“Malakai, where are you?” his father’s voice,drifting through the barn doors, didn’t make Malakai move away.
“I’m coming back from this war, Elexiandra,”he told her. “And when I do, I expect to claim all the rewards theLord of the Shadow Realms promised us for winning. You will be oneof the first things I claim.”
“I amnota spoil of war.”
She was not one to push back or fight againstothers, and she had no idea where those words came from or how shefound the strength to utter them, but she refused to be somethingheclaimed.
If she did marry, it wouldn’t be to a man whobelieved he could own her. It would be to someone who treated heras an equal, and that would never be Malakai.
He smiled as he lowered his hand to run afinger down her cheek. Lexi compelled herself not to recoil fromhis touch; she would not give him the satisfaction.
“But you will be mine,” he murmured.
“Malakai!” his father called fromoutside.
He lowered his finger from her cheek, andbefore she could stop him, he kissed her forehead. Lexi was toostunned to respond, and by the time she formed a response, he wasstriding down the shedrow. His swagger caused her teeth toclench.
Now that she could see beyond him, shespotted her father and Malakai’s stepping into the barn. Hisfather’s irritation was evident on his face, but she couldn’t quitemake out his clipped words. When they disappeared, her fatherwalked toward her.
The light filtering through the windows andthe doorway at the end illuminated his broad shoulders and solidframe. Stubble lined his jaw, and dark circles shadowed his eyes,but they were still sharp as they narrowed on her.
“What did he say to you?” her fatherdemanded.
“He said the Lord of the Shadow Realms haspromised to reward the fighters, and he intends for me to be one ofthose rewards. He wants to marry me.”
Her father snorted as he ran a hand throughhis pale blond hair. “Well, since he ranks far lower than me, youwon’t have to worry about that. It’s not something I’ll ever lethappen.”
Her shoulders sagged, and she smiled as shelinked her arm through his. “So, you don’t plan to give me awayanytime soon?” she teased.
The smile slid from his face as he patted herhand. “I never want to give you away, and I’m certainly not goingto give you to someone you don’t choose.”
His words had assured her. He was herprotector; he was stronger and held more power than Malakai. Shenever had to fear being forced into marriage.
But that was months ago. Now her fatherwasn’t here to protect her, Malakai’s father was dead too, and shewas standing beside Malakai, who had that awful, leering grin onhis face. It was the grin that said he could see straight throughher clothes, the one that said he’d come to claim his reward.
CHAPTER 8
Cole watched Elexiandra as she stood beside Malakai.Her delicate chin jutted out, and fire shown in her eyes as shekept her hands clasped firmly before her. He couldn’t hear whatMalakai said to her, but he could tell she didn’t like it.
Malakai held his hand out to her, and shestared at it before glancing around the dance floor. Cole sensedher panic as she stared at the couples with desperation in hereyes.
He stepped forward to intervene, but Brokkblocked his way. Cole shot his brother a withering look that causedBrokk’s eyebrows to rise. “What’s gotten into you, killer?”
Cole watched as Elexiandra’s shouldersslumped, and she slid her hand into Malakai’s. The vamp grinned ashe led her onto the floor. When he went to grasp her other hand,she jerked it back, but Malakai grabbed it and placed it againsthis chest.
Cole’s teeth ground together; Malakai foughtin Cole’s army, but he’d never liked the arrogant vamp who took fartoo much joy in tormenting and killing others. It was what they allhad to do to survive the war, but Malakai was one of thoseimmortals who smiled the entire time they slaughtered others.
Malakai was dark and twisted, and Coledisliked him anywhere near Elexiandra. Resisting the inexplicableurge to go out there and beat Malakai into a bloody pulp, Colefocused on Brokk.
“What is it?” Cole asked.
Brokk continued to stare questionably at himas he took a step back. “How are you enjoying the party?”
“As much as you.”
Brokk smiled grimly. “Then you’re having thetime of your life.”
Cole chuckled. “Absolutely.”
