Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

I feel the dirty smile on my lips spreading as though I have no control. I gravitate toward him, feeling the air between us so easy to pass through. He pulls me at my waist, and one hand finds its way to my hair as he pulls the ends in front of my face.

The black hair he holds stuns me. His brow cocks up as he releases it, his eyes gauging my reaction.

"There's apparently more to you than you told me," he murmurs softly, stroking my cheek with the back of his hands.

"There's more to her than she knew to tell," Drackus interjects, studying the remains of the ashy body in the snow.

"Get your fucking hands off her," Gage growls just before ripping me out of Kane's grip.

They step toe to toe, ready to fight, but before a punch can be thrown, a barely visible force field barrier is separating them. Drackus shakes his head while walking over to take my side.

"You're getting stronger, Airis. You need to come home until you change. These boys aren't going to be too healthy for you, and someone strong is after you."

"I've done just fine taking care of her," Gage growls, acting overly possessive.

"After I specifically warned you not to be intimate with my girl, and the consequences that could ensue, you still went for her heart. You've not done the job you were asked to do."

I look at Gage, feeling a little betrayed. "You were on a job," I hiss.

His eyes shift, but before he can defend himself, Kane steps in. "I haven't been."

Drackus narrows his eyes, his arm slipping around my shoulders. "No, but we both know you belong with the lycan you refuse to accept. You'll break my girl's heart, and she's not capable of dealing with it right now... Not until her immortality strengthens her." Then he turns to me. "Let's go, Airis."

Even Drackus believes Kane is meant for Amy. I don't put much stock in my father as far as some things go, but as for magic... I trust him almost implicitly. He's been around a long time.

Kane snarls, and through gritted teeth, he announces his anger. "I'm not intended for Amy, damn it. If I belong with anyone, it's Alyssa."

"Like hell you belong with her," Gage scoffs. "You have no idea who she is or about who she's intended to be with."

"Enough!" Drackus blares. "Neither of you will be around my daughter. You, night stalker, can fight your destiny with your lycan all you want, but I'll be damned if I let you do it with my daughter. I may have not finished the job with your sire yet, but I'm perfectly capable, and I will do it. That means you'd barely be an issue for me to squash." Then Drackus turns to Gage. "And you... You'd better stay away. I've warned you before. This time it's a threat."

Gage glares at him, making no attempt to lash out or move forward. Drackus tugs at me, and my heart sinks in my chest as I walk away from both of them. Kane is destined for another, and Gage has been lying to me since all of this began.

As my head whirls around for one last glance over my shoulder, I see the blond has returned and reclaimed my light. I sigh out in relief, though the dark hair still worries me. It's never done that before.

The two men stare at me as Drackus pulls me away. How is it possible I chose two men who could break my heart? If anyone will understand the terrible decisions with love that I've made, it'll be my mother. I'm sick of this. I have to see her.

I will see her.

I willingly climb into the car with Drackus - my Jag he gave me. I relinquish the driver's seat as I take the passenger side. Drackus cranks the car and squeals out of my driveway. I watch as he pieces the house back together with a wave of his hand.

"The spirit took you down, but I killed her. How is that possible, and what did she mean about them killing her because they thought she was me?"

He frowns as he barrels down the road, making my stomach tense upon every curve.

"It's a long story, Airis. One I'm afraid I can't tell you right this second. I'll explain everything soon. Will you stay at home with me?"

I shake my head, not sure I trust Drackus enough to go play the good daughter in my old house.

"No, but I'll take a hotel."

He huffs out a breath, but cedes to my request. "Then I'll send Dice to meet you wherever you choose to stay. I don't want you around either of those boys again."

I want to scream at him for being so demanding when he doesn't have a right, but I refrain. Right now, I'm a bag of jostled emotions. I started my life without my mother because I wanted a magic-free existence until I was immortal.

Since I moved out, I've used more magic than I ever have in my life. The irony is almost comical in a morbidly tragic way.

"When will you explain?" I ask while staring at the town blurring by.