Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

"Ah, that's because I put them to sleep when I knew where we were going. I called your father and the others, knowing he would turn that place into a massacre. I didn't want to risk the ones I consider my children. I knew you'd keep Kane safe. I trusted you'd know your father's power the second you sensed it."

I look down, staring at the backs of my hands as if they're intriguing enough to deserve so much intention.

"He hates me more than he ever loved me."

"Who? Kane? Nonsense. He's just completely confused right now. He's working hard to keep you safe, but yet he drives you away every chance he gets. He's been disengaged from our world for so long, he doesn't want to risk getting sucked back in. He tries so hard to pay penance for his past sins, but none of those were by his hands alone. All of the evil he ever dished out was at the behest of his queen, Castine. He judges himself more harshly than you ever could. Bottom line, he'll come around. The question is will you still love him when the bond is broken?"

I hope not.

"He's a night stalker, and I'm a witch. It's absurd to even think about. I would just like for him to at least be civil with me. I don't need him to love me, or even care about me, but I'd like to be able to converse with him without him tearing me to shreds each time. We have to work together until this problem with Castine is resolved."

Dray nods, absorbing my words.

"I agree, and I'll talk to him about that. Mostly, I think he's trying to keep you away from him. He blames himself for you being on Castine's hit list."

I sigh as we start heading back to the house.

"Better me than someone without Drackus for a father."

He laughs ridiculously hard, losing his poised composure as he shakes from the outburst.

"Indeed," he says, his chuckles tapering off. "Now, would you like to come in and start discussing what strategy we should use?"

I glance through the window to see Kane glaring at me, resisting the urge to tear into me where I stand.

"I think I've handled all I can today. Until the bond is broken, it's hard to breathe around him."

He nods, seeming to understand, but I tug at his arm before he heads up the stairs.

"Why didn't anyone tell my mother?"

He tilts his head, confused by my query.

"About your capture? Thad called Frankie. I assume she knew your father would handle it best. Haven't you talked to her since your return?"

I swallow hard, realizing my supposed mother hasn't even called me.

"No. She hasn't answered. I need to go. Tell Thad to hurry up."

"Will do. Be careful, Alyssa. My number is programmed in your phone. Use it if you need to or even if you just need an old ear to bend."

I smile appreciatively, feeling a little better. Dark angels are dangerous, no doubt. They're not demons, not angels, but the gray area in between. Until now, I've never knowingly come into contact with one.

"Thanks."

I turn around, pulling out my phone as I walk to the car. As usual, it goes straight to my mother's voicemail without even ringing. Ending the pointless call, I dial Frankie immediately after.

"Hey, Lyss. I'm glad to hear from you. Thad said you made it out with nothing more than a skinned knee."

That's because he didn't count a broken heart.

"Yeah. I'm surprised you and Mom didn't bother to call."

I hadn't meant to sound so bitter, but I'm a little pissed at this point.

"Sorry, Lyss. It's been... We've had a lot going on. I was on my way there that night when Thad called to say you were safe and in good company."

Something loud crashes in the background, and I hear Frankie cursing under his breath.