Page 31

I swallow. “Okay.”

Asher reaches out and pinches my cheek. “Do you now, or have you ever worked for the federal government?”

My head jerks back. “No, of course not.”

Asher watches me carefully, his smile unwavering. “Have you ever spoken to a journalist about anything that could be considered…sensitive?”

A cold sweat breaks out on my palms. Do they think I’ve met with a journalist in the last four days? “No.”

“Good.” Asher holds my gaze for a long moment. I get the impression that he doesn’t much care about my answers. That this is some kind of formality.

Or manipulation tactic.

Damian walks forward, his voice cutting through the night like a blade. “When you take your oath in a moment, you will belong to me.”

A chill spreads through my veins. “What oath?”

Damian’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “You’ll find out. Let me tell you your responsibilities first. You will come when Isummon you. If I tell you to be somewhere, you will be there. If I give you an order, you will follow it.”

My throat tightens.

“You will not leave Thornecroft without my permission. You will not speak to anyone about what happens here. And most importantly—” he lowers his voice “—you will stay away from other men.”

My mouth falls open.

His voice is smooth, unwavering. “That includes Rhett.”

I shake my head jerkily. “No.”

Damian’s eyes flash. “No?”

The expression in those blazing eyes ought to chill me, but somewhere in the depths of my fear, a surge of defiance has risen.

I’m now in way over my head, but the plan was always to get Rhett out. And I can’t get him out if I’m not allowed to see him.

I clear my throat. “I’ll take my oath—whatever it is—but I need to see Rhett. He’s part of your cult, so I don’t think it’s too much to ask.”

Damian’s jaw hardens. “You don’t get to make demands, Ava.”

A chill runs down my spine, but I keep my chin raised high. “Except I just made one. You want me to take that oath? This is the only way I’ll do it.”

I’m startled when Damian grabs the knife from Kane. The blade catches the firelight as he holds it in his hand. My stomach flips as he runs his thumb along the edge, his eyes never leaving mine.

His fingers caress the blade almost tenderly, and I worry my heart might explode with how hard it’s thundering in my chest.

But I won’t waver.

“Damian,” Hunter says sharply, stepping forward. “I don’t know why you’re splitting hairs about this. She agreed to take the oath.”

Damian doesn’t answer, only stares at me with wild eyes.

Asher groans. “She’s scared, Damian.”

“She should be.” Damian’s index finger settles on the tip of the blade.

Kane laughs again. He steps toward me and runs a hand down my arm. “Maybe I can get her to give in.” His voice is low and menacing. He touches my thigh and moves his hand slowly upward.

Before I can react, Damian grabs him by the shoulders and slams him to the ground. “Enough. If you ever touch her like that again, I’ll skin you alive.”