Page 38 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

~ BREN ~

As Hanson circled me on the dancefloor, I could barely focus. I was too busy watching Donavyn, eyes narrow and dark, watching Ruin. I knew he’d let go of his revenge fantasies, but that didn’t mean it was easy to stand there with the prick in front of him. And, as much as I wanted to smack the smug smile off of Ruin’s face, I didn’t want to see Donavyn in trouble.

“You are a puzzling woman, Brennan,” Hanson said quietly, yanking my attention back to him. I cleared my throat and made myself focus.

I didn’t pretend that I was comfortable or happy. I fixed him with exactly the glare I’d given Ruin. He levered one brow high, but let me speak.

“I am not, sir. However, you are. And frankly, unwise, if that is the kind of man you align your wealth and word with.” Tell the truth until you can’t.

Hanson’s one, arched brow was joined by the other. “I see we aren’t mincing words this evening.”

“Someone once told me he preferred brutal honesty.”

“I did, indeed.”

“Then, don’t pretend you’re surprised. You know who he is—and likely what he’s been up to.”

“I had no knowledge of his history with you.”

I gave him a measuring look and decided he was probably telling the truth. “Yet, clearly you do now.”

Hanson fixed me with that intense gaze of his, like a bird of prey on a mouse. “I know what he says happened. But I’ll admit, I smell a man who covers for his own choices.”

“And that’s all you can ever expect with Ruin Galdec,” I said darkly.

“Oh? I would be happy to hear your side of the story. If you were willing to—”

“I said yes to a dance because I didn’t wish to be rude. But I will never willingly work with anyone who aligns with that bastard. So, please, forgive me, Lord Hanson, but I will decline your kind offer.”

His eyes flashed. “That sounds rather emphatic.”

“Perhaps because it is.” There were other couples on the dance floor, but a gap opened so I could see Donavyn, standing at the side looking strong and handsome, and my belly ached for him.

Why had I been pushing him away? Why had I—

Hanson tugged me more firmly against his chest and whipped us into a turn. “Would you wish to be dismissed on the basis of another woman’s conduct?” he muttered through his teeth.

“It’s not another man’s judgment I’d be trusting. It would be yours, in choosing him,” I said briskly, but quietly. I had no desire to draw the attention of others. “If that little fucknugget has been helping you with the dragons, then at minimum he wastes kingdom time for his own personal gain while on a mission. More likely, he has abandoned his mission and is not to be trusted in the slightest.”

“Oh, I don’t trust him. But I need him.”

“No, you don’t. Not if your intentions are good.” I met his gaze evenly. “You need people who can be trusted to remain loyal and not self-serving.”

“So, come with me. Be my Furymaster.”

I actually laughed. “You reveal how little you know of the dragons that you even believe that’s possible. I can’t be a Furymaster without speaking to a large number of dragons—and I don’t know how to do that.”

“Ah, but a dragon can speak to them for you—bring yours… you said her name was Akhane?”

“Akhane isn’t mine,” I said firmly, though I was beginning to sweat. Was this a test? Was he testing to determine what I’d lied about? Or did he simply not understand?

“But she speaks with you!”

“By her choice. I don’t have control of her—the dragons are sentient beings, Lord Hanson—”

“I told you—”

“—they are not mindless beasts. Though some men definitely are.” I glared at Ruin as we passed that side of the ballroom and Hanson followed my gaze.