Page 35 of Midnight of Ashes
My stomach flipped. “I want it done. Tell me what I’ll have to do.”
Cillian leaned against the elaborate dresser in the middle of the massive closet. “The council will have pulled a selection of hordes. My guess is around five.”
“Whichever five offered them the highest bribes,” Cáel muttered.
Cillian sent him a quelling look. “You will have to shake each of their hands. The theory is to find out if you are their true mate.”
“But we already know I’m your true mate.”
The set of Cillian’s jaw hardened. “We do, but the council will say they’re just being thorough. You also always have the option of rejecting us and choosing a different horde.”
Cáel shifted, anxiety flashing across his expression.
My chest squeezed, and I moved quickly toward him. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I gazed up into those pale blue eyes. “I don’t want anyone but you, this bond. Please know that.”
I’d fallen for all three of them, and I couldn’t ignore the way my heart tugged toward the two others, even if they didn’t feel the same. As complicated as this was, I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Cáel’s eyes sparked with silver. “I don’t want you to go tonight.”
“Me neither,” I said honestly. “But we need to. You’ll be with me the whole time.”
Cáel simply grunted and hauled me against his chest, holding me tightly.
I listened to the steady beat of his heart. It was truly one of my favorite sounds, the certainty of it, the vibrancy. I knew he could keep me safe.
Knox cleared his throat. “If we don’t go soon, we’ll be late.”
Cáel growled at Knox.
I patted his chest and extricated myself from his hold. “Let’s get this over with.”
Cillian’s eyes locked with mine. “Stick close to us tonight.”
Like he needed to tell me that, but, still, I assured him, “I will.”
We filed out of my bedroom and into the hallway. The guys led the way down the stairs, and when they parted, they revealed two more forms.
Easton and Maddox stood in the foyer, staring at me.
Easton’s light brown hair hung down, spilling around his shoulders. It had a natural wave to it that highlighted the gold weaving through. He wore a navy suit that fit him perfectly, and those golden-green eyes blazed as they took me in.
Maddox stood next to him, wearing a black suit with a maroon button-down. It made the golden hue of his skin look that much richer and his amber eyes that much brighter. But those eyes were glaring at me with such rage, I nearly stumbled back a step.
They flashed with gold. “Hell fucking no.”
18
HAYDEN
Knox stalked toward Maddox, giving him a swift shove. “What the hell’s the matter with you?”
“Me?” Maddox snapped. “What’s wrong with all of you? Dressing her like a whore just ready for the taking?”
My face flamed as my shoulders curved in on themselves. All the feelings of confidence and of feeling beautiful slipped away.
Cáel moved before anyone had a chance to say a word. His fist flew through the air and cracked into Maddox’s jaw. Maddox’s head snapped to the side as he stumbled back a few steps.
“What the fuck, Cáel?” Maddox bellowed, holding his jaw.
