frequently, in whatever direction Chexxa was standing or hiding. If she knew she was being followed, why hadn’t she informed Rem of the matter immediately upon his return home?
With yet another growl, he pushed away from his desk and went in search of Tyra. Just as he would not tolerate lies, he would not tolerate omissions of truth. She ought to have said something to him about what had happened today.
Why had she kept quiet?
His thoughts took a dark, jealous turn, and suddenly he felt as though he were back on Marttiaxoxalia, on the night he discovered Bethamma’s betrayal. Coldness and fury gripped him. Tyra was leaving her closet just as he entered the bedroom. She was wearing a new garment, a sheer nightgown that left little to the imagination.
When his gaze locked with hers, she gasped and took a step back.
“Rem? What is wrong?”
He reached her in three long strides and grasped her by the shoulders. “I know what happened in the shopping district today, Tyra. You will not be permitted to leave this house until I can trust you. Know that I also intend to deal with the male who was tempting you. He likely will not live to see another sunset.”
Chapter 23
“Rem, I don’t understand. What are you talking about?” Worry and fear sliced through Tyra, making her shiver in her mate’s firm hold. It sounded as though he were getting jealous again, but she hadn’t done anything to warrant his suspicions. For heaven’s sake, she had been with his mother all day. Unless…
Her stomach flipped. Had he somehow learned that she had smiled, for about one second, at Chexxa and Frinik? That had to be it. She couldn’t imagine any other reason for his sudden anger. Her heart sank. Would it always be like this with Rem? Would she have to watch her every move, for fear that she might do one little thing to rouse her mate’s suspicions and cause him to accuse her, whether directly or indirectly, of being unfaithful to him?
“Rem, please, you must listen to me. I—”
“You will stay here and wait for me.” He released her and turned to the door, but she bolted in front of him and put her hands upon his chest.
“No! Don’t leave, Rem. We need to talk about this.”
He picked her up and set her down behind him, then strode out the door. She tried to follow him, only for the door to slide shut in front of her. She banged on it, but it wouldn’t open. Dread seized her.
He had locked her inside the bedroom.
And, apparently, he was on his way to kill Chexxa and Frinik. Except, now that she thought about it, he had specifically mentioned dealing with one male. Not two. But that didn’t make any sense, as she had smiled and waved at both brothers.
Know that I also intend to deal with the male who was tempting you. He likely will not live to see another sunset.
Those were his exact words. Tears burned in her eyes as she banged on the door, her frustration and utter sense of helplessness growing with each moment.
“Damn you, Rem! You cannot treat me like this! And you cannot force me to stay in your house! I will not stand for it. I won’t!”
The door zipped open without warning and Rem immediately grabbed her. Shock and terror reverberated through her. She had thought he’d already left when she yelled out. Oh God. Had he heard every word? She really hoped not, but judging by the dark look filling his gaze, she had the sinking feeling that he had heard her tirade.
“I could force you to stay here forever,” he said in a stern tone, “here in this very room, and there would be nothing you could do about it.”
“I suppose you could,” she retorted, “if you want a prisoner instead of a mate.”
His nostrils flared and he leaned down, glaring at her with an intensity that left her chilled to the bone. “I will keep you locked up if I must,” he said, “but I will not allow you to betray me any further than you already have, nor will I be made out as a fool.”
Tears streamed down her face and her anger flared. “I’d say you’re doing a fine job of making a fool of yourself all on your own. Have you always been so prone to overreacting?” she hissed out.
“Females cannot always be trusted,” he said in a fierce tone, though there was an