Page 23 of Masked Fate

Keeping my eyes on Astrid, Soren follows them out without a word.

I promised her I’d stay.

But after tonight?

My plan to distance myself from my secret mate begins.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Soren

I’m drunk for the second night in a row.

I don’t know what’s going on with me, but something is weird. I feel off-kilter, and I don’t fucking like it, but I can’t pinpoint what is wrong. Sighing when the female from last night drops into my lap, I grin until I realize she’s upset.

“What’s wrong, pet?” I ask, lifting her chin to look into her wet blue eyes.

She rests her face against my chest, and I stroke my hand down her back. I won’t fuck her again, but that doesn’t mean I’m heartless.

“I want to be with you again tonight, Master,” she blurts out, and I still. I thought something was genuinely wrong, not that she’d be crying over not getting my cock again.

“You know the rules, pet,” I say into her ear. “One night only, and it’s so you don’t get attached.”

Although that might be too late for this one.

“I’ll do anything you want,” she replies, staring up at me. “Do you want me to get under this table right now and suck your cock? I will.”

Fuck.

Not going to lie, I’m tempted.

But no.

I don’t miss the crazy look in her eyes, and I know she might become a little hard to shake if I give in.

She tries to kiss up my neck, and I glance around, my eyes clashing with the witch’s. Astrid has her arm around her, saying something to her quietly, and I frown as one lone tear drops from her violet eye.

Why is she upset?

What is with the women here tonight?

My chest suddenly feels tight, so I pick up my ale and drink it all in one gulp. The witch was right about one thing—when I saw her standing there and watching last night, I came harder than I ever have before.

Which pissed me off.

When she stood there like she wanted to trade places with the female choking on my dick, I was tempted.

Which pissed me off even more.

Suddenly needing some fresh air, I stand with the female in my arms and gently place her on her feet before getting the fuck out of there.

I can’t breathe.

And when some deep part of me urges me to return to the dining hall, I ignore it.

For the first time in my life, my instincts are off.

And I don’t fucking like it.

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