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Scrutinizing him, I try to read his intentions.
Obviously, he’s formed an attachment to Zaylee. But is the root of his fondness based on friendship? Or is he like a dog that doesn’t want to give up his bone?
Or is it what I fear most—obsession?
His impatient gaze keeps floating to the casket. He’s annoyed because Kai and I are standing between him and his precious box full of princess, and his interest is a little too intense for my taste.
“And what do you do to Zaylee during these visits?” My voice is low and threatening, and it’s obvious that I’m alluding to any violation that might’ve occurred. “If you’ve touched her—”
“I would never mistreat her that way.” Seeming genuinely offended, his face screws up. “I feed her, and make sure she’s well. She stretches her legs and gets some exercise. Sometimes we play games.”
He basically just described a puppy.
My eyes must be bulging out of my skull. “She’s not a pet.”
“I’m well aware of that.” Pushing away from his spot, he walks toward us.
Worried his sword might be destroyed next, Kai grips the handle so tight his knuckles pop. I imagine he doesn’t want to lose his trusty weapon. That blade has probably been with him through hundreds of years and countless battles.
Fortunately, it stays intact. For now, at least.
Once the barbarian stops a few feet away from us, I notice his lack of supplies. He has no bag, no belt of weapons. He carries nothing.
“So where’s the food you intend to give her?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Normally, I’d bring fresh game.” He spreads his empty hands and gives Kai an accusing glance. “But it seems all the animals I usually hunt have been killed.”
“The lycans, you mean.” My stomach roils. “You eat those revolting creatures?”
“Only the healthy ones. It’s either that, or I bring goods I’ve raided from Vaeront’s treaty deliveries. If I can’t provide either of those, I nourish Zaylee myself.”
“Nourish Zaylee yourself…” I repeat. This conversation is getting worse and worse. “With yourblood?”
“Sometimes. As you know, food is scarce and it’s not always an option. Today I can only give her my own essence.”
Suppressing a gag, I press my palm to my churning abdomen. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“It’s not as awful as it sounds. You should try it sometime.”
“Ew, no.” I look at him as if he’s poison.
“I didn’t mean with me,” he whispers, leaning his head to Kai suggestively.
Heat rushes to my face at the implication Kai and I should drink from each other. That would be wrong and uncivilized. Wouldn’t it?
Shockingly, the thought of doing that with Kai is much less repulsive than it should be.
Shaking my head, I stay on topic. “Have you bitten Zaylee?”
“No,” the man answers with a heavy sigh. “Much to her dismay.”
“Herdismay?”
“Since you’ve never participated in the practice of blood sharing, you wouldn’t understand how addictive it can be. Zaylee isn’t forced to feed from me. She asks to do it.” A hint of pride comes through when he declares, “And she’s begged me to drink from her in return, but I’ve denied her every time.”
“Liar.” I refuse to accept what he’s saying. “All lies.”
He briefly lifts his arms in a surrendering gesture. “Listen, now that I can see we’re all friends here—”
