Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

I fall apart as I run through the highlights of my entanglements and betrayals. I leave out some of the details... the ones I'm not sure I understand. I also leave out the details of the spirit and what she said - only focusing on the boy stuff that has left me devastated and confused.

Normally, I feel better immediately after handing over my issues to my mother, but right now... I just feel such a disconnection. She's not looking at me as though she cares. It feels as though she's treating me like a vexing task.

"Honestly, sweetie, I don't think either of them are the one for you. Perhaps you should just start over with someone new. You enjoy living alone, so move away... start fresh."

She just called me sweetie... again. Not to mention, her answer seemed rushed, as though she's just ready to send me on my way. I swear she even checked her cuticles during my pouring out of emotions. And move away? Start fresh?

"Yeah," I mumble. "Maybe."

She gives me that phony smile once more, making a chill form around the fake gesture. It's as if she has a burning distaste for me right now.

She touches my cheek with forced affection, and I stare into the eyes that hold no love or honesty. It's as if my mother was stolen from me and never given back, though physically she's sitting right here.

Then she does something that sends a shiver all the way down my spine. She tucks my hair behind my ears, making me cringe as she keeps her fake smile plastered on.

"You're such a lovely girl. You shouldn't hide your face with your hair so much."

My mother's biggest pet peeve has always been hair tucked behind ears. There's no way... she's not...

"Um, thanks. I should go. I need to start looking for yet another house," I murmur vaguely while standing to my feet.

"Well, be careful out there, darling."

I nod at the insincere caution, and then I almost dart out of the door. Gage won't believe me because this shouldn't be possible. Kane won't be able to help because he's a night stalker. There's only one person who will both believe me and help me.

I push the door open without so much as knocking, and in an instant, Drackus materializes in front of me in the foyer of his home.

"Airis? What's wrong, my dear?"

"I know it's not possible, and I know it's going to sound crazy, but that woman is not my mother. I know it's not her."

Drackus leans back on his heels, not saying anything. It's as though he doesn't know what to say, and I'm sick of the delay.

"Drackus, did you hear me? It's. Not. Her."

"He knows," the velvety, familiar voice says from the top of the staircase, and my eyes follow it to see the blond hair, the perfectly white dress, and the eyes full of warmth and pain.

"Mom," I gasp, disbelief ringing out. "What the hell?"

She slowly starts walking down, her eyes moving to meet my father's briefly before returning to mine.

"Alyssa, we need to talk."

End of Book 2.