Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
I’m seriously beginning to question the mercenary’s intelligence. “You do realize a dog doesn’t have opposable thumbs, right? It’s sort of a requirement to work the cuffs.”
“Well, she didn’t have them in dog form. Or maybe she was more of a wolf. But what if she was able to shift? Also, I swear that wolf had the faintest glow. It reminded me of a consort’s glow.”
My mind works overtime. There is an explanation. “The Planeswalkers have been venturing further and further out to find consorts and bondmates. I’m curious about the wolf.”
If Dellacourt found an exotic consort, I want to know about it. If she’s powerful and rare, then I really want to know about her. She could prove to be valuable. And if not, then killing her might upset Dellacourt, and that’s one more way to make that asshole pay.
“I’m sure you’re upset by this setback, Mr. Palgrave. If you wish, I can take my men and leave. I’m sure you can find another squad to do the job.” Roan straightens his flak jacket. “They left by foot with no technology. Dellacourt had a weapon, but I believe his dog ran off with it. He might have it. It seems to be some sort of projectile weapon. Good luck, sir.”
“Wait.” I hate it, but I can’t find anyone else quickly. And there’s the small matter of dealing with Roan myself. It will be easier to deal with the man if I’m still his boss. “Just get the job done. Find Dellacourt and the consort, and get me the twins.”
I cut off the connection and sit back on the bed as the tablet chimes again. I close my eyes and hope for patience. Another snake to deal with. This particular snake is a Fae royal, however.
“King Torin,” I say with a deferential bow of my head.
Torin Finn is a man in his prime. He looks somewhat like his nephews. The coloring is the same, but there’s a thinness to his frame that gives him an air of miserliness. “Chalen. I called to get an update on your progress.”
“Make him tell us, My Liege,” a nasty voice says.
Torin’s hags. My stomach turns. I only saw their true forms once, but it was enough. There are two, and they stand behind the king. They look lovely in this form, but I can’t help but see their real faces.
“Down, woman,” Torin says with a snarl. He turns back my way. “Do you have the twins?”
The hags retreat, but only slightly. They’re always present, a prop to hold up Torin. I heard rumors that the hags are effective in putting down the rebellions that pop up. Blood runs wherever they show their faces.
“Not yet, Sire, but I have a plan to ensnare them.” I try to take a page from Roan’s book. I carefully school myself to look as confident as I can. “I’m going to use their bondmate to bring them out.”
Torin’s green eyes narrow. “Yes, I heard they bonded. I rather thought I had ensured they could not. Damn Planeswalker demons.”
The new king of the Seelie Fae isn’t able to make a deal with the demons. He doesn’t have anything to offer them, and he won’t until he opens the borders again. He won’t do that as long as his nephews are out there waiting to get back in. I wonder how bad the situation is in Tír na nÓg, cut off from all the planes they once did business with. If this particular mission wasn’t about revenge, I would have looked to make a profit. I’m certain bootleggers are making a killing. But I have other things to think about.
“They will come for their mate. I’ll have their cousin as well.”
Torin nods. “Young Mister Dellacourt. His family is giving me hell with the Vampire government. I think they would have formally recognized me if it hadn’t been for Donald Dellacourt. He’s kept me out for years. I won’t accept it any longer.”
“When his son is dead, he’ll turn his attentions elsewhere.” I intend for Donald Dellacourt to turn his attentions back on Torin. No one will ever know that I had a hand in Dante Dellacourt’s death.
The hags behind Torin stare through the tablet screen, their dark eyes glittering as though they can see through me. Torin turns to the one on the left. He lifts a brow.
“He will do as he says. He believes this will satisfy that dark place in his soul. It thirsts for blood. He believes the twins took something from him,” the hag says.
I never mentioned to the hags why I’m willing to help Torin. I wish Torin hadn’t told them. I don’t like them knowing something so personal. It’s smart to keep as much distance as possible, but there’s no reason not to speak now. “They killed my brother.”