Page 38 of First Offense

“Seriously, it’s starting to creep me out,” I heard Raven murmur.

“Me, too,” Sorin muttered.

Novak flashed them all a warning look, then refocused on me, his fingers waggling in a taunting invitation.

I could refuse and run back to the room.

Or I could test fate and see what happened.

Option one was the safer of the two, but as I gazed up into Novak’s eyes, I realized I craved the second choice.

He’d saved my life once already.

Maybe he’d do it again.

I just hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. But something told me we were just getting started.

“All right,” I finally agreed. “But if flames shoot up from the ground, I’m blaming you.”

He grinned but said nothing else.

I didn’t accept his hand, instead choosing to stand on my own, all the while wondering,How and when did this become my life?

12

Novak

The crowd partedfor us as we entered the yard, the other Noir recognizing the royals among them. And I didn’t mean Layla. While she was a sight to behold, her title meant nothing here.

These Noir bowed to me—their unequivocal king.

I’d killed enough of them to gain respect where it was due. And I’d only participated in two death duels to date. But all it took to make them kneel was one show in beast mode. My wings weren’t typical, and they’d only sharpened over time.

Sorin and Zian had followed a similar path, taking down several Noir while I served time in solitary. Now they were firmly marked as princes of my court. Meanwhile, Layla was just the pretty ornament, but I’d show her how to become a queen unlike any other. If she let me.

And Raven, well, she wasn’t my responsibility. Zian and Sorin would handle her titling, whatever it would be.

So long as the other Noir bowed and stayed out of my way, I didn’t really care.

Layla kept her chin high beside me, but I sensed her subtle shiver as her attention drifted to the infamous labyrinth. Then she took in the rest of the yard with another shudder, her blue eyes sharp.

I studied her profile, wondering what she sensed out here. When her lips twisted to the side, I took that to mean nothing yet.

Most of the inmates were in their own circles, socializing, exercising, or stretching. I wandered closer to the cliff, my wings catching the breeze.

Oh, I miss the sky,I thought, tipping my head back to bathe in the sun. It was a quick indulgence, one meant to refresh my senses before I put them to better use. But when I lowered my gaze, I found Layla studying me. An adorable shade of red touched her cheeks, providing her with an almost natural blush as she shifted her gaze to survey the yard.

I brazenly touched her wing with mine, making it known that I’d seen that little glimpse of interest in her gaze.Nice try, Princess.

She took a bold step to the left but wasn’t brave enough to castigate my purposeful action.

Stroking one’s wings was a sign of affection meant for mates. Her stepping away was a clear rejection. Yet it only intrigued me more. I always did fancy a good challenge.

“Anything amiss, little dove?” Sorin whispered to Raven.

The dark-haired female gave a slight shake of her head in the negative.

Layla glanced at her, then folded her arms around herself as she took in her surroundings again. Her discomfort was palpable, as was her disappointment when she didn’t find Auric.