Page 6 of Hell Fae Warden

Instead, I opted to save my strength and focused on the ropes binding my wrists behind my back. If I could keep these two talking, I might be able to free myself.

Not that I could stand up against both Ajax and Az.

Hmm, unless I can somehow make them focus on each other instead of me.

They clearly had a history together, one that radiated tension and hot sex. And a hint of anger. Or perhaps that was just both men in general. Ajax was always brooding, and Az… he just seemedviolent.

Especially right now as he continued to study me with those obsidian orbs. He appeared to be thinking, perhaps about what to say or do next since I hadn’t given him a good enough response.

His hand twitched, causing the blade to shift subtly against my skin. He immediately pulled back a little, his eyes flickering between violet and black.

That’s interesting,I thought, studying him.It’s almost like he doesn’t want to hurt me.

Which was strange, considering he had a knife poised over my heart.

I leaned forward, curious to see how he would react, and felt a pinch against my delicate skin. Az’s pupils flared, and Ajax made a noise that sounded a little bit like a growl.A hungry growl.

Midnight Fae were vampiric in nature, making blood their weakness. Especially my blood, which was empowered by fae magic.

“I didn’t escape,” I reiterated, pressing even more into the blade. “But let’s say I did. Why would I go to such an obvious place to be found?”

Az pulled the dagger away, his eyes still flickering between violet and black, almost as though he was losing control over his inner Phoenix.Odd. The Commander was feared by the Hellbeasts, yet he seemed to be having trouble taming his own creature.

Because of me?I wondered.Or because he’s just so angry that he’s struggling to tame his predatory instincts?

Az whispered a command that dismissed the blade. Then his thumb replaced the empty space as he pressed down on the wound, disrupting my thoughts.

A hiss escaped through my teeth, my jaw clenching in pain. While the cut had been superficial, the pressure still hurt. Mostly because he wasn’t holding back his strength.

Which I supposed answered my mental question.He’s angry. Very fucking angry.Something I already knew. But it was even more evident in the way his Phoenix appeared to be taking charge.

“You don’t know what I’m capable of, little warrior.” His silky smooth voice wrapped around my neck like a noose, tightening with each word. “I suggest you cooperate if you don’t want to find out.”

“Az,” Ajax interjected. “We need to remember the rules. She’s abridal candidateand therefore Lucifer’s property. Not ours.”

Az leaned back as soon as the Warden used my title.

Not my name, but my worth as a piece of property to be used for the Hell Fae King’s bridal games.

Despite the threat of violence surrounding me, I rolled my eyes. “A bridal candidate. But notyourcandidate. Right, Ajax?” I asked, recalling his words from earlier—or thirty days ago,I corrected myself.

Az glanced at him with an arched brow, but Ajax just shook his head. “Have you told Lucifer that we found her?” he asked, changing the subject.

Az released me, leaving the sting of a future bruise behind.Asshole,I thought, glaring at his back. “No,” he replied. “Our orders were to bring her to him directly, but given everything that’s happened in the Netherworld Kingdom, I’m not sure if that’s still his desire.”

“Do you want to check with him?” Ajax asked, a hint of something in his tone that I couldn’t decipher. Some hidden meaning that seemed to resonate between the two old friends.

Az considered him for a long moment. “Yes.” Then he vanished into a puff of ash, leaving me alone with the Warden.

I blinked, surprised by his abrupt departure. He’d seemed rather keen on tormenting answers from me. Or killing me. Perhaps both.

But this certainly presented me with an opportunity. If I could find a way to free myself, I might be able to get away from Ajax.

Maybe.

Probably not very likely.

However, it beat just sitting here and taking this treatment.