Page 58 of Their Pretty Little Monster

Seventeen

SAGE

The morning sun filters brightly through the windows of my room, and I’ve been up for hours, washed and dressed, and enjoyed fresh fish in the hall upstairs for breakfast. My thoughts are still jumbled with the memories of last night after having the best night of my life with Killian. Then things went downhill.

Killian and Nyko’s conversation consumes my thoughts, all coming back to them knowing who my father is.

They’ve been keeping secrets from me. Anger pricks along the back of my neck. I naively took them at face value, but that’s my fault, isn’t it? I should be used to everyone taking me for granted.

Stepping out of my room, I say, “Howler, take me to Killian’s room, please.”

“Morning, Sage. Unfortunately, he’s at a meeting and can’t be disturbed.”

Groaning, I suggest, “Okay, what about Nyko?”

“He’s attending the same meeting. They will be available later in the day.”

Sighing heavily, I go with my final option, figuring, based on the conversation last night, he might actually be the best person to talk to.

“Please tell me Wolfe isn’t with them, too?”

“Lord Wolfe is running late, so you might be able to catch up if you hurry.”

“All right, let’s go.” I rush ahead down the corridor before he’s even given me instructions.

Howler guides me through a part of the ship I haven’t seen before. The walls are pristine white, with more windows offering views of the vast ocean outside. I hurry up a set of grand stairs, complete with red carpet. It’s all fancy, so out of place for this vessel, and it makes me feel even more of an outsider.

Eventually, I reach a set of double doors. I hesitate for a moment before knocking. It opens, and there stands Wolfe, looking ready to walk out. His burning amber eyes widen, then he grins, melting my knees. His presence is overwhelming, and for a moment, I forget why I’m here, lost in being so close to this powerful Shadowfen. He’s in his human form, dressed in dark clothing, including a button-up deep navy shirt with a metal band around his thick bicep, just like Killian wore back in Nightingale Village.

“Sage, a pleasant surprise.” That dark, husky voice of his isn’t helping me.

“Can we talk, please?” I ask, trying to steady my voice.

He nods, that grin widening. “Of course, but we will have to do it walking. I’m late for a meeting and have something I must drop off up in the woods first. My assistant, Grimm, has the day off, leaving me in disarray.”

“Of course, and thank you,” I add quickly. “I know where the woods on the vessel are, if you want me to drop something off for you instead, so we can talk?”

He pauses, studying me. “You would do that?”

I nod while he seems taken aback by my generosity. It can’t be too hard.

“You continue to surprise me, Sage.” He puts his hand into the pocket of his pants, takes something small out, and then places a black stone in my palm. As he pulls away, his fingers graze mine, just enough to send a buzz right through me. Fast and all-consuming, I draw in a rapid breath.

His hand grasps mine, closing it over the stone, and he holds me for a long pause, staring at me, his gaze dipping to my mouth.

“Th-That was kind of strange,” I say.

A grin quirks his mouth, and I want to kiss him, press myself against him, and discover if he tastes as delicious as Killian.

Wait. What in the world? Where did that come from?

I think of how he made me feel over dinner when I first arrived, so is this him manipulating me again? Caution spears through me, knowing I need to be careful.

He’s licking his lips, and I’m clearing my throat, fighting the urge not to forget why I came to see him.

“It’s all right,” he explains. “Your body’s going through changes.”

“Oh.” Is that what I’m experiencing? “I thought it might have been you influencing me again.”

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