Page 30 of Jackal's Pride

“You don’t even know him,” I said.

“I don’t need to. I saw enough.”

I crossed my arms. “Oh, and what did you see?”

Emerald orbs locked onto mine. “I didn’t like the way he was watching.” I was still confused. I squinted my eyes and waited for him to continue. Jackal’s black essence seethed around him. His chest rose and fell as his neck muscles undulated. “He gawked like he wanted a taste.”

My nose wrinkled. “A taste?”

“Of you.”

“You think he’s the first?” I stepped closer, tiptoeing to get up in his face. It didn’t intimidate Jackal though. Instead, he stood toe to toe with me. “Newt won’t be the last man to stare at me that way!”

Jackal’s nostrils flared. “He will be as long as I’m around.”

What? Why was he so upset?

Sensing my anger surging to the forefront—reddening my cheeks and stifling the air around me—I scowled and shoved my hand against his chest thinking I could move him. He never budged. My palms flattened on his chest, fingers spreading. My hand was small and delicate compared to the hard contour of muscles rippling beneath it. A shiver wracked my body as my fingers lingered on the massive width of his chest. “What do you plan to do?”

“Kill them all.” His slanted brows and smoldering eyes held a gleaming promise as his jaw clenched tight. He wasn’t lying. I could fucking feel it in my blood as it simmered. Like he was there. Already inside me. My face, neck… Hell, my entire body brimmed with anger and something covetous. Jackal hadn’t even touched me, and his desire imprinted itself onto my skin.

Newt shoved me aside and stepped closer to Jackal. Whatever flowed between Jackal and me immediately dissipated. “Who are you to make those decisions?” Newt raised his voice—something he never did.

It was odd watching someone like Newt, petite and gangly, yelling at Jackal. The entity’s size alone would scare off most males. As for the ladies, Jackal’s handsomeness would have females swooning. In time he’d learn how his appearance could work to his advantage. Strange. The realization made me crankier.

“If I’m correct that collar around your neck means the only one that has any authority is Maureen.” Newt words were sharp and condescending as he frowned at me. “Come to me if your pet becomes too much. I’ll help you figure out a way to tame him or get rid of him.”

I caught the menacing glint in Jackal’s eyes as he focused on Newt. His breathing increased as he pushed his shoulders back, standing even taller. “Don’t,” I ordered Jackal.

Jackal ignored me and tested the collar. He took a step toward Newt and reached for his neck, but Jackal couldn’t do anything else. He desperately fought to disobey me. His arms corded as the muscles rolled and strained in his arm. My breath snagged, and my words froze while I watched the entity trying to break his binds. An audible pop released from the collar but it held in place. Finally, Jackal stopped struggling.

“He’s dead. They’re all dead the moment I’m free.” He pinned me with his promise. “You know it as do I. The collar is weakening.”

“Maureen…” Newt began.

“You should go.” I warned, keeping my eyes on Jackal. “Fear!” I yelled. When I caught his attention, I made sure Jackal was watching and listening when I said, “Jackal will be every demon’s opponent for the rest of the night.”

The entity’s jaw tightened, then his tension immediately released since he seemed to hate when I gauged his reactions. The victory of pride swelled inside me even though I knew it was only a matter of time before Jackal returned the payback. But tonight, I had the last say.

“As long as this is around my neck.” He jerked at the collar. “Anyone that gazes upon you has signed a death warrant.”

I practically snorted. “Why do you care?”

Jackal didn’t answer. Instead, he stalked toward the cage where he remained all night. Hours passed. His big body, covered in sweat, shifted into a different creature with every fight. He never got tired or gave up. Under the cage’s bright lights, he was something marvelous to behold.

But it was his eyes, bloodthirsty and determined, that fell on me after each kill that really put things in perspective.

Another promise.

Another stone.

Now more than ever, I wished pride knew when to back off.

I’d bitten off more than I could chew this time.

Pride knew that too. Too bad she didn’t fucking care.

Chapter 9

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