“Princess Hazel,” Michael announced, causing my gaze to fly to the room’s entrance.
And instantly lock with the familiar royal.
Because I’d just seen her hours ago in a room full of allies.
A room full of allies she’s been betraying,I realized.By informing on them to my brother…
CHAPTER SIXTY
IZZY
Hazel isthe sourcekept repeating in my head.
It was my only thought.
At least until I realized she wasn’t alone.
Lily…I fought the urge to clasp my hand over my mouth, my mind instantly whirring with horror. Because Hazel had brought Lily here. To Cane’s lair.To a room full of sadistic royals.
Oh, God… Cam… If they…I couldn’t finish the sentence, my heart hammering in my chest.
Cam drew his thumb along my inner thigh, his body far more relaxed than I felt. He acted as though he wasn’t surprised at all to see Hazel or Lily, his expression a perfect depiction of boredom while Cane stood to greet the other royal.
The human he’d been drinking from remained frozen on her feet, her head bowed, her limbs trembling.
I hate him,I thought.I fuckingloathehim.
Cam didn’t reply, his thumb still stroking my skin. He didn’t echo my hatred. But he did seem to be contemplating this change in events, analyzing what it could mean and how best to proceed as Hazel started toward us.
Lily walked beside her, the picture of demure with her eyes cast down and hands loose at her sides.
“I would say I’m surprised by your arrival, but I’m not,” Cam drawled. “Although, I am impressed by your acting abilities. You seemed genuinely shocked to see me the other day.”
“Because I was,” she replied with a smile, her gaze flicking to Cane. “Someonehadn’t informed me that you were awake and roaming.”
“I’d been a little busy, darling,” Cane murmured. “But I’m so glad you’re here now. Together, we should be able to set Khalid back to rights.”
“Yes,” Hazel agreed, appearing relieved. “Cedric, too.”
Cane nodded, his gaze going to Lily. “I’d kill her now to make a point. Alas, we need her as bait.”
“Bait?” Cam repeated. “Is this why you didn’t send your pet lycans after Cedric?”
“Yes. I figured he would serve as my final presentation on why having a mate is a weakness. He’s about to attempt to infiltrate a compound he knows nothing about—to save a human.” He openly scoffed at the concept, like he couldn’t fathom a reason anyone would do such a thing.
“Is your goal to convince me to kill myErosita?” Cam asked, his thumb still caressing my inner thigh. “Because I thought you were trying to show me the security protocols you built, but it seems like you’re more focused on what I intend to do with Ismerelda.”
“I’m attempting to accomplish both, brother.” Cane collapsed on the couch beside Cam again, his movements knocking the human female over in the process. He glanced down at her with disgust. “Michael.”
“Yes, My Prince?”
I’d forgotten all about Michael until he spoke, his presence immediately sending a shiver down my spine. Fortunately, he was standing beside Hazel, so I couldn’t see him.
“Take care of this blood slave for me.” Cane gestured to the quietly sobbing female on the floor. “She’s obnoxious.”
“Of course, My Prince,” Michael replied. His eyes caught mine as he appeared, his glittering emerald orbs promising violence.
I returned the glare.
