Page 74 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

Fortunately, it’s been a long time since that’s happened.

“Ready?” Max asks, looking from my sister to me. “The sooner we get up there, the sooner we leave.”

“Already know this is a pointless endeavor?” I tighten my sword on my hip. “The lord is dead by now.”

“It’s worth it to check.”

We head up themountain, the rest remaining further back for support. My eyes keep to the surroundings but they’re pulled back to the woman in front of me.

Her hips sway with each step, her body curved just right to fit in my hands. How have I never noticed before now— she’s powerful, but her beauty could bring a simple man to his knees.

Seti’s Hell, I’m ready to drop for her.

“You’re quiet,” she says, glancing back. “I’m surprised not to hear anymore cutting remarks about my walking skills. Or how I should be hiding in the camp, not going head first into danger.”

“Why say it?” I grab her elbow as she teeters too close to the edge. “Especially when you know that’s what I’m thinking?”

“Prick.”

“Why the bard?” I ask, looking ahead. “Did he charm you with his voice?”

She snorts, kicking a rock. “Why are you so interested? Trying to figure out how he got me into his bed?”

I chuckle, jealousy rolling along my gut. “Oh, pet, I’m sure it was desperation on your part.”

“Excuse me?” She stops, jerking toward me, eyes flashing with her ire.

Good. I like to see her anger. It’s dark, beautiful and makes me feel at home within her presence.

“Being the good little blood summoner in your Coven, I can only assume he was the only one brave enough to court you.” At the twist of her lips, I know I’ve chosen right. “What was it, kitten? Did he say the right things? Promise you a lifetime of love?” I snort, shaking my head. “Pathetic.”

Her hand flies out, a dagger grasped between her fingers and it swigs wide for my neck.She’s quick.Ducking, I grab her arm, throwing her against the cavern, the top just to the side.

“Easy,” I purr. “You don’t want to fly off this mountain. At least, not by your own hand.”

“How dare you,” she seethes. “How dare you assume I must be somepatheticwoman, seeking love from any source I can get it.”

“Weren’t you?” I pin her legs, my knee pressed between her thighs.

What would it be like to be there?

She juts out her chin, defiant. “No.”

Lowering my head, I inhale her intoxicating scent, my lungs finally feeling as if I’ve taken my first deep breath in months.

Picking a fight with her, this close to death, seems absurd, but the jealous knot in my stomach pushes me on. If I’m mad, I want her furious.

“No?” I shift, my knee rubbing at the spot that is aching for my touch, the scent of her arousal surrounding me. My head spins and my fangs break through, dipping over my lip. “Then why him, Max? What did the bard do to win your favor?”

“He wasn’t an asshole like you.” Her eyes flash again, like the cresting waves of the ocean.

Smirking, I crush her into the wall, bodies flush. What I wouldn’t give for us to be naked, wrapped together like this.

I’d wipe the bard from her memories and replace them with me.

“Did he tell you how well you took him?” I ask, words lowered. Her body shakes under mine and she’s damp. “Or did he praise you as you took him down your throat? I bet you would look gorgeous on your knees, my cock between your lips.”

She swallows, eyes narrowed. “Keep dreaming, heir.”