Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) Read Free

as though he belonged there ensured no one questioned him.
    Talin spoke to everyone from the lowest ranked to the highest. None knew his goals, and with the easy way he talked to everyone, no one seemed to mind—which was rare in court.
    Neve looked down at their joined hands and the way his long fingers held her hand securely. She wasn’t the only female to want his attention. She still wasn’t sure why he’d chosen her.
    The first time he’d arrived at court, she’d seen him walk through the doors. He’d taken a deep breath and strode straight into the crowd.
    In a matter of moments, those around him forgot they didn’t know him and were introducing him to others. Neve had been awed by his interaction.
    She’d stayed on the outskirts of the main floor and followed his progression through the melee of Light. Men shook his hands. Women flirted outrageously, touching him and rubbing themselves against him.
    He was never unkind. In fact, he went out of his way to be fair and generous to all. In a castle full of cads, he was . . . nice.
    The entire day, Neve was never far from him. She noticed how he made sure not to reveal anything about himself. All the while, she thought she was being careful while she stalked him.
    He let her know how wrong she was when he came up behind her and asked her to dance in that deep, spine—tingling seductive voice of his.
    In his arms, Neve felt like they were the only two in the entire castle. She forgot everyone and everything. They didn’t speak, merely looked into each other’s eyes. From that moment on, he was hers.
    And she was his.
    Suddenly, he turned his head to her. She knew that look. He was leaving again. Neve smiled, pushing aside the disappointment.
    “Nice try,” he said as he faced her. He brought her into his arms and caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “But I know I’ve upset you.”
    There was no sense in denying it. Neve gave him a quick kiss. “Go do what you need.”
    But he didn’t move. Talin remained with his arms locked around her. “Only once have you asked where I go.”
    “Is there a question in there somewhere?” she asked with a quirk of a brow.
    Talin chuckled, but the smile quickly faded as he searched her gaze. “There’s something wrong.”
    “Nothing I can’t handle.” Neve stepped back, missing his touch instantly. “Do whatever it is you do.”
    He kissed her cheek. “I’ll return shortly.”
    She wrapped her arms around herself as he disappeared. He always said the same thing. Most times, he did return quickly. But there were other times, like this last trip, where he was gone much longer.
    Neve wanted to bolt back to the castle but she made herself remain still. Even though she felt someone watching her. She thought of the black roses that had been placed on her bed and barely held back a shiver.
    “Neve.”
    She turned at the sound of her brother’s voice. Atris strode through the mist, a frown in place. She walked toward him, thankful to no longer be alone.
    When she reached him, Atris held out his arm for her. She looped her arm through his as they started back to the castle. The feeling of being watched didn’t diminish.
    “Did you tell him?”
    She shook her head. “Talin had to leave.”
    “Dammit, Neve.”
    She knew Atris wanted to stop and speak his mind, but he continued on, his muscles tightening beneath her hand. “When he gets back I will.”
    “You wouldn’t have told me had I not found the roses.”
    “I think it’s a prank.”
    “That’s shite,” he mumbled.
    She thought so too, but Neve didn’t want anyone worried. The fact was, she’d begun to suspect that someone wanted to scare her. Yet she couldn’t prove it. That was the only reason she had waited so long to speak to Talin about it.
    “I don’t want you alone,” Atris said.
    Neve nodded as they entered the castle. “Whoever it is, is here.”
    Atris let out a string of curses that would’ve made their mother blush. “It