Page 41 of Queen of Wrath

I wondered how she’d reacted when she had heard of my death.

I shook the thoughts out of my head and tried to focus on something else. My eyes scanned my surroundings, checking for any possible threats.

I nearly relaxed into myself. That was until I saw the Ransoms. It wasn't just Jax and Chika. I was prepared to confront them, but Omara was there as well…which meant?—

Everything good and light I was feeling up until now, shifted to heaviness.

It was like a boulder had been dropped onto my lungs. I couldn’t breathe.

He's here as well. Diesel.

My bottom lip quivered, but I tried to contain myself, but abject fear had overtaken my system.

Jax was the first person to look over and see me. He gave me a bright smile and waved me over to him.

No, please. I don't want to have to confront him right now. I thought I was ready, but I'm not! Maybe I can pretend I didn't see him.

“Emma! Kiyan! We’re over here!” Jax shouted from across the way, and Kiyan waved in response.

I turned to Kiyan so suddenly that I actually startled him. “I think I could use a drink first. How about I catch up with you guys later?”

Kiyan frowned. “Are you sure? I don't mind waiting for you?”

“Don't worry about me! Go spend time with your family. I'll be there before you know it.” I managed to manipulate him into leaving my side.

Thank Lunaira!

I turned around, saw a large group of people heading into the festival, and wiggled my way into the middle of the crowd. But I couldn’t move along with it for too long, for I ran head-first into someone.

The force of the collision was enough to knock me off balance. “Gah!” I shouted as I began falling backward. I shut my eyes, preparing to hit the ground, but instead, I was floating, hanging in the air diagonally. “What the?—?”

I looked up, instantly recognizing the man standing before me, holding me by my arms.

His dark brown eyes held my gaze with a vengeance as he squinted at me almost menacingly. “What’re the odds? We meet again it seems.”

“Emory?” I uttered his name as he helped me to stand up straight again.

The crowds of people moved around us like a quick stream parting because it had no choice; there was a big and steadfast rock in their way.

“In the flesh. I have to say, I'm rather surprised you're here tonight. I thought you’d have more important things to do.” Emory smirked as if he knew something—as if he knew me better than was possible from our two, now three, short encounters.

“Excuse me, but I'm a werewolf. How do you expect me to miss the festival of my patron goddess? You're the one who doesn't have to be here.” My brows furrowed and my arms crossed, letting him know I was not one to be taken lightly.

He chuckled at me with a small shake of his head before continuing. “What I mean is, I thought you would have been too busy destroying the people who imprisoned you to attend this festival.”

My blood ran ice cold.

My heart skipped a beat.

I was still for a moment as I tried to collect myself.

“I have no idea what you're talking about, Emory Blake.” I stepped into him, shoving my sharp elbow into his ribs threateningly.

He hardly even batted an eye. If anything, he seemed more amused than ever. He leaned down, bringing his face to mine and tilting his head to the side. “You can lie to everyone. Your fake boyfriend, your pretend friends, but you can’t lie to me… Lea Nadir.”

My mouth ran so dry that I couldn't respond to him even if I wanted to. In truth, I didn't have anything even resembling a response. I had been found out. I had no idea how he knew who I was, but he did.

Then he held his hand in front of my face, and without warning, opened it palm up and blew onto it. Purple dust exploded in my face.

---