Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

I pale, finding myself completely dumbfounded. "Kane, they could kill all of us for harboring an unsanctioned lycan. She's supposed to-"

"I know, Alyssa. That's why I haven't told you. Amy is from a sire that is... Well, he's crazy. He's strong, deadly, and completely wanted by all communities. He's at the top of everyone's list of people to die. If they find out she's from him, they'll kill her to stop the possibility she'll turn out like him."

Too late. That bitch is already crazy.

"Shit," I murmur to myself, but Gage doesn't seem as shocked as I am. "You knew?" I ask, feeling even more left out.

"I found out a while back," he says while massaging his temples. "I confronted Kane, and he explained the situation, along with the lengths they've gone through to restrain her from doing something that would risk exposure. She's wild - rabid at times - but she's not like her sire. He's right though, they'd kill her just to eliminate such a risk."

Is that really such a bad thing? Great. They're all doing what they can to keep the victim of a lycan safe. I want the girl dead just because she's a bitch. And I'm supposed to be the light one.

"Do you think this girl knew that?" I ask, trying to push the scattered pieces of the puzzle together.

"It's unlikely. She wants to stir the pot, and Amy couldn't exactly report her attack to the council, so it would have been a pointless attack," Kane murmurs softly, his eyes finding mine and staring fearlessly at me.

No one really knows what else to say now. It's the highest penalized crime in our world to not report a bitten fey. The bitten fey are the most dangerous because of their ability to change others. It's necessary to document all viral changelings. This is so dangerous.

"Walk me out?" Gage asks to break the uncomfortable silence that has descending upon us.

"Yeah."

I shiver against the biting wind the second we walk out. I wasn't expecting it to be this cold out with the sun shining so brightly, but winter is getting stronger by the day. The thin satin doesn't even make an attempt to shield me from the cold air, and my bare feet curse me for forcing them to endure the icy ground.

"Here," Gage says while scooping me up and pulling me into his immortal warmth. "I shouldn't have asked you to come out dressed like that. I forgot how much colder this is to you. I just wanted a second away from everyone."

I get worried he's going to tell me he loves me again, and this time I can't pretend I'm asleep. My whole body tenses as he places me in the front seat of his black Audi. The heat starts blaring before he even climbs into the car, and I smile at his use of magic to offer me warmth.

"Thanks."

He leans over and kisses me hard, surprising me, and my hand slips into his hair as I shamefully enjoy his touch. He draws back and pulls my hand in his, staring at our contact instead of into my eyes.

"You can label us. I'm sorry I ever said you couldn't. It was stupid, and to be honest, I just panicked a little. After last night, I know without a doubt I don't want to lose you. I want to be with you, Alyssa."

My heart almost melts, but the image of his lips on another girl creeps into my mind to ice the beating betrayer in my chest.

"Gage, I told you last night that-"

"I know," he interrupts, still not looking up. "I know I hurt you, and I know you're not ready to dive back in. I just want you to know that I'm ready when you are."

I force a smile, relieved he's not going to tell

me he loves me again. He leans over and kisses me one last time, lingering in the moment a little too long, and then he reluctantly withdraws.

"I should let you get to work. Call me?" I ask while opening the door and inviting in the chill.

"Of course I'll call. You call me if anything happens. I'll see you soon."

I climb out before getting lost in his eyes, and I quickly make my way through the cold and back inside, grateful for the blessed heat. I almost want to throw myself in the fire to warm up. Dray chuckles as my teeth chatter violently, as if they're scolding me for braving the chill in my less than feasible attire.

I'm thankful Kane is nowhere in sight, and I'm praying I can avoid him for a while. I don't feel like dealing with whatever cruel or snarky remarks he's been holding back.

"I need to get going. Drackus is expecting me to update him on everything, and I plan to raid his library to see if I can find anything else to help us out," the dark angel says just before disappearing in a black foggy exit.

"Well bye," I murmur sardonically to the nothingness.

Dice snickers, and then he stands. "I'm going to try to get some shuteye now. I'll see you guys in a few."

Zee slides in front of the TV and turns on the annoying game he bought. I roll my eyes and head to the kitchen to pour some more coffee. As soon as I see the strong brew, I regret coming into the kitchen.