Page 33 of Wild Fury (Fallen Royals 6)

I’m too restless to sit in my room, and Ruby isn’t back yet. I find my camera and slide a new memory card into it, check the battery, and loop the strap around my neck. As much as the conservation area scares me, I can’t let a path through the woods deter me for the rest of the year.

So I circle the building and locate one of the entrances to the conservation forest. The whole area is refreshing, well-maintained, and the path is wide. It’s sunny, and light filters down through the trees. It’s completely different from just thirty-six hours ago, when a man was shoving me against a tree attempting the unthinkable.

I shudder. I can still see his blood on my hands. The weight of him pressed against me as he tried… No.

I’m not big into nature photography—something that could be captured by anyone with a macro lens, for example, or those with the patience to wait out the creatures. I wander until I hear voices, and automatically drift in that direction. The sound leads me off the path, but after a moment’s hesitation, I do it. I step through the forest, avoiding the loose sticks and stones, the crunching leaves, and focus on being quiet.

Felicity comes into view, standing out in a small clearing. She wears a white strapless dress and beckons to someone. She seems sort of shy, but… not. She moves like there’s music on the air, a slow dance just for her. And whoever’s watching.

They walk toward her. Dark clothes, a hood. A guy, if I had to guess, although I’m not confident in that.

I drop into a crouch.

When they kiss, my cheeks heat. Longing plays a fickle melody in my chest. I want to be kissed like that. The guy cups Felicity’s cheek, and their lips part.

It’s hot and beautiful and sad at the same time. I’m intruding.

I raise my camera and take a photo before I lose my nerve. Before I’m discovered.

The thought comes a moment too late.

A hand wraps around my elbow. My captor tows me backward, and it’s all I can do to not scream. I mean, I should, but I also don’t really want to reveal to my RA that I was spying on her. I spin sharply, ready to attack, and stop suddenly.

Theo stands before me.

Sebastian’s words come roaring back. He wants to use Theo against me because of the photo. Because he must enjoy a challenge when a girl doesn’t fall head over heels for him.

“Lux,” Theo says hoarsely. “What are you doing?”

“I…” I glance over my shoulder, but Felicity and her suitor are out of view. “Photography.”

“In the woods. Alone.” He balls his fists. “Remember what happened the last time you wandered—?”

“I didn’t wander. I was led there by the guy who wanted to assault me. And yes, I remember what happened,” I whisper. “Did you follow me?”

He mirrors my expression and remains silent.

Of course he did.

“Tell me what you said to Sebastian,” I demand. “Why is he saying—?”

“What did he say to you?”

I rear back. “He said you gave him the green light to pursue me.”

His gaze is intense. Like he’s trying to say something without actually speaking. And unfortunately, while my psychic ability does sometimes work when Theo is involved, I have no idea what he’s trying to communicate.

“Well?”

“I did.”

I’m surprised at the flash of anger that boils through me. I take a deep breath, electing not to smack him until he’s black and blue, and instead focus on the camera in my hands. The only thing worth saving.

“Lux.”

I shake my head. A lump forms in my throat. He was that willing to give me up? To let Sebastian Redmond have his shot at me?

“No,” I whisper. “You’re the one who’s been there for me. You’re the one who is the most possessive, infuriating man I know. You are the one who helped me when no one else would.” My eyes burn, but I’m not going to cry. I’d rather shriek than sob. Smash something than give in to the waves of disappointment knocking into me.

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