Soulless Mate

Eighteen: Bedsheet

Reina came down to the main hall with Sayora's sheets wrapped around her body like a cocoon.

The passing warriors in the hall gave her strange looks, but she casted them a full glare. She didn't know which ones were the culprits who'd threatened her sister-by-law with rape, but since she didn't, that meant none of the Soul Warriors were off the hook.

"Luna," drawled a warrior, one she recognized as Zeron's cousin. He had the same carnal build as Zeron, as well as the warriors trailing behind him. They all were looking at her with interest, their faces painted black and white to resemble the infamous skull. Their chests were stripped bare, and they had slashes of black painted on their pecs, resembling sharp claws. Their tribal tattoos spanned all over their tan arms and torso, carrying meanings she didn't understand. "What's up with the strange gown? Is this another one of those Darklander customs?"

Reina almost rolled her eyes. "As a matter of fact, it is," she lied in a cynical voice. "You might be wondering why I'm dressed like this. You see, we wear white right before starting the hunt to kill our prey and drink their blood." As their faces grew pale, she started smiling. "By the end of our meal, our clothes turn all red. It's a symbol of strength and pride. Now...you wouldn't be so kind as to be my prey, now would you?"

"We lead long and productive lives," the warrior said quickly as he beckoned for his men to follow him to the dining room. "Being your sacrifices would not fulfill our warrior's duty."

"Really." Reina watched them scurry away with fear in their treads. "I hope that's what you're doing. Fulfilling your warrior's duty, that is. Not threatening females with unspeakable things like, I don't know, rape. Now that would be unacceptable. Did I ever show you my claws?"

"I don't think that would be necessary—"

She moved toward the warrior in the front. "Did you see the Death Luna or not?"

The male shifted toward her. He looked rather rattled that her voice held the power to compel him to turn around. There was that hint of arrogance that all the male warriors had. He thought he was superior, much powerful than her. And her influence was clearly not what he'd expected. Even so, he didn't strike her as the ingenuine type.

"I did see her," he admitted. There was a tremor in his voice, like the sight of Iyla had scared him beyond the soul. "But I am not one of those males."

"And why would I believe you?"

"You shouldn't," he said, much to her shock. "'Cause I do reckless things and most of them are violent and bloody. But I swear it on my honor I won't lay a hand on a female unless she is fully consenting. Auntie Sayora can vouch for me. She'll tell you that I wouldn't do that."

Reina fell silent, considering it. As she stared up at the male's brown eyes, she knew she was making him more uncomfortable every passing moment. Reina had the power to do that—make males squirm. It was a sinister ability, as her father would claim, but Reina honestly didn't give a shit. It helped her keep the males away, because she convinced them to believe that she was a freak of nature, an unruly nightmare. Nothing they wanted. And she wanted to keep it that way.

Right when she saw that familiar shiver in his shoulder and neck, she released him from her scrutiny. "Alright alright, I got it."

He blew out a breath of relief.

"But you ain't off the hook," she said. "What're your names?"

"Xyrev," he said. He turned and introduced the other three. Zurke, Dara, and Nigar. "We're all Z's cousins, by the way. Uncle Wraythe—" The name was said with pure hatred. "—Had three brothers, two murdered. Those two were our fathers."