Frowning, I said, “I’ve been in enough challenges to know that it’s just a dominance game. Sure, a little more bloody than our moms would let us get away with as pups, but nothing more.”
“Not amongst mages. Not withconsorts.” Cade let out a breath that turned into an unhappy chuckle. “This is how she does it. This is how she proves to them how close I am to the edge.”
“What are you talking about?” I stepped forward, but Cade shied backward. “How does this prove anything about you?”
“Because most consorts are bonded with their mages!” Cade ended on a shout. “It’s not a challenge between you and him; it’s a challenge between me and her. Her magic against mine. Whatever spells she can shovel on Tyson’s wide chest against the magic she assumes I’m going to put on yours. And if you can’t control it—ifIcan’t control it—then they’re going to know that I’m losing my grip. They’re going to know…”
“That you’re almost flooded. That your metaphorical mouse is almost drowned.” My eyes widened. Then I shook my head. “I can still beat him. I’ve been in more combat than our little wannabe alpha has played on Call of Duty.”
“Consorts die in duels. It’s not just arm wrestling. It’s not playing.” Cade’s breath came short, but then he blew it out long, controlling himself by increments. “Mages don’t like to kill each other in combat, so they kill each other’s consorts. When you get in the ring with him, he’s going to try and kill you.”
“I know you might not believe this because of how we met, but I’m actually pretty hard to kill.” I tried for a smile but felt it die on my lips. “All evidence aside, I’m a cockroach when it comes to assassination attempts.”
Cade’s lips twisted, and he approached me, reaching up to brush his fingers over my collar again. Then, he unlatched it, tugging it free, dragging it through his fingers before putting it in his pocket. He wrapped a hand around my throat, his eyes locking on mine.
They were as blue as arctic waters, but I knew I wasn’t going to drown in them. He wouldn’t let me.
“I’m not paying you to die. You understand?”
“Yes.” My heart thudded in my chest, so hard that I knew he had to feel it under his fingertips.
“You aren’t allowed to get killed.” He tightened his hand for a moment.
“Or what, you’re going to kill me yourself?” I murmured. His pink tongue flicked out, wetting his bottom lip.
“Yes. I’m the only one allowed to kill you,” Cade said.
I swallowed, his hand still tight against my throat. “Good to know.”
Cade stepped back, looking me over. “He’s going to be covered in magic. You’re going to have to be careful.”
I lifted my hand to my neck. “No collars?”
“No.” Cade shook his head. “It wouldn’t allow people to show off.”
“So what am I going to do about the—”
Cold snake skin slithered off Cade’s wrist onto my neck.
I’ll take care of you, Basil hissed.If you die, can I eat your body? I think it would be… most delicious.
“Sure, if I die, you’re welcome to pig out. Hopefully it means that Cade won’t bring me back just so he can kill me again.” I looked down at my clothes. “Do I wear these?”
Cade pursed his lips. “Yes. And let me just…”
He raised his palm to my chest, and I felt something tickle my skin. Shivering, I pulled my shirt off and stared. Magic clung to my chest.
“What—” I asked, gaping. I poked at one of the lines, but it didn’t move the way that Cade’s did.
“It’s not real,” Cade said quickly. “I can’t actually give you magic without a consort bond. You won’t be able to fight him magic to magic.”
“Don’t worry. I can beat some knockoff alpha.” I had been in worse situations and found my way out. This was nothing. This was playground stuff.
Even I didn’t buy that lie.
He dipped his head, nodding. “Are you ready?”
I took a long breath in. “Anything else I should know? Any unspoken rules or…”
