Page 26 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

Soon, the magic retreats to its spot and I exhale, relief loosing my shoulders, already rebuilding my mental shields.

Opening my eyes, I look down at a pair of scuffed brown boots, the call of magic returning to roar in my ears, shield shattered.

Chapter 10

Kaden

Well then.

There’s a gleam of metal, a flick of a wrist and then the euphoria of blood, making my eyes see red and my gums ache. The beast inside my chest stirs, yawns and stretches, as if that little bit of blood was enough to pull the monster forward.

It’s not often that happens.

Her blood smells divine, like ripe berries on a hot summer day. Full of flavor, of juice, oflife, that my mouth waters, stomach grumbling with want. Fangs drip over my lip and I have to stop myself from lurching forward, to pull the lord from the advisor’s delicious neck.

Grabbing the wall, I will the haze to lift, for the fangs to disappear. For the beast to remain shackled. I’ve never had to hold on so tightly to my control before—not since I was a young Fae.

My body shakes as I push aside the beast, and exhale, willing the scent of blood to leave.

I’ve gone too long since feeding, if the beast is this ravenous after just a few drops. If I let this continue, I’ll be nearly uncontrollable, driven mad with bloodlust.

And that’s not an option.

After a few breaths to tighten my control over my cursed soul, Iglance back to the advisor. Her spine straightens, shoulders back as the lord leans forward.

Another kind of beast roars in my chest, possessiveness rising at seeing this scum closing in onthisfemale. Judging from the look in his eye, the sneer on his face, it’s not the weather he wants to discuss.

One of his hands grabs at her ample chest and I react, body stepping forward to intercept. I’ll break every single finger that dared to touch her person.

But then, I stop, entranced by the woman as she kicks out with a vicious strike, slamming her heel into his shin. There’s a sick crack before she bangs her forehead into his nose, blood covering the fool’s face.

He curses the woman out and I grin. Her brutality is refreshing.

Then, she raises her hands over her head and the man jerks, arms pinned to his side, head at an odd angle.

How is that possible?

Tilting my head, I rest against the stone, watching her fingers dangle, like a puppeteer moving invisible strings of a worn puppet on a small stage. They bend and twist into unnatural ways, and his body responds.

She’s violent and unflinching, a beautiful menace who hovers before the man, dictating his moves. The feel of power, raw, untapped potential, slams into me.

Magic. She has magic.

She’s wicked and bloodthirsty, her blue eyes cold and hard as she moves the man. She wants to slaughter him and my beast preens at the ferocity.

I didn’t expect this from her.

It only takes a few seconds, but then the man drops and she’s on him, tiny fists gripping his collar. Putting the dagger to his throat, she seethes, spewing angry words.

My groin tightens. It’s the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen. She looks so meek and mild, but underneath that mask is a lioness, ready to spill blood.

The man nods promptly, face red, spitdripping down his chin, mixing with his toxic blood. The fear wafting from him is as intoxicating as the sight the small woman makes. Her black, almost violet hair, hangs over her face, highlighting her blood red lips and the crystal blue of her eyes. They shine like diamonds.

But it’s the tips of her fingers that catch my attention.

So red, they look to have dipped in a bloody puddle. What power does she possess to dothat?

My inner beast stills, intrigued as much as me. The power I feel, I can sense it twisting in her body, like a dark chaotic wave of fury. It calls to me just as strongly as her blood.