Page 36 of A Blackened Bond

Annex sighs, “I tried, Red.” He places his hand on his chest, a dramatic look on his face.

“But they have me shackled by their promises and brotherhood.” He shakes his head, an exaggerated pout coating his lips. “I’d rather face down an entire cartel with one broken blade than be away from you for another minute.”

She rolls her eyes, a grin tugging at her lips. “We both know you would enjoy that.”

His eyes widen slightly before a smirk stretches his lips.

“Itwouldbe fun.” His grin darkens manically before he glances back at Micai. “But I’d rather you beside me, enjoying all the fun too, Red.”

I could see the demented bastard meant it.

“Let’s move.” Barks Creed, his eyes watching the council’s representative as they slowly leave the hall with the Dean and a few faculty members in tow. “We’ll head out while they’re preoccupied.”

Ezra narrows his gaze at Creed before sighing and taking Micai’s hand.

“We’ll be back before nightfall, I promise.” He places a small kiss across her fingers before meeting her gaze. “We wouldn’t be able to sleep without you beside us now anyway.”

“Keep it warm for me, Red…” Annex grins, a dark glint in his gaze as Creed pulls him away. “And our bed, too.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

MICAI’S POV

Imake my way down the corridor, heading toward the cafeteria after helping Mrs. Fleur rearrange her papers in her classroom and listening to her rant about how the lesson plan would be disrupted for the rest of the year.

Morgan insisted we have breakfast together. She told me to meet her, Grey, and Ash when I was done with Mrs. Fleur.

I make my way out of the main building and toward the Cafeteria, my thoughts falling to Ezra and Annex as I glance down toward the academy gates.

They had said they needed to check things in town and would be back before nightfall. But what exactly were they checking?

Were they checking on the slaughterhouse, or their ‘home’ as they call it? Or was it something related to the fight nights they have there?

I don’t know much about the boys' business. Creed is always very hush-hush about things, and Mallyn is not much of a talker.

I’m sure Annex and Ezra would tell me if I asked.

From the bits I’ve overheard from them, it seemed bloody but well-organised.

I don’t think it’s just ‘fight nights’ that they’ve dipped their fingers into. Ezra mentioned having ‘contacts’ and hisconnections being able to easily look into things. And Annex mentioned ‘business’ and ‘playing’ previously…and his idea of a fun time was an outright homicide.

Creed would obviously be the organiser of their little group; he seemed to enjoy taking control and didn’t like any outer interference in their operations.Whatever ‘operations’ they had.

But what position did Mallyn take? Did his beast play a part?

What could they possibly be doing?

What kind of operation were they running?

Evidently, their business wasn’t just kept to town. The people that showed up at the fight night proved that.

So, how far did the boys’ hands reach? What exactly were they doing? And for what purpose?

But how could I ask them to share their secrets when I haven’t fully shown them mine?

I turn the corner to the cafeteria and bump straight into a broad chest. I stumble slightly before two large hands steady me, and I’m met with two deep green eyes.

A small frown tilts Gadriel’s lips as he helps me, a look of worry overtaking his features.

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