Page 34 of Consort

My chest heaves with my angry breaths. He stares at my fangs, more interested than intimidated. That pisses me off, too. I close my lips over them and will them away, thankful when they obey and slip back up into my gums. I continue to glare menacingly at him and brace myself for his retaliation.

But it doesn’t come. His brow creases with concern, and he shakes his head. “I’m sorry,” he says, averting his eyes. “Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

I’m relieved that he doesn’t lash out at me. But I don’t need his help, and he doesn’t need to know where we’re staying. “I know where to find her,” I say shoving my boots on my feet. “You can go.”

“Let me help you,” he says firmly, locking eyes with me again.“I don’t know why you’re avoiding Alphas, but I can ensure you’re safe and provided for.”

Avoiding Alphas?What the fuck did I tell him? I thought I couldn’t speak. How did he figure that out?

“We’re well taken care of, thank you,” I say curtly, turning away from him.

“What if it happens again?” he asks. “The heat.”

“It won’t.” I run my hand along the wall to begin feeling my way out of the cave.

He speaks of the heat so offhandedly, but I feel violated. We spent hours, probably days, with our bodies intertwined. Yet, I can’t remember a single damn thing. Like whether he was rough with me, or if he laughed as I pathetically begged him for a…

Wait. How did he satisfy me without a knot?

I pause and turn to look at him for any signs of exhaustion, but he seems surprisingly fine. Maybe my first heat was mild. Or maybe Omegas don’t need a knot as badly as the Alphas claim. That wouldn’t surprise me with their overinflated egos.

Or maybe he’s just really skilled at mating. Skilled enough to make a knot unnecessary. I blush at the thought, wishing I could remember at least some of what happened. At least the parts that were enjoyable for me. If therewereany. But the fae can’t have hope of a repeat. I need to steer him away from the idea.

“I’m newly presented and got spooked by an innot. This was a fluke. Without an Alpha nearby, I shouldn’t have any more heats.”

He hums and crosses his arms as he considers my words. “Okay. But make sure you’re secure. Most fae won’t bother you too much, but this close to the castle is more dangerous. The nobles wander here. Avoid putting yourself in their path.”

The nobles? You mean like yourself?

I want to say it so badly, but it seems like he’s letting me go. I do realize he may still hunt me down later. I’m sure he’denjoy that. But I at least have a chance to get back to the fortress Mother found for us. I doubt he’d find me there. I didn’t realize it was so close to the castle, but we’re less likely to be found there by anyone than anywhere else I can think of.

So, I simply nod and start down the dark passage again. He quickly steps in front of me, taking the lead. It makes me want to scream, but I hold my tongue and follow him. I’m too close to freedom to risk fucking things up.

The cave soon opens up to a slightly wider area, with streams of light shining in from outside. My eager steps falter when I see the large silhouette of a gryphon’s body blocking most of the rays. I’m shocked when I realize why the straw was there. In my fever, I stumbled into a gryphon’s nest.

She let me find safety in her home. If she allowed me in her territory, she must have found some value in me. I don’t think I need to fear her. But I’m confused why she allowed a fae noble to enter her cave while I was vulnerable.

Gryphons are intelligent. If she lethimin, that must mean she found value in him, too. But what?

At this point, it doesn’t matter. I just need to get away. I step as close to her feathered body as I’m comfortable and bow my head. “I don’t remember anything,” I tell her. “But it’s clear you let me find refuge here. I’ll find a way to repay you.”

The gryphon moves aside and watches me pass. Chills run down my back as I feel the heat of her powerful body beside me. I hold my breath, keeping my head bowed in respect, and step out of her cave.

Once we’re a few steps into the forest, I hear the sound of her claws clicking against the stone as she retreats back into her home. I cringe, remembering the mess we made of her nest. The fae should probably be just as eager to get away from here.

He stops by a vine-covered tree and turns to look at me. He’ll need to leave first. I can’t let him know where our home is.The gryphon wasn’t threatened by him, and I’d like to trust her judgment. But not killing meyetisn’t a valid enough reason to let my guard down.

“You leave first,” I say, holding myself as confidently as I can. “I’ll be fine.”

He doesn’t react. I hate that I can’t read his expression. He’s infuriatingly beautiful with his messy blue hair and sharply cut cheekbones. His face is sure to haunt me. I have no memory of our intimate moments, but I’ll no doubt have daydreams of my own making whether I like it or not. Damn him.

“Please,” I add, willing to sound meek it if will get me out of here safely.

“I…” he starts, but then changes his mind. “Okay. Take care of yourself.”

He turns and moves away through the trees. His white uniform stands out in the blues and purples of the forest like a beacon… or a warning. I watch his tall form and bright blue hair until they’ve faded into the distance. Then, I tear off in the direction I think I came from. I didn’t run far, so finding the hideout shouldn’t be too hard.

I spot the innot’s ooze, shining innocently on some roots below. It’s safe in its hardened state, so I decide to follow it. The innot passed right by our home. Surely, the trail will lead me there.

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