Page 102 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

Blood pounds in my head, a dull hum that throbs in my neck and temples at the perceived threat. It doesn’t thrash near Kaden or his siblings but here? It’s ready to kill.

“Ah, the Dark Fae have arrived. Come,” he greets, waving us forward. “We shall speak inside the common house. We will eat and exchange stories and then talk business.” He winks at me before returning inside.

My stomach tightens with nerves. More people means more magic to control. And he looked almost predatorily at me.

The lords waste no time in following, but the heir stands still, frowning.

Peering down at me, he flicks a strand of hair. “Stay with me. I don’t trust Wulf.”

“C’mon, big brother.” Reid claps a hand ontoKaden’sshoulder, shoving him forward. “I’ve heard great things about the wine in this village.”

We stick together, finishing the heavy dinner before Wulf pulls us outside, to a large gathering area full of lush flowers; most of which I recognize from the Blackwoods Coven.

The roaring fire in the middle fights off the crisp air that replaces the warmth of the meadow. Reid leads me to a spare chair, gesturing for me to sit while he leans along the back.

Kaden and Fee broke off from the group shortly before the end of dinner and have been absent since.

“You seem to know what to do here,” I murmur, watching the lords take their seats.

Reid shrugs, hand on his dagger. “Dark Fae only have one trading partner. Wulf is it. We’ve been here a time or two.”

Reclining, I inhale the sweet juniper blossoms and orange mint wafting through the trees as Reid twiddles his fingers.

“Nervous?”

He smiles, winking. “No. Just missing that wine.”

When Kaden is nearby, my heart calms and my nerves lessen. Without him, I’m on edge but I know, for some reason, Reid is just as good. Full of bright energy and smiling easily, I know I can trust him.

Just like I trustKaden.

The realization hits my stomach like a physical blow.

I’ve only trusted Taylay and Nafre, never allowing anyone else in. But Kaden, his brother and even Fee, I’m comfortable with them. I trust them.

Stone chairs are filled, lined around the fire like a council meeting. Chiseled from blue granite, they are beautiful creations of artistic expression with a fine line of cobalt running the length of them.

As the lords sit, I hold back a snort. We’re an abysmal bunch, too small to survive much longer. If Wulf doesn’t assist us, the raid is over.

Right as the crowd settles, Fee and Kaden return, cutting to my side.

“We have a problem,” Kaden says, sitting beside me. His hand briefly hovers as if to grab it, but redirects.

I swallow my disappointment.

“What happened?”

“Now,” Wulf interrupts, falling into a seat toward the head of the circle. He doesn’t have a place at the top but as one of the group. “Before we get too far into this, who tried to kill the Hadeon and who let it live?”

Chapter 36

Kaden

The crowd stills and I clamp my hand onto Max’s thigh to keep her rooted. I see the flash of panic in those expressive eyes—she’s going to run.

Running with shifters is a bad idea. Their baser needs will give way to chase and I can’t have them catching her, claiming her in their frenzy.

There’s only one person who is allowed to claim her.Me.