," she murmurs, though skepticism lingers in her gaze.

The thought summons Erik's face, and chilling urgency grips me. I pray he heeded my wishes and fled with Dani rather than attempting a reckless rescue. But Erik, that loyal son of a bitch doesn't always play by the book.

The thought of him busting us out of this hellhole... no way. He wouldn't throw Dani into the fire like that—not on purpose. But the seed of doubt is eating at me. Erik vowed to keep Dani safe, yet his drive to watch my back might bulldoze over rationale. The fear of that reality shadows my every thought, an unwelcome ghost I can't shake off.

Oblivious to my spiraling disquiet, Amara breaks the tense silence. Turning back to me, she adds acidly, "I'll call on you later, pet. We have much to... discuss."

Danica

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