Page 20 of Marked
“Everyone’s heard of the youngest galeon descendent to bond a familiar with a questionable respect for authority.” His gaze finally dropped to rake my body from head to toe. “I see not much has changed. I’d hoped you’d matured over these last few years, but you’re the same snarky little brat. Can’t say I’m impressed, and I certainly can’t say I want any part of whatever shit-fest you’re getting yourself into.”
I sucked in a breath and glared at my brother. “Absolutely not.”
“I knew you would say that.” Paul sighed and reached inside his jacket to pull out a folded piece of paper with a coffee stain on the corner. He held out the paper and waved it in front of me. “From the queen.”
“Did you use it as a napkin?” I snatched the letter from his hand and quickly unfolded it. Scanning the words, my mind struggled to make sense of this idiocy. “She’s threatening my job. I am the only guardian of the Danu Forest.”
“The queen really doesn’t like insubordination, Em. That you’ve gotten away with it for so long is a testament to your unique abilities and value to her.”
I gripped the paper a little too hard and it crinkled in my fist.
“I’ll leave you to sort this out.” Paul turned toward the door. “There’s a bonfire tonight and I don’t plan on missing out.”
“Don’t you dare.” He couldn’t possibly mean to leave me alone with this jerk.
My brother paused at the door long enough to wink at me before he walked out.
I stood by my couch, blinking at Ace in complete silence. He made no move to leave or speak, and simply stared back at me with that serious face of his.
“For the record,” I said. “I don’t like this.”
“For the record, neither do I.”
I scoffed. “You should be thrilled to work with me. I don’t know whose ass you kissed to get this arrangement, but Queen Titania doesn’t usually pair newbie hunters with me.” She didn’t pair anyone with me.
“I’m new to hunting for the queen, not new to hunting. I haven’t spent these years twiddling my thumbs and relaxing.” He shrugged, and his gaze dropped to where Nala curled up to sleep on the couch. “Besides, how good can you be if you allowed your familiar to get injured?”
Ice flowed over my skin, and I clenched my hands into fists, the letter from the queen scrunched into a ball.
“Get out,” I said.
He jerked back, his gaze narrowing. “We have things we need to discuss.”
“We can discuss whatever you like tomorrow when I’m less likely to try to stab you,” I said.
He clamped his mouth shut and glowered. “Fine.”
Without another word, he spun toward the door and walked out of the cabin, pulling the door shut behind him. I would’ve slammed the door, but he didn’t. Instead, Ace closed it gently, and for some reason that made things even worse.
Maybe I was a princess.
Maybe I was spoiled and used to getting my way.
Maybe I was immature and needed to grow up.
Regardless, I’d show this asshole why I got away with it tomorrow.
But first, I had to write a message to the queen and report the hunters. My hour was up, and it was back to business.
9
The fire in the center of Perga roared, its blazing flames leaping and licking at the night sky while casting dancing shadows on the faces of the gathered crowd. The scent of smoke and spices wafted through the palpable heat. Amidst the crackling of burning logs, a steady hum of chatter filled the air. As the night wore on, the conversations would escalate to shouts as the alcohol flowed and everyone’s inhibitions faded.
As soon as I arrived, Sley rushed to me with open arms and gave me a warm hug. “I was worried you’d skip the bonfire again to stay in and read a book,” she said.
“Reading is not a bad way to spend an evening,” I replied. “In fact, it sounds like a perfect phaaning night.”
Sley let go to stand beside me. “Then why are you here?”