Page 242 of Psycho Pack

Part of me wants to argue. To remind her of all the ways Valek has betrayed us. Betrayedher. But I bite my tongue.

This is Ivy's decision to make.

And if I'm being honest with myself, a small part of me is relieved. I tell myself it's just because we're stronger with Valek than without him. That he's proven he's an asset to the pack even if he's a huge fucking liability, too.

And I'll never admit what I know deep down is the truth.

That there's a sliver of me that still gives a shit about him.

"You heard her," I say, fixing Valek with a hard stare. "You get to stay. For now. But if you so much as look at her wrong?—"

"Yes, yes," Valek interrupts, waving a hand dismissively. Some of his usual arrogance is creeping back into his tone, but I can still see the way his hand shakes. "You'll tear me limb from limb. I'm well aware of the stakes, Thane."

I open my mouth to retort, but Ivy speaks first.

"You can go," she says to him. "But you're not allowed to get relief yet. And trust me, I'll find out."

She gives him a grin that makes him stare at her like she just said the most incredible thing that has ever reached his damn ears. Fucking freak.

"Yet?" he clarifies in a hoarse voice.

"We'll see," she says simply.

"Get out of here before I change my mind," I growl.

Wraith growls, too.

To Valek's credit, he doesn't need to be told twice.

Chapter

Forty

VALEK

Iadjust the silk cravat in the mirror, studying my reflection with a critical eye. The white suit Plague's servants brought fits perfectly, though I miss my usual tactical gear.

And my scarf.

Still, I have to look the part of Prytel, the wealthy financier, for our meeting with Nikolai.

He made contact tonight and agreed to meet me—or rather, Prytel—at a dive bar on the other edge of Surhiiran territory.

It could be a trap, but what else is new?

It's also the only choice we have if we're going through with this suicidal plan to invade Reinmich in the name of… what?

Making the world a better place?

The concept is as foreign to me as the superhuman levels of self-control I've had to maintain over the past three days to keep my promise to Ivy that I wouldn't do anything to take the edge off my arousal.

Three long, torturous days.

And not just because Nikolai has kept us waiting.

My hands shake slightly as I smooth down the lapels. Every nerve ending feels like a live wire. True to my word, I haven't allowed myself any relief, not even a touch.

This is truly exquisite torture.