As Axton’s mating vibration flowed over hers, spiking her need to bond with him, something within her refused to acquiesce. From this point forward, she would have a say in her life’s path and right now that meant refusing to bond with Axton, despite her almost overpowering cravings for him.
She realized that this would mean her death, but it would be far worse to be bonded with such a monster.
The moment she made the decision, she felt his mating vibration retreat as though seriously rebuffed.
But he didn’t seem to care. He merely squeezed her tighter and pathed, Then death it is, Willow, which is for the best, since I can smell the wraith on you.
Axton hated wraiths and half-breeds with a passion, even though he pretended otherwise during all his PR moments. That he’d joined forces with Margetta, a wraith-fae, was the absolute height of hypocrisy.
Well guess what, she responded, I’ve learned at the knee of two of the oldest wraiths in our world that we’re all descended from the first wraith our Creator made. That’s right. Even you are part wraith.
He drew back, his eyes blistered with rage. “You fucking bitch. How dare you say something like that to me?”
She couldn’t believe he’d stopped drinking, which was a big mistake. The second mistake was that he raised his arm and back-handed her hard so that she flew across the room, hitting the living room floor and slamming into the wall by the door.
He must have forgotten that Margetta had told him that a solid blow would break the spell.
And it did.
Willow didn’t hesitate, but ordered the vines nearest him to attack. They instantly surrounded every part of his body, whipping his arms close to his sides and sealing his legs together. “What the hell?”
She knew a strong impulse to go to the kitchen, grab one of her sharpest blades, and end his sorry life. But there was so much more at stake than her own need for revenge.
But she didn’t think it would hurt to toy with the bastard a little.
She went to the kitchen, found her butcher knife, then and returned. The vines responded to her intent by creating an opening across his throat just below his Adam’s apple.
“What are you doing?” His eyes were wild as he stared down at the knife. “Don’t. Please, don’t.”
“You’re begging me? Why just a minute ago you were drinking me to death and happy to do it.”
She pressed the blade against Axton’s throat and the bastard screamed like a little girl.
A hand caught her wrist. “Don’t Willow, we need this asshole.”
Malik.
Her heart did three quick cartwheels.
She glanced up at him, but turned just enough to wink at him. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t cut him ear-to-ear.”
Malik picked up her cue. “Because he has the information we need to deliver up the name of every member of The Society.”
“It won’t help you now,” Axton spat.
“Why’s that?” Willow asked.
“Because Margetta’s already inside the colony taking her prize. Ashleaf won’t last long now.”
Once more, she pressed the knife to his throat. “Listen up, Axton. I don’t care how many names you have. I’m the one with the blade in my hand and the power of the vines and I will cut your throat open if I have to.”
His eye
s widened, but he shifted his gaze to Malik. “You won’t get a single name if she kills me.”
Willow shifted slightly and met Malik’s gaze. He wore a half-smile on his lips as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You know what? Have at him, Willow. This is your party right now and I’ll back your play. Kill the bastard.”
Once more he begged. “What do you want, Mistress? I’ll give you anything you want.”