Page 21 of Chess

With light steps, Ever crept up the ladder and opened the door. She turned the lock with a soft click after shutting it. Thunder rumbled in the distance, but no raindrops fell yet. Using her speed, she bolted through the trees to the park near one of the private schools. There were still hours before the sun rose, but this wouldn’t take long.

On a picnic table across from a pair of swings lay a male, peering up at the darkened sky.

March.

Back at the club, Ever had given him the one finger hand signal, telling him to meet her at this park sometime tonight.

Another crack of thunder came as she stopped in front of him at the table.

“The prince?” He sighed, his gaze meeting hers. “Really?”

She sat on the table’s bench, resting her elbows beside him. “I don’t trust him, but he’s going to make things easier. And he doesn’t think I know he’s wanted by Scarlet for his mother’s death.”

“I kind of figured that out.” March chuckled.

His earlier clothing still appeared intact, no sign of a fight with any other vampires. “Did you see Rav at the club since we knew Chess was lying about intercepting anyone? One of the females followed Chess, but he killed her.”

“Actually, good things may have come from this night.” March rolled to his side and propped his head in his hand.

“Oh?” Her interest was piqued. “Details.”

“Your bastard brother did stumble upon me, and we feasted on the human together.” His grin grew wolfish. “He offered me a position to be one of the guards at the Ivory Palace. Seems he’s scouting the mortal world for rogue vampires who may want to side with him since he took out most of Ivory’s guards who he didn’t trust.”

Her eyes widened. “Rav trusted you that easily?”

“I do turn on the charm when necessary.” He paused. “But I don’t believe he trusts me, just that he needs a few more hands there until he joins the territories. Apparently, he’s still picky about who stays with him in Scarlet, though.” Her blood boiled at the thought of the guards who betrayed her and wondered which ones remained in Ivory. They would all have to die regardless.

“Are you going to take the position?” This was like a dream come true. She would have him spy inside her palace in Ivory. He could then feed her necessary info about guard rotations and number of enemies so they could break into the palace, then take control of it.

“Of course. I’m headed there tomorrow.” He peered up at her, his expression turning serious. “Be careful.”

“I’ve been careful for nearly four years.” It was time Ever used her carefulness for other things, like trying to take back her kingdom.

“I mean, with the prince.”

Ever’s heart pounded at his words and she took a deep swallow. “Don’t worry. He’s just a tool and once he betrays me, I’ll rip out his heart as he’d planned to do with mine.” And she would then feed it to the werewolves afterward. It wasn’t a question ofifhe would turn on her butwhen.

March trailed a finger down her arm. “If you need me to do it, just give me the signal.”

As she mulled over the wonderful news, the plan finally fell into place. “In a few days, I’ll head to the Ivory Palace. Meet me at the lake on the eastern side of the castle and we can go over anything you’ve learned.” There was plenty of foliage in that location to keep her hidden as they discussed matters.

“I’ll gather everything I can.”

“Thank you.” She placed a hand on his cheek. “If you decide to stay in Ivory after this is over, you always have a place inside the palace.”

“Not now. But if you change your mind about me, I will in a heartbeat.” He scooted closer and pressed his mouth to hers, dipping his tongue in between her lips. But all she could think about was when Chess’s mouth had been on hers, the way his soft lips felt, the way he’d gripped her hips, the way his heart had pounded.

“I wish I could, but I can’t.” Not looking at what expression his face held, she pulled back. “See you soon.”

“Until we meet again.”

Ever hurried back to the safe house, being extra careful to make sure no one followed her. The next night, they would need to gather a few more weapons and get Chess some new clothing.

Once she was home, she locked the door behind her and found Chess still on his stomach, his lips parted, his chestnut hair covering his face. A tiny piece of her wanted to brush the strands from his eye. However, she did no such foolish thing and lifted her viola instead.

As she played a soft melody, her gaze lingered on his form, his naked upper body, her attention unable to fix on anything else. But he wouldn’t have to know that.

Chapter Eleven

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