Page 96 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

I force myself not to think too hard about touching them the night before, and the growls he emitted because of my grasp.

“You came early,” he says. “I guess you were excited to see me, huh?”

My lips part. Is this how it’s going to be? He’s back to taunting me, something that should be comforting and familiar, but it’s grating now. So much for my fantasies of him begging for my attention.

“What is wrong with you?” I snap. “I’m early because I’m polite. You should try it sometime.”

He lets out a boisterous laugh, loud enough to carry through the cozy room. “I’m teasing, Margaux. It’s called flirting.”

We’ve always teased each other, but it feels different now. It’sflirtingnow, apparently. When did that happen?

The annoyed look on my face doesn’t feel as sour as it once did. A spark of amusement dances somewhere in the depths of my heart, but the tension is still thick. Luckily, I have something to distract me from the urge to close the space, rip his clothes off, and feel his claws pressing against my thighs.

“Right, well…” I clear my throat. “Show me your invitation.”

He hands me a matching envelope, and, on the inside, it’s exactly like mine. The only difference is our names.

I hum. “Interesting. I received the same letter.”

“Your pops didn’t give you a warning this time?”

I shake my head. “I suppose he’s done playing favorites.”

“It’s a physical trial. What do you think it means for us?”

“Tobey thinks we may have to fight each other.” I grimace. “Not necessarily you and I—but the other students.”

“Do you think they would make us do that?”

“Maybe. These people are likely involved with the murders, after all. I wouldn’t put anything past them. Professor Connolly said it would become more difficult.”

“Shit.” He inhales through his teeth, leaning back in his seat. “I guess you’re right.”

I hold out the envelope, my eyes locking onto his. “You and I won’t fight each other… right?”

“Right.” He says the words so simply, plucking the envelope from my fingers. “They couldn’t do anything to make me turn against you. If it comes down to it, I’m not doing it. I’m out.”

It’s as if what he says means nothing to him, but it means something tome, sending a jolt of euphoria racing through me.

“Excellent. Then we’re on the same page.”

“No. We’re not.” His gaze is steady. “If it comes down to it, Iwantyou to fight me. And I want you to win.”

Why do his words make my stomach sour?

I shake my head once. Twice. Three times. The shaking never stops. “No. Absolutely not.”

He leans in and holds my head in two large hands, forcing me to look at him. “Margaux. Stop.”

“Being allies is more important than ever now. We can’t turn on each other.”

“I’m not turning on you, and I know you won’t turn on me, but we may need to make them think we are.” His gaze is penetrating. “Can you do that?”

“I-I don’t know,” I breathe.

A month ago, fighting Jun would have been my pleasure. Everything has changed now.

“I’m only here because of you,” he says, leaning back. “Don’t forget that.”