Page 15 of Surrendered to Mate

Faye rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You're infuriating, you know that?"

"So I've been told."

She reaches out, running a finger along the edge of my wing. I can't suppress the shiver that runs through me at her touch.

"These are real," she murmurs, more to herself than to me. Her eyes meet mine, filled with curiosity and something else I can't quite place. "Why won't you tell me what you are?"

I lean in, as much as my bonds allow. "Why won't you let me go?"

"Because I don't trust you."

"Smart girl."

We stare at each other, tension crackling between us. I'm acutely aware of her scent, the sound of her heartbeat. If I weren't so weak, I could break free in an instant and have her pinned beneath me.

The thought sends a jolt of hunger through me, and I clench my jaw.

"You should eat," Faye says, breaking the silence. She picks up the bowl again, holding it out to me.

I raise an eyebrow. "And how do you propose I do that with my hands tied?"

She hesitates, then scoops up a spoonful of the stew. "Open up."

I bark out a laugh. "You can't be serious."

"It's this or starve."

"I'll take my chances with starvation, thanks."

Faye glares at me, frustration evident in her golden-brown eyes. "Why are you being so difficult? Just eat the damn food!"

"Why do you care if I eat or not?" I shoot back.

She sets the bowl down with a thud. "Because I'm not a monster! I'm not going to let you die, even if you are... whatever you are."

Her words catch me off guard. There's genuine concern in her voice, something I haven't heard directed at me in a long time.

I watch Faye pace back and forth, her movements fluid and predatory. She's like a caged animal, all coiled energy and wild grace. It's intoxicating.

"Are you from Liiandor?" she demands, spinning to face me.

I shrug, wincing as the movement pulls at my aching muscles. "Big city. Lots of dark elves. Not exactly a tourist destination." I'm careful not to phrase it like I know the place, even though her bringing it up makes me perk up.

We're finally getting to where this might be useful to me.:

Her eyes narrow. "Don't play dumb. You're too... different to be some random traveler just passing through." Her eyes trace over me. "Or are you going to Liiandor from Kaynvu?"

She has information I need. Maybe Akeldama is blessing me after all, and I just need to take advantage of it.

I flash her a smile. "Maybe I just got lost on my way to the beach."

"There are no beaches near here," she snaps.

I grin, despite the exhaustion seeping into my bones. "Well, that explains my navigational issues."

Faye runs a hand through her hair, frustration evident in every line of her body. "Why won't you give me a straight answer?"

"Where's the fun in that?"

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