Chapter 19 · The Traitor's Bet

"You actually believe he’d come back for you?"

Kane’s voice was a low growl against my ear. He had me pinned. Cold stone wall behind me, his forearm crushing my collarbone just enough to make every breath a fight.

I gasped, twisting my head. His eyes weren't human anymore. Predatory gold bleeding into a violent red.

"He’s my brother, Kane," I managed. "Even if he’s a monster, he doesn't leave assets behind."

"Assets." Kane spat the word like poison. He leaned in, his chest crushing mine. He was radiating heat—a feverish, violent energy that made the air tremble. "That’s all you are to him. A tool. A piece of meat to trade for a seat at the table."

"And what am I to you?" I snapped. My voice shook, but I didn't back down. I tried to shove him, but it was like hitting a mountain. "A sedative? A battery? A pet?"

Kane didn't flinch. His grip tightened. He shifted his weight, his thigh forcing its way between mine, locking me against the wall.