Page 117 of A Blackened Bond

The boys could find me after they deal with the stupid shifters starting shit at their party.

The car park was packed with rows upon rows of fancy cars lined up beside one another, each one looking more luxurious than the next.

I lean against a silver car, sitting the closest to the abattoir, taking in the cold crisp air and quiet of being outside. I glance back toward the slightly ajar door.

I can see a slight view of grinding bodies as I roll my shoulders and close my eyes, but footsteps have me opening them quickly again.

The chestnut-haired helper from moments ago makes his way out of the abattoir, his attire and hair a little more disheveled than before.

He glances back at the door, his gaze narrowed in slight annoyance, before fixing his clothes and hair.

He hears me move and freezes but instantly relaxes upon seeing me.

“Ah, you’re…” A small smile tilts his lips. “I just came to get some fresh air. It’s a bit hectic in there at the moment. A fight broke out, but it’s being handled.” His face slightly scrunches up with some memory, glancing back at the abattoir’s doors. “I’m sure it will all work out.”

He turns back toward me.

“I’m Nathan, by the way.” He shifts in closer, extending his hand before stopping in the space between us. “I promise I’m not some creep or suspicious person.”

“That’s exactly what someone suspicious would say.” I raise a brow as he smirks, shaking his head.

“I guess you’re right.” His hand falls softly to his side, his grin growing wider as he watches me. “I’m only here because my sister insisted on coming.” He rolls his eyes playfully, sighing ashe walks over to the car nearest me and leans against it, still keeping a slight distance as I peer toward the abattoir.

“She’s got a thing going on with the guys who run these,” he continues, and my gaze quickly flits back toward him, my eyes instantly narrowing. He couldn’t meanmyguys, could he?

They would never do anything like that to me.

He looks my way. “You’ve heard of the Infernal Four, right? They go to Wensridge Academy and run this place.”

I nod, my mind jumping back and forth as he continues.

“She’s with Creed. He especially invited her.” He brushes a hand through his hair. “They’re all over each other in there…” His face slightly scrunches up, glancing back toward the party. “I needed a minute away from it. Andthem.” A little grin traces his lips. “She’s agreed to accept the rest of his group too.”

My eyes widen with the implication. That some random chick who Creed’s shacked up with a few times has decided to claimmyguys.

As if they would want her.

“And who said they would want that? Or her?” I state, pulling myself straighter as I stare him down. His tone and implications were beginning to irritate me. He didn’t know Annex, Ezra, and Mallyn as I did.

And his sister certainly never would.

He scoffs, a strange chuckle leaving his lips as he glances my way, a condescending look taking over his gaze.

“Of course they would. She has everything they could possibly want or need from a partner: looks, power, status…” His eyes trail down my front before meeting my narrowed gaze. “And a family that would bow to no other…even the Banes.”

My eyes widen. How does this asshole know who I am?

Did he follow me out here with the intention of cornering me? He was messing with the wrong one if that’s what he planned.

His ‘gentle’ façade falls entirely, his smile gone as he straightens himself.

“Let’s be realistic, Micai. You’re not fit to stand beside the Infernal Four. They have power and a reputation to keep…and you don’t quite meet the cut.” He raises a brow smugly at me as he continues to spew nonsense. “Veronica is the best choice for them. With her and our family, their hands could reach even further, growing and expanding like never before.”

How could I have missed this? Taken him for a ‘nice guy’ and not seen past his exterior, or the ulterior motives underneath those darkening eyes? I should have known better with my track record of drawing in assholes.

“It’s best if you cut ties now,” he states, fixing the cuffs of his sleeve and the tiny emeralds there. “It would be less painful and humiliating for you, and less of a bother for them. You should let them go and walk away while you still have some self-respect left. Veronica can do more for them than you ever will.” He glances my way, his pompous look beginning to irk me even more. “It’s known how little influence you carry in your clan. You would only drag them down and impede their work.”

A sinister, humourless chuckle escapes my lips. “Are you done?”

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