Page 34 of The Villain's Beast

“I can’t imagine there’s a single thing I’d like less than what we just did,” I told him.

He hummed thoughtfully as the trail ahead of us spread into another small clearing, the Black Thorn house visible on a hill in the distance.

“I’m glad you think that, because tonight you’re going home with Fletcher Sinclair.”

Chapter 23

Gideon

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

Luca’s shock was quick and expected, but he didn’t stop walking. If anything, he closed the half-step between us into a quarter.

“I didn’t think you’d mind a chance to see Daren again.”

His next protest died sharply on his tongue, as I knew it would.

“Gideon,” he said instead.

“There’s not a single thing about you that I don’t know, Luca. I may not like this life, but that doesn’t mean I’m not living it.”

Luca cleared his throat, averting his gaze. “I didn’t…we…”

“Stop,” I warned.

I knew enough, but not all of it. I knew he’d spent more than one night with Daren Moore and I knew the encounters had ended as soon as the two of them stepped into their respective roles alongside Fletcher and me. Whether it had been by choice or by need, their connection had been severed and their loyalties—at least Luca’s—seemed to hold true.

“Every ritual has an offering,” I explained, “and I’ve chosen to offer you.”

“I didn’t know…”

“That’s the point, Luca. This night is as much a test of my command as of your loyalty. How much are we both willing to give?”

“Hasn’t it been enough?” He raised his hand and covered his heart where the brand would be if it were his.

“It’s not enough until they’ve sucked us dry,” I said simply.

“What if I don’t want to?” he asked,

I raised a brow, sincerely shocked at the request. I wondered if things with Daren had ended as badly as they had for me and Fletcher.

“We both know it doesn’t matter.” I sighed, letting out a breath until my chest was hollow enough it felt like my ribs would cave in. “And better you and me than someone new, someone who doesn’t understand this life.”

Luca made a sad noise in the back of this throat. “Do I have to fuck Sinclair?”

“You have to do whatever he wants,” I said. “But take the moments you can and hold on to them, and never forget where you’re going to end up when the night is through.”

“You have my loyalty,” he whispered, almost mechanically. “My place is at your side.”

Across the clearing, three figures came into view, and I recognized Fletcher immediately. He was taller than I remembered and far broader across his chest. He didn’t have on a shirt, his chest and knees covered in dirt. To his left was his deputy, Daren, and further still, a man I’d never seen before, smaller than both of them and dressed in clothes that looked like they’d once been white. His shirt was torn on the shoulder and his golden hair disheveled. It was reassuring to know Fletcher hadn’t changed. Still ruining everyone who dared to come into his life.

“It’s one night,” I said softly, offering him more explanation than I was technically allowed to. “The exchange is meant to remind all of us that one cannot exist without the other.”

“If you’d fucked someone else after the branding, would…” Luca’s question died off.

“They would be offered instead of you.”

“Is this a favor then?” he whispered. “These moments.”