Page 76 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

Tobey’s eyes widen. “It’s too soon.”

“I know… and I’m not prepared at all, but he says it’s a mental trial. That’s better than physical, I guess.”

Having enhanced strength and speed doesn’t mean I’m a good fighter. I’m not as intelligent as Tobey and Caldwell, either. I need their help.

“A mental trial…” Tobey taps their lips. “It could be a riddle or a puzzle. That’s my guess.”

I groan. “Excellent. Two things I’m terrible at.”

The most stressful part will be contacting Jun. I’ve already waited too long, considering he’s my so-called mate. He should know about the upcoming trial and be able to prepare as well, but I can’t face him.

It’s almost noon, and he still hasn’t texted me. I won’t be the first to text. Even if this is life-or-death, my ego will live through it.

“I can go with you.” Caldwell clears his throat. “If you think it’s allowed…”

Tobey shakes their head with vigor. “Absolutely not. It’s not safe. I hardly approve of Margaux going and?—”

“We would be stronger together. It’s just an idea.”

“And I appreciate it, but…” I glance out of the frost-covered window, frowning. “It won’t work. My father thinks Jun and I are mates. He needs to be there.”

“Mates?” Tobey lifts a brow.

“It’s a vampire thing.” I roll my eyes. “Destined to live an undead life together, or whatever. Like my parents. It was the best way to explain why I wanted Jun to join the Order with me.”

“Demons have mates, too,” Caldwell says.

“Jun mentioned that.” My mouth goes dry as I lift a scone and place it on my plate. “Is it… the same for them?”

“It’s… stronger, perhaps.” Caldwell hesitates. “Historically speaking, they’re intensely protective of their mates.”

“Were your mother and father…?” I ask.

He snorts. “Absolutely not.”

“If it’s that serious, your father will expect you two to go together.” Tobey frowns. “This keeps getting worse.”

“Why?” Caldwell asks. “This is good. It means Margaux won’t be alone.”

“Itisgood,” I blurt, not wanting Caldwell to know about the utter embarrassment of the night before. “It works out for the best. Everything always works out in my favor.”

Stupid affirmations. I no longer believe them.

With a forced smile, I lean forward, pouring myself a goblet of blood.

There was a time when the action would have made Tobey’s eyes bulge out of their head, but they don’t even flinch now.

“Text us if you need anything,” Tobey says. “We’ll be there in a flash.”

I swallow the glass of blood. “Don’t worry. I have Jun to help me out.”

The last thing I need is another donation from Jun himself—but more than ever, I must have my wits about me. This is only the first trial, and if I fail, solving Poppy’s murder slips through my fingers for good.

I won’t let that happen.

Chapter Nineteen

I’m sifting through outfits in my cluttered closet when my phone vibrates loud enough to catch my attention. When I look at the screen, it’s Jun’s name—no picture, just the name I saved him under when we first met: Jun-seong.