Rise of the Seven (The Frey Saga, #3)(21)

I jerked awake, damp with sweat and panting. I lay staring at the ceiling, one thought circling through my mind like a bird over prey. Others will come.

Damn Asher. The bastard had made an army of them, and they were going to come for me. One by one.





Chapter Eleven


Decision





Eventually, I accepted the fact that sleep would not be returning anytime soon, and dragged myself out of bed. I took a long bath before getting dressed, and let myself wince as I laced a corset around my ribcage. It was getting better, though, and I was able to take a few deep breaths before heading down to find the others.

I stepped into the hall and found Anvil leaning against the wall beside my room. I raised a brow.

“Only until we are certain,” he answered.

I nodded. “It won’t be long, I assure you.”

He smiled a fiendish grin and I reached up to clap him on the back as we made our way down the corridor.

We found Ruby, Steed, and Grey in the dining area. When we sat to join them, I realized they were eating lunch, and wondered exactly how long I’d slept.

After two servings of braised elk and cornmeal, I decided I could face what I was going to have to do. “Find Rhys and Rider, we’ll have a meeting as soon as everyone is gathered.”

I excused myself and headed for Chevelle’s study. He was standing near the back wall, staring out the window. The silver dagger lay on his desk.

He turned and saw my focus.

“It is an alloy.”

I lost all awareness of my intention. “Alloy?”

He nodded grimly. “Yes.”

“So...”

“So we have no idea the kind of threats we’ll be dealing with. This and the ice–” he stopped when a note of anger slipped into his voice. Waited. And then, “We will be fighting blind.”

If I’d had any notion he’d forgiven Asher in his demise, it was gone. I was beginning to build on my own resentments as well. Even in death, I wasn’t free from him.

Chevelle stared at me for a long moment. And then I realized I’d forgotten my purpose. “Oh. I’ve called a meeting.”

He nodded and began to walk toward the door, but as he neared me, he saw there was more.

“I wanted to see you first,” I explained.

His gaze fell to the hand fisted at my side, lingered, and then returned to meet mine.

“You trust me.”

It wasn’t a question, so he didn’t answer. He simply waited for me to go on.

I didn’t.

He came closer, reached down to take my fist in his hand, and loosened the fingers. I understood the gesture was meant to ease me, to let me know I could relax and just tell him, but it didn’t have that effect. I fought the flush but forgot to mask my expression.

He moved even closer and released my hand so nothing stood between us but a few inches of air. I dropped all emotion from my face.

Chevelle’s jaw tightened in response. “Do you know the one thing I enjoyed?” he asked, his hand reaching up to cup my cheek.

I could only manage a quiet, “What?”

His thumb brushed my lip and the flush returned, despite my best efforts. “You couldn’t hide it,” he whispered.

I took a deep breath, reining it in as the memories rolled over me. Every look, every touch. “Well,” I said, working for a steady tone, “you weren’t doing so well yourself.”

A sexy smile took over his face. “Still, it was…” his eyes fell to my lips, slowly tracing their line, “...satisfying.”

That was it. I’d finally made a good decision and I was going to cave after one touch from him. One word.

Ruby cleared her throat from the doorway.

I turned to her, stepping away from Chevelle, and couldn’t decide whether to be angry or relieved at the interruption.

She looked a bit concerned for her safety. “The others.” She pointed vaguely in the direction of Anvil’s study.

Chevelle walked past me and from the room without another word, but Ruby jumped aside as he neared the door. I raised a brow.

She leaned out the door to peer after him, only looking back to me when he’d cleared the corridor.

I smirked before joining her to go.

“What?” she answered. “I thought he was going to pluck my ears off.”

We entered the study and Ruby took her place among the others, purposefully walking wide of Chevelle.

I really should have discussed this with him first.

“Call to order another gathering,” I said. “No pomp, this will be a congress.” I glanced at Anvil. “Bring in the clan leaders singly. And anyone else of note.” My eyes traveled down the circle. “Steed, you and Grey flank Ruby all evening. Rhys and Rider, post by the south entrance. All others will be sealed.” I didn’t look at Chevelle or Anvil when I directed them. “Anvil at my left. Chevelle at the opposite end of the long table, I want you in my line of sight at all times.” This brought a few peculiar stares, but I kept on. “Tomorrow.”

They had their orders and they knew it was serious. Now came the part I’d been dreading. Chevelle and Anvil would understand. If not my choice, then at least my reasoning. It was why Asher had wanted me. It had been a constant battle to stay on the throne. He had needed a powerful second to rule without challenge.