Page 80 of The Reign of Blood

I opt to cut her threat short, pulling her to my chest before I take off through the pathways. Her fingers cling to my t-shirt like her life depends on it, but a moment later, we’re back outside Pearl’s restaurant.

Stepping inside, the chime above the door announces our arrival as I slowly lower her to her feet. “Pearl, we’re back,” I holler, watching as Addi grips her stomach and brings her other hand to her mouth.

“Raiden, what on Earth have you done to her?”

I hold my hands up in surrender. “She gets motion-sick with the whole vampire speed.”

I don’t remember it being this bad last time, but I can’t change it now.

“Ah, that makes sense. She had to have a weakness somewhere,” Pearl states with a knowing grin as Addi gapes at her.

“Hey.”

“It’s not a weakness. It’s almost endearing,” I murmur, staring at the wicked fae that has me trapped under her spell.

“Endearing?” she repeats with a frown, and I shake my head.

“I said almost.”

Her eyes turn to slits, but instead of giving me the sass I expect, she turns her attention to Pearl. “Did he hurt you?”

Pearl frowns, glancing between us. “Who?”

“Raiden.”

Pearl’s gaze settles on me, silence falling heavily over the room for a split second before she bursts into laughter. “He wouldn’t dare.” She wipes at the tears spilling from her eyes before clearing her throat. “I love that you two know each other. My two favorites.”

“Wait, you know him?” She points an accusatory finger in my direction, making Pearl chuckle again.

“I don’t call just anyone my favorite. Of course I do. Now I think about it, it’s hilarious that you two have never been here at the same time before,” she muses, waving for us to take a seat. “Now, sit. I’ll get your food,” she orders before sauntering off into the back.

I tilt my head, giving her the choice of where to sit, and I’m not surprised to see her head toward the same booth she took earlier. I’ve never sat there before, but as I lower into the booth now, I see why it appeals to her. It’s an excellent vantage point for someone who is always on high alert. Someone who is a princess among men. Someone like her.

Silence descends, clinging to us as I stare at her while she tries to look anywhere but at me. I get comfortable. I can deal with the silent treatment if it means I can still be in her presence for a while. Actually, not talking feels like a better option. We won’t piss each other off this way.

“Please don’t mention my sister to anyone,” she breathes after a while. Her voice is so soft I wonder if I made it up, but the way she peers up at me confirms the fear.

“Why would I?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. Just… don’t.”

My brows crinkle with confusion. “She’s not a secret for you to keep, Adrianna.”

She rears back again, disdain etched into her features. “No, she’s my sister to protect at all costs. Do you know my face has been plastered all over the media?” she barks, irritation coming through thicker and thicker.

“Yes.”

“Do you know the threats that are now connected to her and my father?”

“Yes.”

“So you understand?” She looks at me as if that should all make complete sense. And as much as it does in some aspects, in others, it’s the complete opposite.

“Not entirely, no, but I guess that’s because I’m a vampire, and we’re far too self-centered to worry about others. Family included,” I admit, glancing down at the table to avoid her intense stare from across the table.

“You worried about me today. That’s why you followed me. It’s like that feeling, only more intense,” she states, and I shake my head in disbelief.

Nothing could be more intense than what I’m feeling lately, and it’s all because of her.

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