Page 32 of Princess Avenged

“We staked him,” Crusher turns toward Flame and Blade. “Phil and I together.”

Flame nods, looking back and forth between Crusher and me. “You said he’d left instructions. Instructions that if he ever died you should release the trainees, close The Institute.”

I laugh. “You think that narcissistic bastard made plans for after his death?”

“He thought he was invincible,” Crusher adds. “He thought he’d live forever, especially after turning us into his personal killing machines.”

My hands are aching, and I slowly unfurl fists I didn’t realize I’d formed. “Finally believe it’s me?”

Crusher nods, and then shakes his head. “Someone had better go get Ana.”

“No.” Slapping my hands on the table, I shoot to my feet. “Ana can’t know I’m alive.”

Chapter

Fifteen

Ana

After we get dressed, Selina takes my hand. “I hope our spa day helped, at least a little.” Her eyebrows draw together. “You still seem tense.”

I try to smile, but my expression feels strained, false, and it’s only offered to reassure her that her spa day suggestion was a good one. I genuinely appreciate her efforts, and it did help me escape reality, briefly, even if it didn’t lift the heavy weight on my heart. A weight that’s only become heavier the more and more I let myself face the truth.

Is Phil really gone? Even as I let it sink in, I can’t bring myself to tell her.

“Why don’t you join us for dinner?” she asks. “Bring the men. Rock is doing a roast. He and Colton need to eat food,” she adds, reminding me that two of her four mates aren’t vampires—one a human and one a half giant. “Family dinners are a regular thing for us.”

“Thanks, but I need some time alone.” I don’t think anything could make me feel better right now.

One of the spa attendants opens the exit door for us, and hand in hand, Selina and I step into the hallway. Blade and Flame are standing opposite the door, both leaning back with one foot against the wall, and the pair of them like that is just about the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Pushing off the wall, they step forward. My hand squeezes Selina’s, and she pulls me closer toward her.

“We need to talk,” Blade says. “It’s important.”

“Whatever it is, will have to wait,” I say sharply. “I have other plans. I’ve been invited to dinner.” I turn toward Selina, now glad to have an easy excuse to avoid speaking to these men while I’m still fuming inside. As angry as I am with Blade and Flame, at least they had the good sense to come find me, without bringing Crusher. With any luck, he’s had the good sense to leave the palace. If he hasn’t, I’ll have him removed.

“It’s crucial and time sensitive.” Blade runs his hand over his head, looking at me with so much pain in his eyes I almost crumble. My anger at Blade and Flame is already melting in my chest. They were only covering for Crusher. Crusher is the one who killed Timur. He’s the one who used them to cover up his crime. He’s the one who asked them to lie.

“What’s going on?” Selina asks Blade.

“I’ve discovered something,” he tells her. “About the…the thing that was inside Rasputin’s head.”

Selina squeezes my hand.

“It’s not all bad,” Blade says, “but none of it is good. And…and there have been…um…other developments too.” He and Flame exchange a look.

“I can’t believe you two.” My anger solidifies again. “You’re hiding something from me. Again!”

Flame steps forward, stopping short. I’ve never seen him so uncomfortable. “Blade’s done a ton of research,” he says. “He’s also consulted with that Zuben guy. You need to hear him out.”

“I don’t need to do anything.” Dropping Selina’s hand, I cross my arms over my chest.

“Sure, sure.” Flame lifts his hands in surrender. “And ignoring all this will work great for you, darlin’, as long as you never plan to go above ground again.”

My shoulders rise and my gut tightens. Flame hit me exactly where he knew it would have the most impact. Until this demon business is solved, I’m trapped underground. The last thing I want.

“Whatever you found out.” I raise my chin. “Just tell me.”

Blade flicks his gaze toward Selina.

---