Page 224 of The Forbidden Dragon King
I scream, but Daire catches me in his arms and glides us back safely to land on the floor.
It still feels like a rejection.
Aurelius crosses his arms. “Not only did Maximinus train my Kitten as a courtesan?—”
“Don’t.” Daire lets go of me, taking a panicked step toward Aurelius. “Please, boss.”
“But he has also been training him as an assassin,” Aurelius finishes.
Daire flinches like he’s been struck.
I draw back in shock.
An actual assassin?
Not a pretend one who has been making poor, deliberately failed attempts on Aurelius’ life?A real one?
“Daire?” I say in a small voice.
I’m not hurt about this revelation. I’m hurt that Daire kept this secret from me. I thought that we had a deal to share everything.
That we were on the same side.
Was I wrong?
Daire looks trapped; his wings are vibrating with tension. “I didn’t… I haven’t… I had no bloody idea how to tell you.”
“With words,” I force out. “What else haven’t you told me?”
“I was protecting you.”
“Bullshit. You were protecting yourself. Did I judge you over anything?”
He shakes his head, holding his hand over his snowflake mark protectively.
I can sense his panic and distress through the bond, along with his terror that he’s about to be rejected.
Aurelius prowls toward Daire, shoving him in the chest and knocking him into the wall of the cave. Daire allows himself to manhandled without fighting back.
He looks devastated.
“How many of Uncle’s dead and missing rivals were your targets?” Aurelius demands.
“Most of them,” Daire admits but without his usual swagger.
“Are you working against me even now?” Aurelius’ voice is hard. My stomach turns. This is an interrogation. My gaze darts between the two Alphas who I love. I’m torn. “Am I next on your list but for real this time?”
Daire shakes his head.
“How can I believe you?”
“I’m your pack,” Daire snarls, but a sob escapes him that he’s unable to hold back. “May the Shadow Devils choke you, I thought that meant something. I’m an idiot. I thought?—"
“What did you think, Kitty? That you could share my nest and my Omega but plot with my uncle to steal my throne?”
“I didn’t?—”
“What did he promise you? Freedom? Riches? Your crown? It’s all lies.”
