Take Me

Theon abandoned Jett’s hair, turning to face me head on. “Is there such a thing? You make it sound like nothing.”

“Where would you find this army?” Jett asked. He sounded almost amused, like he was waiting for the punchline of a joke.

“The last place you’d ever expect.” I left it there, and the confused looks on their faces was some consolation for the rage I had kept tamped down throughout this arduous meeting.

For the first time since the meeting began, Theon showed flashes of his true self. He practically cackled with glee. “You always did enjoy playing your cards close to the chest, as they say.”

“I've never enjoyed sharing every detail of a plan,” I concurred with a slight tip of my head.

“And you're sure you can find us this army?” Jett wasn't so easily impressed, but then he wouldn't be.

In fact, it seemed he was becoming distracted, sweat beading at his temples, and his tongue sweeping over his lips constantly.

“Leave that to me. Do we have a bargain?”

Theon gazed expectantly at Jett. “What do you say, Your Highness?”

Oh, how it soured something in my chest to hear Theon use those words. I was willing to swallow my disgust for the time being, though, if I got what I wanted.

Jett held my gaze. I could almost see the gears turning in his head, could almost hear him go through one scenario after another…wondering how this could backfire, whether he would regret it. Wondering if he should trust me, if there truly was an army at my disposal. Perhaps even battling against his inexperience as it had only been a matter of months since he'd been intimately acquainted with any of us, no pun intended. There was so much he didn't know, no matter the powers he now wielded.

Could I be trusted?

He may have been a half-blooded freak, but he was no fool. Even if I didn't provide everything I promised, he knew it was better to go along for the time being at least than to challenge me here and now.

Which was why he nodded firmly. “Very well. We have a deal.”