Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,48
needn’t be afraid because I have a gift for you, female.” His tone is like that of a serpent spewing venom, but it’s coated in glamour, the danger not able to be discerned by the untrained ear.
“I am here.”
Everyone, including me, turns toward the speaker. Grefina stands and thrusts her chin, planting her hands on her hips.
“Come here, Massela,” Morox says, beckoning her with a single wave. “I wish to honor you.”
My gaze is locked on Grefina as she maneuvers from within our group to stand just in front of the male. Morox smiles at her, but there’s an edge to it that has my stomach churning. It’s as if his joy at seeing her is too bright, almost maniacal.
“Bring him.”
The single command has me searching everywhere until there’s a ripple of movement up ahead. Two Boraq males make their way to stand beside Morox with Jaxar between them, his hands secured behind his back. My lips part, and only a painful squeeze from Jeanine keeps me silent as I take in the sight of my husband. He has several lacerations along his torso, and there’s a huge gash across one of his thighs, but he’s alive.
I sigh in relief even knowing it will be short-lived.
“I have provided your husband,” Morox says to Grefina. “You will show me your gratitude.”
She looks to Jaxar, who has yet to acknowledge anyone, and then to Morox. “Thank you, Masse.”
Morox’s hand is around her throat faster than I can blink, and then there’s a cracking sound that makes me flinch. Grefina’s head falls to the side, her broken neck unable to keep it upright any longer. The western Masse watches Jaxar with a perverse expression as he tosses her body to the ground and spits on it.
Although everything inside me weeps at the injustice of what I witnessed, there’s nothing I can do except school my features. Grefina may have tried to ruin my marriage with Jaxar, but I would never welcome her being murdered.
Jaxar continues to stare ahead, his gaze centered on something in the distance. The calm that exudes from him is unbelievable considering the situation he’s in and what just occurred with Grefina. I know my husband is strong, but this is beyond fortitude. Jaxar is unbreakable, and I admire him more than I could ever express.
“You have nothing to say to me, Jaxar?” Morox asks, tilting his head. “I promised mercy, and I have given it to your wife in the form of a quick and painless execution. I would hear your thanks.” At Jaxar’s prolonged silence, Morox’s gaze narrows, and his lip curls. “I can hear your heart beating, which proves you’re mated. So how is it that the death of your silana does not affect you?”
“It is because that is not his wife.”
My shock and upset over Grefina’s murder quickly turns to anger. Jeanine squeezes my arm again and much harder this time. I shoot her a grateful look before turning back to watch the proceedings.
Egathi comes to stand next to Morox, her gaze sweeping over us. I lower my head to avoid meeting her stare, but I know it doesn’t matter when Jeanine whimpers next to me.
“She is right there,” Egathi says.
The sensation of being watched immediately creeps along my back and spreads. Slowly I lift my head, my gaze landing directly on Egathi. She smiles at me, and it’s filled with triumph and elation, which has me clenching my teeth and wishing for my hairpins that were confiscated earlier. Morox catches my attention by motioning me forward, so I stand, keeping my chin high.
The minute I take my first step, I look at my husband, studying his stony expression. He has yet to even so much as glance in my direction, but I know with all certainty that it’s to protect me, to let Morox believe I mean nothing to him. Even though it’s foolish, I wish Jaxar would meet my gaze, if only so I could tell him I love him. After what happened to Grefina, I am more than certain I am about to die.
My only consolation is that my children are safe. If my life ends up being the price for that knowledge, I’m more than happy to pay.
I step right up to Morox, steadily holding his stare. Although I can’t determine when I will be killed, I can choose how I will meet my fate. And it’s going to be with pride. Not because I’m a Massela or because I’m arrogant but