Page 92 of Claim Me

Except she looks at me in the next second and says, “Actually, no. You need to tell me why you’re here first. Then I’ll consider telling you more.”

Hmm. It’s a reasonable request. She’s also given me enough proof of her usefulness to make me want to reveal a little more about my intentions here. “Fallon hasn’t been all that forthcoming about her past. So the Gold and Garnet King sent me here to see if we could learn more about her origin.”

Her brows furrow. “If you’re here, then she’s been at least a little bit forthcoming.”

“She mentionedpatriarchsearlier today. While that may not be a familiar term to most of the world, King Kaspian and I recognized it. And with Fallon being a witch, it seemed likely to be related.”

“Does she know you’re here?”

“No.”

The female swallows. “Good. That means the patriarchs won’t be able to pull it out of her. But I imagine they know the spell rebounded now. Which… is either good or very bad. Especially for…Shit.” She pushes off of her lounge and starts pacing, similar to what she did in the street. “This must be why I haven’t been allowed to see her.”

“See who?” I ask even though the statement seems to have been for the woman before me alone. However, since I’m here listening, I would like to be part of the conversation.

“Issy.” She freezes then, her obsidian irises swirling with panic.

“Fallon’s sister.” I fold my arms over my chest. “She mentioned her when talking about the patriarchs. Then she claimed her sister is dead, but King Kaspian knows she’s lying.”

The female blinks a few times. “Wait… You’ve mentioned him a few times. Is he…? Is he one of the mates the spell clung to?”

My jaw ticks as I debate whether or not to share that information.

But it seems I don’t have to because the witch shakes her head. “This is bad. Very fucking bad.” She resumes pacing. “The patriarchs are going to force Fallon into using him. And they’re going to use Issy to make her do it.”

I stare at her. “This would be the part where you should start from the beginning.” Because I’m going to need as many details as I can gather.

The female pauses once more, her dark gaze finding mine. “How do I know I can trust you?”

“You can trust that I will do anything to protect King Kaspian. And right now, you’ve told me Fallon’s fated-mate bond to both of us is a spell—one I will break, even if it means killing her. Especially since you just implied the patriarchs will try to use her to get to Kaspian. So either you start talking, or I return to Iceland and carry out my duty.”

The words are painful to voice, my soul immediately rebuking my threat to kill my supposed mate. But I mean every statement.

It’s my duty to guard the Gold and Garnet King. My pledge. And I’ll do whatever is necessary to carry that out.

“Or I could kill you,” the witch offers.

“You could try,” I reply. “Or you could start talking and perhaps we’ll come to an agreement that benefits us both. Assuming you care about yourcousin, I mean.”

Her eyes narrow. “Just because we’re not related by birth doesn’t mean she’s not my family. And trust me, I will do whatever I fucking can to protect her. Just like you and your king.”

“Then let’s have a conversation and see if we can find some mutual ground to stand on.” Because it seems to me that our goals may be somewhat aligned.

The witch studies me for a long moment, inky flames dancing in her irises. My fingers flex, preparing to pull out my gun again as my wings tense behind me.

However, after several beats, the enchantress sighs. “My name’s Ayla.” It’s not exactly the story I want, but it seems to be her version of a peace offering.

“Nolan,” I return.

She nods. “Well, Nolan. To understand what’s happening, we need to go back in time to the night when Ishara accidentally killed several members of the O’Neely Clan.”

My eyebrow arches. “Ishara?”

“Ishara Doyle. Issy. Fallon’s sister.” Ayla sits down again. “Her actions were an accident, but they created a significant rift between the O’Neely Clan and the Doyle Clan. That rift was healed by Fallon’s arranged mating to Nikolas O’Neely. But I suspect you know him asKlas.”

Yes, I guessed that connection earlier in the conversation.

“Most of the Outcast Coven believes Issy is dead. She’s not. The Doyle Patriarch keeps her locked up with a sole purpose—to control Fallon.” Ayla’s eyes flash with barely restrained fury. “I only know this because I’m considered family. And the patriarchs believe I’m a good little witch on a leash.”