Page 59 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

Fine? Brynleigh wasn’t sure that was the case. She nibbled on her lip. “I?—”

“Someone was very worried about you yesterday.” The Matron waggled her brows suggestively. “I can’t say much more, but suffice it to say, I would be willing to bet a large sum of money that a certain captain will happily be on one knee in two weeks.”

Brynleigh hoped Lilith was correct. She’d have to be even more compelling to ensure she received Ryker’s proposal.

Fourteen days to make Ryker fall completely, irrevocably, mindlessly in love with her.

And then she’d destroy him.

Lilith gave Brynleigh a tour of the mansion, showing her the room where she would be sleeping before bringing her to a home theater on the first floor. The other women were gathering for a movie.

“This is where I leave you,” the Matron said. “You ladies enjoy your evening.”

“Thank you, Matron.” Brynleigh pushed open the doors, stepping into the darkened room. A white screen stretched across one wall, and three rows of comfortable seating were spread in front of the screen. The mansion’s owner must have been wealthy beyond measure because Brynleigh had never seen a private cinema before.

“Brynleigh!”

At the sound of her name, the vampire looked up. Hallie came barreling towards her, her translucent wings fluttering.

“Thank Kydona, you’re alright!” the Fortune Elf exclaimed as she hugged Brynleigh tightly. “They wouldn’t tell us where you were, and when I walked the silver planes to See you, I couldn’t find your future.”

A pit yawned in Brynleigh’s stomach at the dire prediction. What did that mean? Probably nothing good. However, the more rational part of Brynleigh’s mind reminded her that Fortune Elves had a flair for both the cryptic and the dramatic. Maybe Hallie just misinterpreted the future.

Hoping that was the case—because, to be honest, Brynleigh couldn’t deal with any other problems right now—she shoved her worry aside and smiled at the elf. “You searched for me? That was so kind of you.”

Hallie grinned. “Of course I did. You’re my friend. I was worried about you.”

An unfamiliar emotion sprung to life inside Brynleigh. It was nice—and a little strange, if she was honest—to know someone had been worrying about her. The vampire had never expected to make a friend, yet it seemed she had.

“Thank you.” Brynleigh smiled. “I’m here, and I’m safe.”

A pointed cough came from behind them.

Brynleigh turned around.

“Well, if it isn’t the vile bloodsucking creature that nearly killed us all.” Valentina’s horrible, grating voice was almost as unpleasant as the sneer carved onto her face.

The fire fae wore a skin-tight white sweater and jeans that looked like they cost thousands. Her blue-black hair was swept into a high ponytail, and a dusting of makeup decorated her features. Valentina looked perfectly put together, whereas Brynleigh knew the last few days had taken their toll on her appearance.

Still, she held her head up high. “I had it under control.”

“Liar.” A promise of violence flickered in Valentina’s violet eyes, and she stepped towards the vampire. “You were going to tear everyone to shreds because of a bit of blood. You shouldn’t be here. This competition isn’t meant for people like you.” She scowled. “Return to the cemetery where you came from.”

“Fuck. You.” Brynleigh balled her fists. Shadows flooded out of her, and her wings burst from her back. Her sweater shredded, leaving her in her violet t-shirt, which had slits for wings. She didn’t care about the ruined clothes. It was time to teach this fae a lesson.

“Oh, the vampire bitch wants to play,” Valentina snarled. A flame flickered to life above her outstretched hand. “Let’s see how well you do around a little fire.”

Despite the pounding of her heart, Brynleigh didn’t move. She refused to give in to this bully. “You want to fight? Fine. I’ll fucking fight you.”

She could use the outlet for all the emotions she’d been shoving deep within her.

Valentina lifted a manicured brow and looked down on Brynleigh. “There is nothing I’d love more than to teach you a lesson, little leech.”

The other women stepped back amid a flurry of gasps and rude remarks. The tension was so thick that the air practically crackled.

This wouldn’t be the first fight Brynleigh had gotten into. At ten years old, she had tackled Diana Laurent on the playground after school when she’d learned the older girl was bullying Brynleigh’s little sister Sarai.

Displeased with the situation, the principal had threatened to suspend both girls, but Brynleigh didn’t care. She’d made her point. That day, Diana went home with two black eyes and never bothered Sarai again.

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