Vicious Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, #3)

by Caroline Peckham

The saddest thing of all, was that I’d never have met Elise if her brother hadn’t died. It was a cruel twist of fate. But if I could undo what had been done, I’d take that fate instead. Because Elise would rather have her brother in her life than some fucked up Elysian Mate who didn’t deserve a hair on her head, let alone her heart.

“Yes, on occasion, very rarely, there have been Astral Adversaries brought together under the stars. Not to be bonded, but to be unbonded.

foreshadowinnnnng

A guy around my age with raven hair and dark eyes was kneeling in a cave, a shining dagger in his hand. He ran the blade up his arm to split the skin and tipped his head back as he fell under some spell.

my boi lannnce

“You’re not angry?” I asked in astonishment. “No I’m fucking relieved, Gabriel.”

I’d even seen a few banners with my name on them, one of which was being waved by a way too enthusiastic Professor Titan.

that's so cute omg

I scoffed at his blatant flattery and smacked his arm playfully. “What are you after?” “You,” he replied simply.

“This had better be important, Simba, or I’ll break your legs for wasting my time,” Ryder’s voice came to me from out in the corridor and I turned to look back at the door as I heard Leon’s reply. “It is. Life or death. And you’ll totally be thanking me for it too.”

“I’ve decided to give you what you’ve been begging for, Scar,” Leon teased. “We are all going to watch The Lion King.” “For fuck’s sake,” Ryder muttered and I couldn’t help but laugh.

My fingers moved to kiss a pair of flaming Phoenixes who were flying together with a Harpy over his hip.

opened my mouth to rebuke him for Elise’s outfit but all that came out was a honk. I gasped, realising something was horribly wrong. I gazed down at my arms which were coated in yellow feathers and two massive bird feet poked out beneath me. “Hey Big Bird,” Ryder said with a wide grin.

“I’m not really into dudes,” he said with a smirk. “But I guess with that long hair and a bit of imagination I could make it work.”

I’d been a thirsty Lion, hunting the desert for water. I thought she’d been an oasis, but it turned out…she was just a mirage.

ouch

“He knows how much I care about him. I don’t just turn up at Academy Pitball matches for the hell of it. And I travel back home for dinner whenever I know he’s coming. I don’t need to say it.”

She brought out a side to me I’d never seen before, and reawakened a part that I’d only known as a child.

A grin pulled at my mouth. “Only in yours, Orion. Or should I call you Orio?”

“Because I’m not some soldier in this war. I’m your goddamn commander, your ruler, your fucking queen.

And though my grief for my mate threatened to overwhelm me, one thing remained utterly clear in my mind as the bloodlust rose to take control of my limbs. Nightshade will die.

I was a coward who had been too afraid of rejection to face him with the truth that lived in my heart. I loved him. But I’d never told him. And now it was too late.

I looked to Ryder with a grin and he scowled like I’d kicked him in the dick. I know you love me, Rydikins. Your secret is out.

“I’ve stolen more treasures than I can count in my lifetime, but you’re the only thing I’ve ever tried to earn.