Page 8 of Exiled Heir

“If you have a problem with being a consort, you’re welcome to get out now.” Cade accelerated, speeding past a minivan before darting back into our lane.

“That’s not much of a choice,” I said.

“You’re going to have to make everyone believe it was your choice,” Cade said shortly.

“Maybe there’s an acting school on your way back to your estate. Pay some community theatre reject a hundred dollars to lick your boots.” I still remembered the feel of his foot on my face, the way he had nudged my jaw to make sure I was paying attention.

“A consort isnota slave.” Cade’s voice rose until it was nearly a shout. “They are a trusted companion. They’re the other half of yourself. They have rights to your money, status, and rank. They even have access to—”

He broke off before making a disgusted sound and pulling over on the side of the road. Dust swirled around the car, lit briefly by passing headlights, and Cade’s breath evened out.

I watched him suspiciously. There was something here I wasn’t understanding. There was some reason that he wantedmespecifically to play this part. And it wasn’t some elaborate revenge on me. I could figure that out myself.

“If it’s so great, why don’t you get someone to do it for real? Why me?” The last part niggled at me, a loose tooth in the back of my mouth that my tongue wouldn’t stop probing.

“If you aren’t interested, I will.” Cade didn’t even look at me, pressing a button on the steering wheel that unlocked all the doors with a decisive click. “I’ll be happy to tell Declan exactly where I left you. Maybe he’s still at the bar. I’m sure he could be here in ten minutes.”

“I’m stepping into a situation I don’t like. I’m taking a job I don’t understand. That’s going to lead to mistakes. That’s going to lead to both of us getting exposed. I need you to tell me what’s really going on.” I dragged my hand through my hair. It was too long, but I wasn’t sure a haircut was in my future. “Why did you choose me?”

“Declan is known for his wolves. I need someone strong. Someone who looks the part of a consort.” Cade’s profile gave away nothing, all sharp edges and harsh lines, the blond of his hair brilliant white in the light from the dashboard instruments.

I knew immediately what he meant. Consorts were getting rarer these days, but there was still atype. Muscle-bound, tall, brutal, no matter their gender, they looked like they could take down a linebacker. There were rumors that when mages got into an argument with each other, their consorts would fight to the death over whatever the argument was.

Mages with consorts didn’t even bother with bodyguards; they didn’t need them. Why hire someone when a werewolf who looked like an MMA fighter had pledged their life to you?

“That’s it? You could have gone down to central casting if you needed someone to look the part,” I said.

Cade glanced at me, and both of our skin was dyed by the blue lighting of the car. His eyes traced over my face and down my body.

“Declan is involved in whatever is going on. I’m not sure what you did to him, but since he has a hit out on you, I thought we both had a mutual enemy.” Cade’s words were cold, and his glacier eyes cut to me, as though he could see straight into my heart.

I tensed—there were some thorns in this bouquet. With Declan on my tail, I couldn’t afford to get pricked. “Declan is involved inwhat?”

“Someone is trying to kill me, and I suspect they hired Declan. You’re strong. Declan doesn’t keep weak wolves on his payroll. I don’t need to worry about you taking care of yourself while I figure out who it is.” Cade seemed annoyed. “You’re getting paid money, and you get to keep your head. What more do you want?”

“Iwantmore details. How are they trying to kill you? What methods? Did you catch them?” I began ticking off questions on my fingers. “How do you know Declan was involved? When he wants someone dead, they’re dead by the time he finishes his morning cup of coffee.”

“Except for you, Miles with no last name,” Cade said.

“Yeah, well, I’m a special case. I had a head start, and I know how he works. Even I couldn’t make it any further than Pineridge before he caught me.” I stared out at the trees, thinking about how a single stupid decision had the power to end the life I’d so carefully put together.

“Someone blew up my car a few weeks ago,” Cade said.

“That’s not Declan’s MO,” I said. “Too many people with badges get involved when a car explodes.”

“—and two weeks ago, someone released poison in his private club while I was there.” Cade continued as though I hadn’t spoken. “Convenient that he drew me there and then didn’t show up for our meeting.”

I whistled. Yeah, that had to be him. No one messed with Declan’s establishments without his permission. Clubs were where the money was, and if he was willing to poison one, to metaphorically burn it to the ground, someone had to be paying him alotof money. As in, Declan now hadbuy a small tropical islandamount of money in his pocket.

My mind raced with all the things Declan could do with that much change.

“You didn’t catch anyone for either assassination attempt?” I asked.

“Notyet,” Cade said.

“How did you survive?” I asked. “A car blowing up isn’t usually something that you walk away from if you aren’t in a high-budget action movie.”

“With difficulty,” Cade said. “I could feel that the magic around us suddenly disappeared. It allowed me to throw a ward around myself just barely in time to save my life.”