I entered his rooms without knocking—a perk of being bonded to the Hell Fae King. Not only did he know I was on my way to him already, but he would also sense my presence. And he’d welcome it, even if he wasn’t expecting me.
I found him lounging on an ivory and gold chaise, holding a glass of blood-red wine. He was like a lion, all relaxed and majestic with his long, dark hair sprawled out around him like a mane.
As soon as he saw me, he beckoned me forward with a hand.
“Don’t,” he said. “You know how I hate hovering.”
“I was only admiring, my liege,” I said with a smirk, approaching him. He also hated suck-ups, making my words pointed and irritating. I’d never desired him in that way, our bond a bit different from the sensual one he maintained with Melek.
Typhos’s midnight orbs lifted to the ceiling above, his agitation palpable as I joined him on the chaise.
He arched a dark brow. “The talisman?”
I fished it from my pocket and handed it over, watching as he fingered the chain with a heaved sigh. “Yes, I see why you thought I would find this interesting,” he rumbled. “I recognize the signature.”
“And the girl?” I pushed. “Shall we punish her?”
“No,” Typhos said, tilting the talisman so it glinted in the warm light. “She used what she was given. An intelligent move, but one that will unfortunately not be repeated in the next round. She must prove herself on her own, not through the overly generous gifts from others.”
“Isn’t that the whole point of the affair in the arena? To gain favors?” I drawled.
“Hmm, yes, but not ones of this magnitude,” Typhos replied. “The others have been provided a stern allowance and rules as to how they can help their pets. This talisman certainly doesn’t qualify.” He pocketed the item with a smile. “But don’t worry. I’ll have a private word with the benefactor myself to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
I stood, imagining exactly how that conversation would go down—with Melek dropping to his knees.
Reaching over, I plucked Typhos’s wine glass from his grip and tipped it to my lips. He watched me expose my throat as I downed its contents before I handed it back.
“I suppose I must return to the festivities,” I said. “Resume my role as Commander.”
“Indeed,” Typhos purred, turning the empty glass in his hand. “Thank you for the talisman.”
I nodded and left him, heading for the amphitheater. However, I wouldn’t be seducing or flirting tonight. With Ajax busy taming a wildcat in his dungeon, I needed to make sure none of the men were too overzealous with the competition over the female brides.
And knowing Hell Fae, competition would result in bloodshed and death.
My kind of party.
CHAPTERTWELVE
TYPHOS
“Oh, Melek,”I called as I entered our bedroom.
“My liege,” he murmured, sauntering into view wearing a towel low on his hips. “Are you joining me in my bath? Because I would very much enjoy the company.”
My lips twitched at his seductive play. He knew I would find out about the talisman, just as I knew he would play innocent about giving it to the girl. His energy signature was all over the diamond pendant, making it obvious who had given it to her.
He wouldn’t express regret for it.
Nor would I make him apologize.
We had our games, and it seemed my devious mate intended to make this one of them.
His multicolored eyes smoldered with wicked promises and duplicitous deeds. Nothing that would hurt me. Just things that would entice me to punish him in sensual ways.
“What did you think of our welcoming ceremony?” I asked conversationally, my gaze running over the defined lines of his muscular form.
He was exquisitely beautiful in a way that almost hurt my soul. And he knew it, too.
