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Keeping her shields high, she attempted to penetrate the mind of the nearest sect member. The older, balding man was already frowning at something Adam had said. Her empath senses told her he was the weakest of the four, but taking down any of the men would be difficult. From what Vadim had revealed earlier, these particular Fae were thousands of years old and extremely difficult to control or destroy, even for him.

She concentrated for a moment on learning the way the man’s thoughts flowed and ebbed, identifying his signature, and then moved on to the redhead standing next to him. He was more dangerous, his mind sharper, and he was far less likely to compromise and more strategic in his thinking. The blond was the hardest to read. Something about his handsome features reminded her of Rossa and Vadim. She probed a little harder and then quickly withdrew as his barriers came up.

He glanced briefly in her direction, but she didn’t meet his gaze. Definitely Fae royalty, and the one most likely to disobey Adam’s orders and attempt to win glory for himself. Was he connected to the Fae king? Was he the male who had made sure the sect came after Vadim and his new mate? It seemed horribly likely, but there was nothing she could do about it now.

“Soul Sucker.”

Speaking of the king… She looked up into his treacherous smiling face. He’d changed into a loose white shirt, black leather pants and a golden cloak that matched his eyes. If you were looking for a little girl’s definition of the ideal prince, he’d do perfectly. Until you realized what a fucking psycho he was…

“Hey, what’s up?”

He regarded her closely. “I hear you repudiated your mate.”

“Re—what?” She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “What does that big word mean?”

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t be insolent. I know you are far smarter than you let on.”

“Really? Don’t tell Morosov. He likes his women blonde and dumb.”

“Did you mean it?” the king said abruptly.

“That Morosov likes them dumb, or that he’s a liability? Sure, I meant it.”

He chuckled. “Drew Spencer said thatyouare the one who is a liability.”

She hardened her voice. “I spent more than half my life in school and college being forcibly trained to become a tool for my government to use against Otherworld. That’s why Spencer doesn’t like me. Ihatebeing told what to do.”

And come to think of it, that was basically why Vadim didn’t like his father too, but she wasn’t going to bring up that subject right now. It was surprising sometimes how much she and her mate did have in common,

“What does your petty resentment of authority have to do with Death Bringer?”

“Isn’t it obvious? He’s too powerful. He wants to control me, and it’sinfuriating.Ask anyone at the SBLE. Even when he’s in his human form, we fight like cats and dogs.”

“Spencer did mention that.” The king contemplated her expression. “But he is also your mate.”

She faced him. “As you pointed out, I had no ideawhathe was when that happened. I’m glad he saved my sanity, but I still hate being lied to, and I don’t want to be held in his magical thrall for the rest of my existence.”

He studied her for a long time. “I’m not sure I believe you, Soul Sucker. You certainly seemed quite taken with him when I came upon you in the glade.”

“Did you watch? You’re Fae. You of all people know that sex doesn’t make a relationship.”

He smiled, and his mind brushed against hers, seeking her true emotions. She let him see what he wanted. “You are so refreshingly direct. I almost admire you sometimes.”

“Thanks, I think.”

“So will you reconsider my offer?”

“To take Morosov back to San Francisco? I thought you wanted him dead.” She gestured at the hall behind them. “He’s pretty likely to die right here.”

“What if he doesn’t?”

“Then you’d better start saying your prayers.”

“I have a better suggestion. I’ll make sure you receive your face back, if you make sure he’s dead.”

“I’m already getting my face back, even if he does lose.”

“You believe Adam will honor his word? He’s hardly been reliable in the past.”