Masked Fate (Fated Love #3)

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Soren

I’m drunk for the second night in a row.

I don’t know what’s going on with me, but something is weird. I feel off-kilter, and I don’t fucking like it, but I can’t pinpoint what is wrong. Sighing when the female from last night drops into my lap, I grin until I realize she’s upset.

“What’s wrong, pet?” I ask, lifting her chin to look into her wet blue eyes.

She rests her face against my chest, and I stroke my hand down her back. I won’t fuck her again, but that doesn’t mean I’m heartless.

“I want to be with you again tonight, Master,” she blurts out, and I still. I thought something was genuinely wrong, not that she’d be crying over not getting my cock again.

“You know the rules, pet,” I say into her ear. “One night only, and it’s so you don’t get attached.”

Although that might be too late for this one.

“I’ll do anything you want,” she replies, staring up at me. “Do you want me to get under this table right now and suck your cock? I will.”

Fuck.

Not going to lie, I’m tempted.

But no.

I don’t miss the crazy look in her eyes, and I know she might become a little hard to shake if I give in.

She tries to kiss up my neck, and I glance around, my eyes clashing with the witch’s. Astrid has her arm around her, saying something to her quietly, and I frown as one lone tear drops from her violet eye.

Why is she upset?

What is with the women here tonight?

My chest suddenly feels tight, so I pick up my ale and drink it all in one gulp. The witch was right about one thing—when I saw her standing there and watching last night, I came harder than I ever have before.

Which pissed me off.

When she stood there like she wanted to trade places with the female choking on my dick, I was tempted.

Which pissed me off even more.

Suddenly needing some fresh air, I stand with the female in my arms and gently place her on her feet before getting the fuck out of there.

I can’t breathe.

And when some deep part of me urges me to return to the dining hall, I ignore it.

For the first time in my life, my instincts are off.

And I don’t fucking like it.

***

“What’s going on with you?” Rave asks me, absently patting Apollo.

We’re both on our horses, checking the castle perimeter. “Nothing. I don’t know,” I admit, scanning the lush land around us. “I just feel a little… off.”

“I have an assignment for you tonight in the Shifter Kingdom, but if you want to stay, I can send someone else,” he replies, studying me. “Pandora is going to be there, and I need to make sure she stays safe.”

“Why are you always worried about her?” I ask, my lips tightening.

It’s been two weeks since the witch has been here. For some reason, I had a dream about her last night, and I still can’t seem to shake it. Hearing her name makes me antsy.

“Because she’s my friend and a good female,” he replies, scowling. “You don’t know anything about Pandora, Soren. You’re blind when it comes to her. She’s not her mother. I’ve told you this a million times.”

I’m quiet for a few long seconds. “I’ll do whatever you need me to.”

“Good,” he replies, running his thumb across his jaw. “She doesn’t know I’m sending someone there, but she told Astrid she’s going to attend Prince Raiden’s birthday party.”

“Why would she go to where Salem lives?” I growl, my jaw tensing.

“Pandora is reckless. Always has been and always will be,” he replies, and I don’t miss the fondness in his tone. “She always put others before herself, and that’s why I always make sure to keep her safe. Because if I don’t, no one else will. Astrid adores Pandora, and I won’t let anything happen to her. I don’t trust that evil sister of hers, either. If anyone is like their mother, it’s her.”

Just the mention of Ebony makes my hands curl into fists. I’ve wanted her dead for a long time now, but she is known never to leave her kingdom. Though, if I ever get the chance, I’d take it in a second.

“Fucking hate that bitch,” I grumble, and Rave smirks.

“You’ll get your revenge,” he promises, then turns to me with a wolfish grin. “Race you home.”

He rushes off, laughing, playful shadows swirling behind him.

This is a side of the king most people will never see.

Smiling to myself, I chase after him.