Page 112 of The Never List
“Why indeed?” he counters. “Regardless of my reasoning, you’ll find no better offer out there. And as you’ve so poignantly brought up, past potentials have left for much less.”
Anger prickles my skin at that admission.
Some of the other potentials were given offers similar to this and left?
They were never genuinely interested in the Legends in the first place, then.
“So,” he says, folding his hands on the table, a move that has me tracking it, suddenly worrying that bolts of energy might spear from those hands and wrap around my neck, disposing of what would be ashamefulpotential. “Will you take my offer?”
I sip my cold tea once more, mostly to keep my mouth under control and remind myself that I’m talking to an immortal king who could easily take my life right here in this very teashop.
“It’s certainly a generous offer,” I admit, thinking about how much he sweetened it by dangling my sister in front of my face.
I’m sure he has no clue where she is. If he did, he would’ve given me way more details about her to make the offer irresistible.
But it doesn’t matter. Even if he showed meproofright now that he had her in his power, it would be hard for me to take the deal.
And that certainty fills me with the courage I need in order to tell the kingno.
“But I’m going to have to pass,” I finally finish.
Brooks blinks in surprise, barely holding back the shock that ripples over his features before he smooths them out in an indifferent look.
“Interesting,” he says, scooping up his teacup again and holding it close to his lips. “Price is too steep?” he asks.
“The Legends aren’t a price point for me,” I say asclearly as I can. “Never. Not a bargaining chip, either. I’m theirs,” I continue with absolute confidence, despite the fact that I only have two tokens on my right hand and have yet to earn Pierce’s or Jax’s.
“Very interesting,” Brooks says, finishing his tea. “Very, very interesting, Rylee Gray.” He slides away from the table, and I do so as well, bowing as I’m expected to. “Until we meet again,” he says, dipping his head just slightly, the ghost of a smile playing across his lips that I’m sure I’ve mistaken as he turns around and heads out of the teashop.
I slump back into my seat the moment he’s out of sight, doing my best to get a grip on my breath.
“Darling.” Pierce’s voice breaks through my racing thoughts a few moments later, startling me with his sudden appearance at the table. “Are you ready to go home?”
I blink up at him, hurrying out of my seat to wrap my arms around him.
“What is it?” he asks as I cling to him, trembling from the encounter.
I breathe easier as he holds me. “Take me home?” I ask, unable to recount the story for him right this second. I need to think, need to sit with the overwhelming realization that the king so abruptly provided me with tonight.
Iwillchoose them.
No matter what is offered.
No matter the risk.
I’m going to choose them.
And it could kill me.
32
Rylee
Pierce guides me out of the teashop, and I hold tight to him as he navigates the velomage back to his estate. By the time we make it into the safety of his bedroom, I feel like I can finally breathe. My heart no longer races, and I feel…relieved and content in my choice.
“Are you ready to talk to me?” Pierce asks as we linger in his bedroom.
“About?” I ask innocently.
