Page 40 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“You?” I nod.

He sighs, the stiffness in his shoulders slightly easing further. “You’re late!”

“Sorry, I ran into some… issues. Do you have the item?”

He releases a frustrated sigh, glancing longingly at the Phoenix wing as I tighten my grip on it.

“I need more than that.”

I send him a glare, knowing the Phoenix feather was more than a fair trade for what he was giving me. If used right, they were known to extend a life by years or heal fatal wounds in seconds.

The dick was just trying to push his luck. But I didn’t have any other option. If I didn’t get this trade, the whole plan fell to pieces. Pulling out the cash I had been saving for weeks, I hand it over.

“That’s all I’ve got. Either take it or leave it.” I feign confidence I didn’t feel.

I really needed this trade. It was the last item Jazmyn needed to make the potions that would help get Alana out.

He sighs, grabbing the cash out of my hand before faking an unhappy look. The excited glint in his eyes tells me the truth.

Reaching into his pocket, he holds out his hand, palm down.

Glancing around once more, I place my hand under his as he drops the small flat disc into it, before handing over the Phoenix feather.

He checks each long-burned orange tuft, relaxing when he sees it’s in perfect condition. I quickly glance at the small flat disc, a smile forming when I see it. My thumb rubs against the etched zodiac sculpted into it.

“Be careful with that. It packs a punch, and remember our deal?” He frowns as I tuck the disc into my bra.

“Yes, you were never here, nor do you exist.”

“Good.” He turns around and leaves without so much as a backward glance.

The smile on my face grows, realising how close I am to getting us both out of here.

I start toward the side door when a tall figure blocks me.

“There you are.” Kai crosses his arms, looking pissed off.

Shit. I forgot about the guys.

“Where do you think you’re off to?”

I fake a yawn. “I’m tired, going to bed.” Turning, I try to hightail it in the opposite direction when a hand stops me.

I look up, finding Rion.

“Don’t run. We won’t bite.” His smile is wicked and full of delicious promises.

I clear my throat. “I wasn’t running.”

“That so?” Luka comes up beside us with Jax, giving me a knowing smirk.

“Where the hell did you learn how to dance like that?” Jax frowns, as if offended by the idea.

I shrug. “I come here a lot. Guess I picked up a few moves.” There was no way I was going to tell them the truth. That I used it as an escape from King’s torture.

“You more than picked up a few. We weren’t the only ones who noticed.” The guy’s scowl at the idea, glaring out at the crowded dance floor.

“Next time you come down, invite us.” Luka glances around the room. “I don’t like you being here by yourself.” The guy’s grunt in agreement, Jax snarling at one of King’s guards who pass too close to us.

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