Page 39 of The Lost Siren

“Ofcourse,D’Arcy survived, the little coward!” The venom in my voice surprised even me, but the other Drakens grinned in amusement.

“Well, in fairness to him, he was unconscious, andsomeonehad to report back on what had happened.”

Bair calmly skinned an orange with his claw, his eyes shining oddly.

“You don’t think he should have helped yourfather, or fought back?”

Bair shrugged. “I guess we’ll never know.”

Kieran’s story had effectively killed the mood, even though we’d asked him for it. The others continued to eat quietly, while Bair gestured for me to come closer. I sighed and went over. Ihadwanted to seek him out, after all.

“Remember my offer?”

It was clearhehadn’t stopped thinking about it. He read the distaste on my face, and quickly added on.

“I’ll tell you more about D’Arcy, and why you’re right not to trust him.”

I cursed inwardly; he had me there.

“Fine. Come with me.”

We stood and made our way towards my bedchamber, my hand in his. My smile was more of a grimace, but I kept my grip on him tight.

“Don’t mind us, keep enjoying yourselves,” I encouraged, even though I felt like smacking the smirk from Bair’s face. Kieran and Ronan eyed me warily, but I shook my head at them. They returned to their meal, their faces tight with disapproval.

“Stick around and maybe you’ll be next,” Bair joked to the room, and I punched him in his stomach. He doubled over coughing, the other Drakens laughing. I waltzed into my room, and he was forced to follow behind, clutching his abdomen. Once the door was closed, he whirled on me.

“Listen—"

“No, YOU listen!” My knife was in his face, my eyes flashing. “No one touches me without my permission. Got it?” I tilted the blade, my eyes roving over his body.

“Fine,” he said sullenly, his shoulders drooping. “But the deal’s off unless I get something from you. I don’t appreciate being humiliated.” His eyes had that odd shine to it again, and I made a sound of disgust in my throat.

“It’s your choice, but I wanted to talk to you more about the Lykos and D’Arcy.”

I glared at him, sitting down stiffly on the bench in front of my bed.

“You know, you’re more like your uncle than your brother after all.” A slow smile curled across his features. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I was tempted to tell him not to, but I let him think what he wanted. Something was rotten with D’Arcy, and Bair was acting like he knew what it was. I needed him on my side; he was the missing link between D’Arcy and Benedict. If I had to act a little distastefully to get what I needed, then that’s what I would do. Not all heroic actions were done with swords and bold words, after all.

I sat back passively on the bench, jerking as he withdrew a coil of rope from his waist. He scoffed.

“You think I’m going to let you stab me like Benedict or Trego? I don’t think so. Let me tie you up, or I’m leaving.”

My palms grew moist, but I allowed him to tie my wrists behind my back and empty my sheaths, throwing my daggers across the room. If I needed to, one scream would have four other Drakens racing in here to beat him senseless. It couldn’t hurt to remind him.

“One sound from me and the others will be here, preparing your skins for my next dress.”

Bair snorted, running a finger down the contour of my chest, and then up to trace my lips. He leaned in close, and images of D’Arcy and Benedict flashed before me. I cringed when he sniffed me.

“I think you’ll be screaming another way.” He taunted, pushing me back on the bench, and bending down to meet me. He slid into his Draken form, his fangs grazing the side of my cheek. I inhaled sharply, and he smirked against my ear.

“I think youlikeme.”

Not the total truth, but I could work with it; he might underestimate me.

“Maybe,” I admitted, “but you arenotmy mate. Try it, and I swear to the gods Benedict will be here faster than you couldcum.”

---