Page 168 of Their Lethal Pet

The Elite City King gives her a look. “I think you’ll find it to be a rather boring show, Helia.” His focus shifts to Orcus. “I assume the human is from the same village as Alina, yes?”

“Yes,” Orcus confirms. “Nightingale Village.”

“I’m very aware of that part.”

You are?I think, surprised by his comment. I assumed he had no idea who I was, but that statement made it sound like he might know more than I realized.

King Cain slides his hands into the pockets of his pressed slacks, giving nothing else away. He merely asks, “What’s the sister’s name?”

“Serapina Everheart,” Orcus replies, causing my stomach to twist uncomfortably.

I would have expected my unease to abate now that I know the Elite City King has agreed to help us locate Sera. But for whatever reason, I feel worse. Like my energy is waning with each passing second.

Are you all right?Flame asks into my mind.You look quite pale.

I think… I think I’m just overwhelmed. I… I haven’t seen my sister in over two years. I never thought I would see her again. But now…I swallow.Now there’s hope.

But shouldn’t that be making me feel better, not worse?

“Give me a moment to pull her file,” King Cain says as he leaves the room.

Prince Cage clears his throat. “Did you mean what you said?” he asks, his attention on Orcus. “That you won’t fight us on staying?”

“I wouldn’t fight you in general,” my Alpha replies. “But regarding staying, as long as it’s a willing arrangement and you feel safe, I don’t feel obligated to do anything at all.”

“What about Morpheus?” Prince Sabre asks.

“I can’t speak on his behalf,” Orcus replies. “However, I can try talking to him when I return to our realm. But know that I have no control over his reaction. I can only make suggestions.”

Prince Cage inclines his head. “We would appreciate that, God Orcus.”

“Just as we appreciate you helping us to arrange this meeting so quickly, Prince Cage,” Orcus replies, the words purposeful. Mythos Fae don’t have to thank anyone for anything. But Orcus is showing respect now by acknowledging his gratitude.

Being connected to his mind affords me so much more knowledge and provides insight into fae mentality.

It’s a… confusing world.

But I’m excited to learn more about it.

“There wasn’t much of a choice,” Prince Sabre says, his lips curling slightly. “Reaper told us to schedule the meeting or we would be shipped back to the Netherworld.”

“I believe I used the wordmightsomewhere in that sentence,” Reaper drawls from beside me, his amusement warming our bond. “It’s not my fault you mistook my request as a demand.”

Prince Cage snorts. “Your first words were about how easy it was to enter our rooms without notice.”

Reaper shrugs. “That was just a casual comment about the lack of security in this tower.”

“And then you said Orcus would have no problem portaling into our chambers, too,” Prince Cage goes on.

“Well, yes. I was determining logistics for our meeting.” Reaper smiles and it’s all teeth. “I don’t scare you, do I, Cage?” His tattoos move along his exposed arms, the threat a stark contrast to the innocent tone he used to voice the question.

“Stop flirting with the Strigoi,” Flame interjects. “You’re a mated fae now.” He tightens his hold around my waist, making me giggle. It’s a nice distraction from the queasiness haunting my insides.

“It’s a good thing Alina has three mates,” Reaper replies dryly. “Because if you think that’s flirting, then our girl is going to need me and Orcus to show her otherwise.”

Flame grunts. “I’m more than capable of pleasing our mate.”

“Pleasing and flirting are two entirely diff?—”