Page 140 of Seduce Me in Shadow

“Precisely.” Mathias leans closer, his icy blue eyes alive with malevolence. “How can a human control such a powerfully magical object?”

Why isn’t he reading my mind? Different powers? I’m not questioning my luck.

“I d-don’t know.”

The sofa slides closer, seemingly of its own accord. Then Mathias grabs my arms menacingly. “It’s attached to you. It dissolved from my hands back to yours. Why?”

I shrug, feigning ignorance. “Something Bram did?”

His stare pierces me, dragging my fear to the surface. “Do you know what I did to one of the Doomsday Brethren’s mates?”

I shrink back. “You raped her.”

He smiles as if reliving a fond memory. “I rent her bond from her mate and stole most of her life essence. She was a strong witch, so it took time. Many delicious nights. You, I can decimate in three minutes. Then make your cowardly wizard watch while I steal the last of your energy under my pounding cock.”

“You vile bastard. Stay the hell away from me!”

Mathias laughs. “Or what?”

My mind races, searching for escape. Why did I ever think that Zain locked up without a wand was harmless? That I understood magic enough to know what was safe? Caden told me that it’s unpredictable and dangerous. I didn’t listen.

“Let’s try again,” Mathias suggests. “Tell me what I want to know, and I’ll spare you.”

“Let’s be honest. You’ll kill me anyway.”

“Perhaps. But you’re excellent bait for the Doomsday Brethren. Once they’re dead, then it will be your turn. Unless you’d like to cooperate for some of my mercy?”

He has none. But if we’re still talking, I’m still alive. “I don’t know anything helpful.”

“I tire of this game.”

Mathias flicks his hand. Agony explodes inside me, as if my organs are boiling. I scream, certain I’m dying.

Caden!my mind wails. I love him. I wish things between us ended differently. I would have liked to kiss him and know one perfect night as his mate. But even dying like this, I don’t regret him. I’m only sorry that I don’t know how to fight this evil.

“Didn’t like that?” Mathias smirks. “Maybe you’ll cooperate now. Right, Shock?”

My eyes fly open. Shock stands beside Mathias, his ever-present sunglasses hiding his every thought. He smirks at me, his look suggesting that I’m getting what I deserve. He helped Bram and the others attack Mathias’s warehouse, and that was a success. Or was it? Mathias still escaped with that terrible glass sphere he used to make Anarki soldiers at will.

Whose side is Shock really on?

“Hello, Sydney.” His voice holds all the warmth of a glacier.

“You treacherous bastard!”

Mathias laughs. “Clearly, you’ve fooled the Doomsday Brethren.”

Shock nods. “How can I help you, my liege?”

My liege?Every time Shock opens his mouth to Bram, he’s challenging and disrespectful. That’s a definite sign that he’s not on our side.

“Read this stupid chit’s mind. What does she know about the Doomsday Diary? Where did she get it?”

I try Sabelle’s mental defenses, but even my dull thoughts of computer maintenance and a dreary lullaby can’t stop him.

“A gift from a friend,” Shock reports. “She’s unsure where the friend got it.”

“What else?” Mathias scowls.

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