Page 128 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Katya blinked in surprise. “Not that I am aware. Are Fae normally claimed so early?”

“If they show exemplary skills, some are. You were,” Theon answered before going quiet again.

“Are you going to share your thoughts with the rest of us for once?” Luka drawled.

“Areyou?” Theon snarked in return.

That had the dragon pressing his lips together.

“If you’re trying to figure out what connects us all, I haven’t been able to come up with anything logical,” Kat offered after a few more minutes of tense silence.

Theon glanced over his shoulder. “There has to be something.”

“I agree,” she said simply, turning to look out the window as Luka pulled into the garage.

Thank the gods and the Fates and whatever other beings got them here before the next Selection Year.

Axel was out of the vehicle and inside before the others had even opened their doors. He didn’t bother taking his coat off as he made his way straight to the kitchen and into the pantry, opening the glamoured icebox. His hand was trembling when he reached inside.

Only to find it empty.

What the fuck?

He pressed onto toes, peering inside. There was nothing in there.

Axel spun on his heel, striding to the fridge and yanking the door open, condiments rattling with the force. He shoved aside juice cartons and a container of yogurt. A few eggs fell out, cracking and creating a mess when they hit the floor.

“Axel?”

Her voice had him cursing, and he went utterly still. “Get her out of here. Now,” he gritted out.

He knew.

He knew if he looked at her, it would be over. His canines would be in her throat, and then it would truly be over. That would be the final tipping point. He’d no longer control shadows but would be a slave to the same bloodlust he was experiencing now.

“Theon took her to the lounge,” Luka said grimly, a hand landing on his shoulder. “You good?”

“No. I am not fucking good,” Axel snapped, slamming the fridge door shut. “Godsdammit!” he cursed again when he stepped in the broken eggs. Inhaling sharply through his nose, he said, “Ask Ford where in the realm our rations are.”

As though he’d heard his name, the Fae himself appeared, frowning at the egg mess. Moving to grab paper towels, he said, “Can I help you find something, my Lord?”

“Where are our rations?” Axel snapped.

Ford was unfazed as he lowered to clean up the eggs. “Lord St. Orcas sent word he would bring the rations later tonight when he visits.”

“Why?”

“To save the carrier a trip, I suppose. Since he was stopping by anyway,” the Fae answered. “Remove your shoes.”

Axel quickly slipped them off, Ford grabbing them and leaving the kitchen, presumably to clean them off before he came back to finish cleaning the kitchen floor. It took everything in him not to drop more eggs just because.

“It’s a power move. You know that,” Luka said, leaning against the counter, his arms folded.

“Of course I know that,” Axel growled, both of his hands going into his hair and yanking at the roots.

“If I’d known, I’d have saved the last of mine. I drank it this morning.”

“If any of us had known, then Father wouldn’t be the bastard he is,” Axel snapped, beginning to pace.

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