Page 215 of On Wings of Blood

But as for what came after the Games were over? That was a toss up.

All I knew was, I’d protect Pendragon. No matter what.

Regan was on her own now. It was only a matter of how long it would take her to realize she was out in the cold.

I watched Pendragon deal with Quinn, then stand over Regan.

She wasn’t going to kill her. I knew that. But it took her a moment to come to that realization. My blood was flowing through her, making the urge to violence stronger than it would normally be. It was actually incredible how well she was resisting its pull.

“How goes it, little brother?”

My head jerked up. My brother Marcus stood there, pale blue eyes looking down at me coldly. His mouth curved up in an arrogant smile.

Looking at my older brother was like looking in a mirror in some ways. Standing a few inches shorter than me–something that never failed to drive him crazy, Marcus was stockier and broader, with a physique built for raw strength rather than finesse. His pale, silvery-blond hair was cropped shorter than my own. His jawline had more of a square cut to it, too.

He was an intimidating bastard, I’d give him that. The scars that littered his arms and neck were reminders of his ruthless exploits. I wondered whether the consort he’d murdered had left any marks behind on my brother. I hoped so. She’d certainly earned it.

Viktor loved Marcus’s brutality–as long as he was the one wielding it.

Knowing he had our uncle's favor just made Marcus more dangerous. His smile rarely reached his eyes and when it did, it was usually at someone else’s expense.

Like mine, right now.

Beside me, I felt Theo tense, shrinking into himself. He hated Marcus. I didn’t blame him.

Marcus swaggered down the step and slid into our row, forcing me over.

“Well, well,” he drawled, his eyes moving to the screen. “Your little dragon rider’s doing better than I would have expected, brother. Must be a lot of work keeping those two ladies in line outside of the Games though. You ever need any advice on how to manage them both, you know where to find me.”

I kept my eyes forward.

But Marcus didn’t do well with being ignored.

“What’s up with Theo? He looks as if he’s seen a ghost. What’s got you so nervous, cuz?” Marcus leaned around me to ruffle Theo's hair like he was a child.

Theo flinched but didn’t say a word.

“Leave him alone, Marcus,” I growled.

Marcus smirked. “Relax. I’m just having fun. We’re family for fuck’s sake. Theo knows I’m only playing, don’t you, cousin?” He lowered his voice and leaned closer. “It’s funny though. I’ve always thought it’s pathetic how soft you are with him. You think you’re really doing him a favor by coddling him?”

My fists clenched, but Marcus wasn’t through. His gaze shifted to the veil projection where Pendragon’s figure was moving swiftly through the island terrain.

He whistled, long and low. “Pretty thing, isn’t she? Those long legs. That tight ass. I can see why you’ve bailed on Regan. Really, I can.”

My head snapped towards my brother. I glared at him.

Marcus grinned, clearly relishing my reaction. “Careful, little brother,” he drawled. “She might not stay yours for very long. Uncle Viktor has his eyes on her. Hell, I might just take a liking to her myself. You know I've been looking for a replacement for Allessandra.”

I tried to control my breathing. “You still have Amaris.”

Marcus scowled. “She’s no good by herself. She’s gotten boring.”

I didn’t point out that this was probably because Marcus had killed her twin sister.

There was no way my brother was getting within an inch of Pendragon. I’d fucking die before I let that happen.

Marcus tilted his head towards mine. “I’m sure I could make her scream in a whole new way,” he said, his voice dipping suggestively.

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