Page 5 of Third Offense

That can’t be a good sign, I thought, swallowing.That can’t be a good sign at all.

CHAPTERTWO

NOVAK

Layla’s fuchsiahair disappeared through the front door, leaving her cherry scent lingering in the wind.

It took physical restraint not to follow her, my desire to protect her riding my spirit hard. There were too many guards. Too many unknowns. Too much unexplained power.

Starting with the source standing before me.

King Vasilios.

I knew him asthe rogue NoirI’d spared a century ago.

Hewas the reason I’d Fallen.

His mate—Layla’s mother—had been brutally abused and raped and left for dead, and he’d required revenge. I’d been sent to capture and stop him. Instead, I’d allowed him his moment, respecting the need to avenge his female.

I also hadn’t felt the Nora who had violated her had deserved to live.

So I’d Fallen for disregarding a direct order.

Or, at least, I’d thought that was the reason for my Fall.

Until we’d arrived here, and I realized the male before me was the actual reason. Kyril had called it aKiss of the Gods,stating I’d been marked by a powerful Noir as someone of merit and worth.

Because I let him live that day, I understood now.He’d marked me with favor for letting him live.

Which I now knew was the true cause for my wings turning black.

I folded my arms and held the king’s gaze, waiting as everyone around us dispersed. Zian and I shared a quick glance and a nod, both of us immediately on the same page. If anything happened, we’d have each other’s backs.

No questions asked.

No explanation needed.

If this led to a battle, we would always be on the same side.

Until then, he’d scope out the grounds on their little tour, and I’d feel out the Noir everyone referred to as a king.

Ketos remained, something I’d anticipated since he was apparently my mate’s betrothed.

Tension radiated from Auric, his displeasure over that development one that I felt to the core of my being. Because yeah, no. That wasn’t happening. Layla had two mates. She didn’t need a third.Prince Ketoscould fuck right off.

Vasilios studied me for a long moment after everyone left, his lips curling. “I see my gifts have been used as anticipated.” His dark eyes ran over me with interest. “You’re even more formidable now than you were that day.”

I grunted. He wasn’t wrong. But I didn’t particularly like my talents being referred to as hisgifts.

His focus shifted to Auric. “And you’re just as arrogant and close-minded as before.”

The Nora Commander snorted at that. “You don’t know a damn thing about me.”

“I know you think with your fists instead of your mind,” he countered, gesturing at the male beside him.

“It’s fine,” Ketos assured us all. “I’mfine.”

Auric met his gaze directly. “For now.”