Page 9 of Chosen Destiny

“That’s not an answer.” Samuel marched back to our group and stopped between Lucas and Michael.

“Did he share that he orchestrated getting my prisoner out of his basement?” Her voice was so animated.

I wanted to rip his throat out, but she wanted us to focus on Zeke… to fight among ourselves. That would make it easier for her to take over our territory. I couldn’t allow that to happen.

The former advisors closed in around me, blocking Zeke from attempting to leave.

Samuel lifted a hand. “We need to wait.”

I nodded and linked to everyone but Zeke,This is a tactic to turn us against each other. We can’t fall for it.I was thankful that my brother must have come to the same conclusion I had.

Jack huffed, but no one moved closer to Zeke.

This call needed to end before all rational thought left me. Bodey was way too important to let her distract us from my goal: getting my mate back.

“What do you want?” I asked, cutting through the bullshit. “You called for a reason, and I doubt it was to out Zeke. None of us trusts him anyway, but my memories justified my reasons.”

“Fine.” She sighed dramatically. “I was hoping to have more fun and get you to see how much you should appreciate everything I’ve done for you.”

A laugh escaped from deep in my chest, and I nearly coughed. “Everything you’vedonefor me? I fail to understand what you’re insinuating. Once again, I could’ve gotten my memories back from Sybil without youkillingher.”

“I’m not so sure. Zeke wasn’t going toallowyou to get them back.” She blew out a breath. “It’s foolish of you to think you had things handled.”

Every fiber in me wanted to reach through the phone and strangle the cocky bitch. “Sybil was releasing my memories when your wolves attacked. Your attack stopped her magic.”

“Still so young and naive,” she cooed. “Zeke was messaging me, telling me to attack before he took matters into his own hands.”

My eyes flicked to Zeke again, and sweat beaded on his brow. He might try to deny it, but his reaction showed the truth. I didn’t need to bother questioning him. “How? Killing her made my memories return.”

“Who said anything about killing her?” Shetsked. “He could’ve fallen into her, breaking the spell before it could be completed, or claimed he got some worrisome news and you needed to leave. There are endless possibilities. This is why I need to take charge of your territories. You’re too naive to lead. You weren’t raised as a royal and trained to lead your people.”

I hated that I’d given her the opportunity to say that. I felt inadequate enough without having her throw inexperience in my face. “Don’t put yourself out. I’m a fast learner, which is why I’m going to ask what you want one more time before hanging up.”

“Please. You won’t hang up when you know yourmateis in my possession.” She paused. “Or, rather, will be soon unless you give me a reason to kill him.”

“If you hurt so much as a hair on his head, I will rip out your throat.” I’d never understood the expressionI saw reduntil that moment. Red infused my vision even as my senses strengthened, making it hard to remain logical. I could hear every person’s heartbeat. My head began to swim.

“A fight between us is inevitable and may happen sooner than you realize.”

We all glanced at one another.

Her words sounded more like a promise than a threat. A shiver coursed down my spine.

“No questions?” A door slammed shut on her end. “How boring. I’ll answer what I know you want to ask. I have an offer for you.”

My heart hammered. I doubted it was a true offer, but she was right. There was no way I’d hang up. Not with Bodey in her custody.

I forced myself to remain quiet, which took every ounce of willpower I could muster. I wanted her to get on with it so I could focus on getting my mate back. I needed him beside me.

It was like Fate wanted me to lose everyone near and dear to my heart, just as Queen Kel had vowed.

Hatred curdled within me. She didn’t give a shit about Zeke; she just wanted to remind me of everything I’d lost to break me.

I’d thought I could never hate someone as much as I hated Zeke, but boy, she was determined to prove me wrong.

Kel remained quiet, dragging out the moment, wanting me to break.

The problem was, if I broke, I would confirm she had complete control over me, and that would further jeopardize Bodey’s safety.

---