Chapter 30
My shoulder pulses angrily, and my muscles tremble with the effort it takes to lie still. I don’t want to draw any attention to myself while in this vulnerable position. Who knows what other fucked up things they want to do to me?
The council member turns to face the gathered recruits, his rigid posture easing minutely to something less hostile. The lingering tension hovering in the air is met with silence. I scan the audience, noting that no one is clapping or cheering like they did when June was branded. It tugs at my curiosity, but I ignore it when the cloaked stranger begins talking.
“Tonight’s competition was a testament to your commitment to the Order over the past three years. We have responded by awarding the best of you with a bride. We value skill, power, and loyalty above all else. It is these qualities that will be tested in the upcoming Trials. Tonight, the victorious three are free from their vow of celibacy. Only them and only with their bride, each one specifically chosen to serve.”
The instant the council member disappears from the clearing, the recruits’ voices rise, becoming a cacophony of sound. I take several deep breaths, but my efforts are wasted. Ben rushes up to the altar at the same time Xavier unlocks the first manacle.
The look they exchange has all the air in my lungs leaving me in a rush. My mind spins as I watch them, my gaze darting back and forth. Although their masked faces reveal nothing, their eyes tell me everything.
“Delilah, are you okay?” Ben asks. He takes my hand, rattling the chain still connected to my wrist, and brings it to his chest. “Say something.”
“If you don’t remove your hands from my bride, I’m going to kill you.” When Ben and I look at him, Xavier tilts his head. “I thought you wanted me to say something.”
My foster brother rips off his mask and tosses it to the ground, his expression fierce. I gently tug on his hold and his gaze snaps to mine.
“It’s okay, Ben,” I say.
“No, it’s not. None of this is.”
Xavier leans forward, his mouth thinning with displeasure. I slap his chest and dig my fingers into the fabric of his black t-shirt. He stops and looks down at the contact before taking my hand in his.
I lie there with two men holding me, both of them ready to kill the other. All at once, the night’s horrific events slam into me. I blow out a breath and fix them with a scowl.
“I don’t care about anything except getting the fuck out of here. When I’m gone, you two can whip out your dicks and slam them on this altar for a measuring contest, okay?”
Ben swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Okay, Lilah.” He kisses the back of my hand, earning a growl from Xavier. Then he releases me and retreats a step.
Xavier rips off his mask and stares daggers at Ben. I squeeze Xavier’s fingers, and his attention immediately shifts to me. I quirk a brow and shake my fist, rattling the chains.
He’s quick to remove them while Ben watches us with his arms crossed. Once I’m free, I grunt with the effort to get into a sitting position. I refuse to show any weakness, but I’m physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Everything takes a toll on me.
Xavier walks around the altar and slips his arms beneath my legs and around my waist. Before I can protest he pulls me into his arms and cradles me against his chest. The movement tugs at the skin around my burn, making me whimper in pain.
“I’ve got you,” Xavier whispers in my ear. “Just relax.”
He starts walking toward the group of recruits, and Ben blocks his path. “What are you going to do with her?”
“Whatever the fuck I want,” Xavier says. “With the Order’s approval, I might add. You had your chance to win her, but you didn’t. Now fuck off.”
“I won’t let you hurt her.”
I roll my eyes. “Too late, Ben. That shit was brutal.”
My foster brother looks down at the mark on my shoulder and winces. “I never wanted to involve you, Lilah. This is my fault.”
I sigh, too tired to properly console him when I’m the one who’s been traumatized. “We can argue tomorrow about who fucked up more, okay? Please don’t make this a thing. Xavier already promised me he wouldn’t…” My cheeks heat at the thought of sex with him. I hope my embarrassment isn’t clearly visible in the dying light of the fire. “You know,” I finish lamely.
Ben shifts from one foot to the other, his unease clinging to him. “Is that true, X?”
“Oh, I’m definitely going to fuck her,” he says. “But she’s going to beg me for it first.”
My face is on fucking fire. It burns more than the brand on my skin.
I stiffen with shock and outrage. So does Ben.
Xavier continues, ignoring both of our reactions. “If it’d make you feel better, I’ll promise not to be rough with her. At least, not the first few times.”
“You motherfucker,” Ben says.
“Fuck you both.” My voice comes out strong and firm, although still quiet. The pair of them look down at me, their expressions varying. Xavier has amusement written all over his features while a muscle flickers along Ben’s jaw as he clenches his teeth.
“Either put me down,” I say, “or start walking.”
Xavier grins. “Yes, ma’am.”
My foster brother reaches for me when Xavier takes a step. Ben cups my cheek and strokes it with his thumb. Now it’s Xavier who stiffens, his body like marble against mine. A low rumble gathers in his chest, and Ben is quick to withdraw his hand from my face.
“This isn’t over, X,” he says.
Then he’s gone.
I slump in Xavier’s hold, my head falling against his shoulder. Men are stupid, and I pretty much hate all of them.
As if to challenge my sanity, another recruit walks up to us. The young stranger is lean with a confident stride. His midnight-black hair is tousled and falling just above his shoulders, swaying with every step. His features are rugged with a strong jawline and piercing black eyes that bore into my skin, making the hairs on my arms stand at attention.
Is every man in the Order a psychotic asshole?
I shift my gaze from him to his bride. June is pressed against his side with his arm around her waist, supporting her as she leans into him. Her gaze finds mine, and tears spring to my eyes at the defeated expression covering her face.
“Are you okay, June?” I ask.
“She’ll be fine,” the recruit says.
“I wasn’t talking to you, dickfuck.” I look at my friend, the concern evident in my voice. I can’t help it. “June, honey?”
“It’s okay, Delilah.” She sniffs and wipes the dampness from her eyes. “I’ll be okay.”
I run my gaze over her shoulder, finding the mark on her skin puffy and bright red. A shudder runs through me. I might have the gumption to mouth off, but when it comes to facing the reality of the permanency of the mark on my skin, I’m a coward.
Xavier adjusts me in his arms. “What do you want, Declan?”
Declan? As in June’s ex? Holy fucking monkey balls.
I can’t decide if this is a good or bad thing. I make a mental note to ask Xavier later, if given the chance. It’s not like I don’t have my own shit to worry about.
“Why did you challenge him?” Declan asks. “First you didn’t recite the vow to him, and then you said it incorrectly. Are you trying to piss him the fuck off?”
The skin around Xavier’s jaw tightens, and his stormy eyes flash with something violent. He doesn’t respond immediately, as though choosing his words carefully. His grip on me tightens for a moment before he finally answers.
“If I didn’t stand up to him now, he would use her to control me later on. You should know that.”
Declan’s gaze lands on me briefly, as if weighing the implications and the gravity of the hypothetical situation. His eyes widen with understanding, and he gives Xavier a curt nod. “You know him better than anyone.”
Xavier blows out a breath. “Unfortunately.”