Page 28 of Their Rejected Queen

“Yes, a male,” I confirm. “He had one white eye.”

Godric goes still, suggesting he likely knows who it is.

Maybe revealing the identity of my potential ally is a risk, but I need to know more about him before I agree to trust him.

Godric might kill me, or he might not, but the truth is I’m dry, fed, and safe. And for now, that’s more than the mystery man has been able to provide.

“Who is he?” I venture when Godric hasn’t spoken.

He visibly shakes himself like he needed to rid himself of an unpleasant insect. “He’s not who I expected. You’ve not only gained Arwan’s attention, but also the Outcast’s.” He curses.

Arwan, I think with a frown as I roll over that name.

Oh, right. The royal who had bid against him on the slave ship.

I think back to the male form that’s strung up at the adjacent tower. “Did you kill Arwan?” I ask.

Godric softens with a laugh. “Gods, no. Arwan is an ass, but he can be useful.” He rubs the scruff along his chin. Before I have a chance to mull that over, he continues. “The Outcast is dangerous. He’s a hybrid who has no clan or court. I suggest you stay away from him until he’s dealt with.”

This Outcast sounds like someone I have a lot more in common with than an Alpha or a Monster Isle Royal.

“Where are you going?” I ask as Godric moves toward the tent’s exit. “You said I was only safe in the den or with you.”

“Three Alphas are standing guard,” he answers without turning around to look at me.

I stare at his muscled back as he flexes his fingers.

“So I’m a prisoner?” I ask.

He huffs. “They’re here to protect you.”

“And to keep me here,” I add.

Godric’s braids shift as he turns his face just far enough for me to see his profile. His jaw flexes as if I’ve annoyed him. “To keep you safe,” he states, then he leaves through the tent’s flap, flicking it up high enough for me to see the other three men just outside that I hadn’t even heard arrive.

He doesn’t say another word as the flap falls behind him. I don’t get a say.

I don’t get a choice.

I can’t stop the tremble that overtakes my body. It’s one part fear, one part fury.

Anger makes me do stupid things, like rip the new magic vial from my thigh and pop it open. I tilt it until one tiny drop touches my tongue.

Sweetness explodes through my senses, making me dizzy. It’s just enough power for a few seconds.

“What’s your name?” I ask into the darkness, picturing the male with one white eye and another that’s dark brown.

There’s no answer.

Only a sense of empty dread as the magic fades.

Fuck.

CHAPTER 8

Exhaustion is my only companion during the unsettling night. After an unknown amount of time at sea, I’ve grown accustomed to the bobbing of a ship to lull me to sleep.

Awakening after a groggy few hours, my back complains as I twist on the stiff pad of furs. My legs ache and my joints are stiff. I don’t have time to consider my sore muscles, though. I blink at a flickering light at the entrance to the tent as a shadow takes shape.