Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97188 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97188 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
It’s just as I suspected. The same reason that Nox won’t actively help me. For the first time since coming to this godsforsaken realm, I feel something aside from pure frustration. “This selkie. She’s a local? Not someone who wandered through the wrong portal like the rest of us?”
Nox sits on the edge of the bed to pull on their boots. “Again, she has a name.”
I’m aware of that. I’m not entirely certain why I’m so resistant to saying that name, but it’s clear that Nox won’t continue this conversation unless I indulge them. I roll my eyes. “Fine, is Maeve a local?”
“You already know she is. Where are you going with this?”
I give them the look that the question deserves. “Exactly where you led me when you assigned her to my room. I don’t know why you’re bothering to act so surprised.”
They burst out laughing. “I’m beginning to think you don’t trust me.” It’s slightly startling to watch them transition from the defensive, protective captain to the flirty rake. Obviously I knew it was a mask all along, but witnessing them put it on real time feels like watching someone strip out of their lingerie.
“It’s a wonder how you find the time and energy to play games when you’re so concerned about this adorable little rebellion,” I finally say. “When are you actually going to get around to rebelling instead of playing the obedient hunter?”
The flinty look appears back in their gray eyes. “Watch yourself, Lizzie. I like you, so I let you get away with the disrespect, but there are limits.”
I merely raise my brow and allow the question to stand.
Nox pushes to their feet and rolls their shoulders. “You already know that I can’t help you. At least not in a timely manner. Maeve can. If you help her first. But do it quickly. I meant what I said about her value to the rebellion. She’s the only asset we have in Viedna, and we need her back home and doing her work.”
I stare. “You don’t give a shit about helping me. But your heart is practically bleeding for the poor selkie without her skin. What a cliché.”
“You’re a vampire with mommy issues. One could say the same thing about you.”
I almost strike them down right there. Only years of control keep my rage under wraps. Nox really does see too much. It’s inconvenient in the extreme. “If she’s such an asset in Viedna, that means she’s hardly well traveled. I don’t see how that serves me in the least. I might as well steal a map and go it alone. A suspicious woman would accuse you of trying to pass off two responsibilities instead of dealing with it yourself.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re convenient to have on this crew, even if your attitude is sour enough to curdle milk. If I thought for a second that you’d stay, I’d try to convert you to the cause.” They stride to me, and I’m startled into taking a step back, allowing them past me to the door. Nox grins. “Though I’ll admit, even I get tired of watching you glare at Evelyn and Bowen. New lovers make everyone a little sick to their stomach, but it’s not as simple as that for you, is it?”
I narrow my eyes. “Be very careful what you say next.”
“Do you think you can rip all the blood from my body before I have a chance to burn you to ash?” There’s a feral look in Nox’s gray eyes. As if they’re not quite sure they’re bluffing, either.
There’s a significant part of me that wants to pick up the gauntlet they just threw at my feet and beat them to death with it. But even though they’re irritating in the same way that my little brother is, Nox shows every evidence of being a good captain. No doubt whoever took their place would be less effective at their job—and more annoying to deal with.
Besides, if I kill them, Evelyn will get that horrible disappointed look on her face again. As if I’m proving her right, as if I am validating her decision to think the worst of me. It shouldn’t be enough to hold my strike, but somehow it is.
I step back, allowing the captain more room to pass by. “We won’t find out today.”
“Pity.” They actually sound like they mean it, disappointment lacing their merry tone. “Another time, then.”
I follow them out of their cabin, their threat once again reminding me of my brother Wolf. Once upon a time I was the one who set him on fire, all at the altar of my mother’s approval. I don’t think he’s ever forgiven me for that. Not that I seek his forgiveness. That’s not the kind of family we are.
A flash of red catches my eye, and I turn to see the selkie speaking with Evelyn. Throwing my lot in with a stranger, even a stranger who is desperate to reclaim something stolen from them the same way I am, is a risk. The question is whether the risk is worth the reward.