Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“When do you guys plan to tell her?” Bree asks.
I glance at Nori and wince. “After all this drama is over. We don’t want to bring her into the middle of all this.”
Nori shifts on the blanket. Uncrossing and crossing her legs before her. She’s probably growing tired of hearing how we all want her sister dead.
“It’s okay, I know what my sister has done. I can’t say I’m happy about what’s going to happen to her, but she knew the rules. We all live by a code in order to remain under their protection,” Nori says as she looks uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“No, no. You have no need to apologize. No one has ever been promised more than a warm spot in any of their beds—not even Rock’s or Dagger’s. We all know this.”
“Where did she get off thinking Bradan belonged to her?” Bree bites out.
Nori shrugs as her expression grows sadder. “Seraphina knew things were coming to an end, although she tried to cling to him desperately. I watched the hinges begin to come off.
“What I nor she anticipated was the arrival of his bond mate. Once you arrived that was the end of the discussion. At least, it should have been.”
She pauses to take a deep breath. “I love my sister, but she’s wrong in this and she can’t use me as an excuse. Bradan has done what we could not. There’s no need for what she is doing. Revenge is not something I ever wanted.”
“You mean revenge against the king and prince you ran from?” I ask cautiously.
She nods and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “Yes, I was forced into a marriage and my husband was cruel, but once I got away, all I wanted was to feel safe and have a place to call home. The Immortal Iron Brothers have been good to me.
“I’m never forced to do anything I don’t want and I get to practice my healing. I’ve never wanted power or to rule over anyone. Seraphina and I are miles apart when it comes to that. She’s power hungry and revenge is all she ever seeks, even when it’s not hers to have.
“I wish I could give my sister my unwavering loyalty, but she’s never in the right. That goes against who I am,” Nori says.
My stomach growls loudly, interrupting the conversation. I laugh and magic a picnic basket before us. I had a big breakfast, but I could eat a horse right now.
“Dig in. I’m super hungry today,” I snicker.
Both Nori and Bree freeze. At the same time, their eyes begin to glow. I look between them, startled, not sure if I should jump up and prepare for battle.
As I get ready to, they each grab a hand. Bree is the first to speak. “The gods have shown favor upon you. They will burn hot like their father.”
“Yes, two. One of sugar and spice and the other of embers and flame. You will have the first blessed queen in centuries,” Nori adds.
“Fear not, they are safe. You will still be able to carry out your part. Remember Annaniah.”
“Remember Api Kecil.”
“Only then will you be complete,” Bree finishes.
They both release me and fall back. I sit with my mouth hanging open, trying to figure out what just happened. I don’t have time to as I’m ripped from my seat.
The next thing I know, I’m standing in Bradan’s arms feeling slightly daze from the magical transport. He looks down at me with a stern expression on his face. “She is here. I will give Nori the time she’s requested and then I will end this. Stay here. I can’t have you or the babies in danger,” he says tightly.
“Babies?” I gasp.
Bradan
I want to laugh at how cute she is as surprise colors her face. As a nurse, I thought she would have picked up on the pregnancy by now, but her mind has been preoccupied by so many other things. However, there is no humor in this current situation.
I need all my children and my mate safe. I hadn’t known Nori was out here with Taylor and Frost. No doubt my mate had been kind and invited the fairy out with her.
I’ve tried not to leave Nori around Taylor, knowing I’m using her as bait. I should have known that irresistible pull Taylor has would be hard for Nori to ignore.
“Quick, get Frost and the other pups to safety,” I mind-link Lola.
“Got them.”
I throw a tracking bracelet around Nori’s wrist just in time. It will lead me to wherever Seraphina takes her and allow me to follow. They vanish, but not before I’m able to connect with the bracelet and remain with them.
Once we are in an old clearing far away from the location Nori and the others had been in, I’m able to throw a force field around the two. This will keep Seraphina from escaping before Nori says her piece and then I can finish the job. The flames will also allow me to watch and listen in.