Chapter 14 · Blood Test, No Mercy

"Let go." I twisted my wrist, but Ronan's grip tightened.

"Not until we discuss terms." He leaned closer, his breath warm against my temple. "Seventy-two hours. That's not much time to prove you're worth the Mercer name."

"I never wanted the Mercer name." I drove my heel into his instep.

He grunted, released me, stepped back. His smile didn't waver. "Good reflex. But you signed the contract. You wear the ring. And if you can't verify your bloodline by Saturday midnight, the council transfers custody to me."

"Custody." The word tasted like rust. "I'm not a dog."

"No. You're collateral." He straightened his cuff. "Kael gambled on you. I'm collecting when he loses."

The door rattled. Kael's voice cut through. "Open it."

Ronan didn't move. "We're talking."

"Open the door, or I break it."

Ronan sighed, unlocked it, pulled it wide. Kael stood in the hallway, still in his coat, frost on his shoulders.