Chapter 11 #2
“I–” I started, but before I could say more, he placed his mouth against my ear and whispered huskily, “Don’t be afraid, Briar.
I love you, and I know you didn’t do this.
None of this is your fault. I’m sorry I can’t save you yet, but I will.
The plan is already in motion, and we will kill anyone who does or has done you harm. ”
My heart raced faster, and I cut my eyes to him. His own storm-gray eyes softened, though there was something desperate and wild in them.
He loved me? That was the last thing I’d expected to hear during this encounter.
For a moment, the world consisted solely of the warmth of his lips at my ear and the trembling thrill of his body caging mine. If I focused on his scent, everything else faded away.
My mouth fell open against his fingers, and I whispered, “Vad?”
“Look scared.” Vad kissed the tip of my ear and added, “They have to believe that I’m harming and threatening you, and they might be able to see in here somehow, so…try to look more afraid.” His hot breath tickled my ear, and I bit back a near-hysterical giggle.
All this hell was worth it as long as he believed me and didn’t hate me. I forced my eyes to widen and twisted my features into a fearful mask.
“Good girl,” he whispered. “I don’t know how long before Thalen’s and my magic tips them off, so we must do this swiftly.
My shadows will leave marks on you like bruising, but they won't hurt you—it will just feel quite cold. It’s going to be all right, Briar,” he whispered as his broad chest pressed against mine and his heart thundered.
“Forgive me for all I said. I have to play this infernal game to get you out of here, or they will kill you. I have to make them believe this is real, but trust me, Briar. I will not know peace until you are safe.” His hand over my mouth didn’t move, but the palm at my throat eased.
His thumb caressed my lower lip for a breath, and heat sang through my veins.
Shadows reached up and coiled around my throat.
“You must stay strong. Heal as fast as you can.
And be ready. I will get you out of here; I'm just not certain when.”
His words rolled over me like a tidal wave.
Slowly, it all started to make sense. For once, the desperate part of me that had dared to hope had been proven right.
I’d scented no lies on him, but he had been careful with his words.
So like a fae! But there was one lie I needed to address.
I shook my head, realizing I didn’t know how much time we had.
A shudder passed through me as his shadows stroked my throat. “Kaylen or Rhielle. Colm knows one of them, and I’m betting it’s Kaylen.”
One eyebrow tweaked up before he steeled his expression and cast a swift glance over his shoulder. “You’re certain?”
“Yeah. I smelled his lie,” I whispered back.
His hand was still at my throat, his claws lightly pressed against me.
When had he gotten claws like this? They must be part of his shadow magic, or he’d hidden them from me.
They weren’t just ornamental claw tips that sat on the tops of his fingers, like Colm’s.
These were actual claws, and my wolf loved it.
“Really…” His eyebrow tweaked higher, and a smile pulled more at my mouth. “How?”
“It’s a wolf shifter thing I can tell you about later. Also, there’s a prisoner here they’re taking blood and magic from to feed someone. I don’t know who they’re feeding, but his name is Elias. Can you save him too?”
“Not even two minutes with me, and you want me to do a favor for a stranger?” He clicked his tongue, but there was a small curl at his lips that suggested he wasn’t annoyed.
“I can’t guarantee anything. All that matters to me is getting you out.
But we’ll see about this Elias. Can you tell me anything else about him? ”
“He’s been tortured badly, and he’s a Terran Fae. Shaggy chestnut hair. Four tattoos on his throat and chest—they look like bear claws. He's in bad shape. I don’t think anyone is supposed to know he’s here.”
Vad’s stance shifted, though he didn’t loosen his grip on me. “That’s forbidden. Not that it likely matters in this place. I’ll see what I can learn. More importantly, I’m getting you out of here."
"Thank you," I whispered. "And thank Fate you believed me. I love you, Vad."
The corners of his mouth curled up more, and he kissed my ear once more.
"I love you with all I am, and I wish I could tell you so much more, but we don’t have time.
Know that I’m going to bind Colm to a vow, and I’m going to have him help me plan the instruments of his own destruction along with all those responsible for framing you and killing my father.
If you want to kill him, I will prepare him for you.
I meant every word I said about letting my queen choose the final course.
Anyone who hurts you, remember them. I will let you bathe in their blood before my whole kingdom as I proclaim your innocence and my adoration.
And if you cannot forgive me, I understand.
But know that, regardless, I will get you to safety and clear your name. ”
The door crashed open, the wood rebounding hard enough to rattle the lamp on the table. Scar Eye and Claw Tattoo entered again at a run, daggers drawn. "Liar! You betrayed the trust of our leader," Scar Eye shouted.
They charged straight at Vad.