Page 71 of Wings of Betrayal

He seems satisfied with that, and I know I’ve played him well.

“I don’t know where he is. But I know he isn’t here in Silanthia, nor is he in Zarquon. I doubt he’ll even be in Galespo because he has an understanding with Zalore, and that would go against it.”

My mind races with possibilities. He’s got to be in one of the Kingdoms. It’s unlikely he would be down on Earth, although it’s possible.

He slips his fingers under my chin, tilting my face up to look at him. “He isn’t who you think he is. I’m trying to protect you.”

I search his eyes and find truth in his words. He seems to have a strong need to protect me, even if his actions and motives for that are questionable.

“I went to Galespo,” I say, confirming his earlier question.

His jaw tenses at my admission.

“I saw Astelle, and the way he’s treating her…”

He shrugs and folds his thick arms over his chest. “It’s not our place to interfere.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “It was you all along. You were the one who had the watchers attack Kyle.”

His entire demeanor shifts, and blinking rapidly, he shakes his head and runs his hands down his face, letting out a long breath. “He shouldn’t have told you that.”

I bite my bottom lip as tears well in my eyes, and I angrily wipe them before they fall.

“It was to protect you. All of it. Kyle’s dangerous, and I don’t trust his intentions. He’s an archangel, Zarla. He isn’t one of us.”

Taking a step closer, I shove his chest, but he doesn’t even budge. “Protect me? They attacked me too!”

He drops his arms at his sides as if giving me an invitation to take out my frustration and anger on him.

“We have to get her back. Do something!” I smack my hands into his chest.

“No!” His voice booms, and I jump. “We are going to stay out of it.”

I stare at him a moment then push past him and leave the arena. He is a stubborn asshole, and he will never understand. How could he just toss Astelle aside like that, after leading her to believe she actually meant something to him?

I fly back to my quarters and immediately sense Kyle. He would have felt my fear through the bond thanks to our rings. And sure enough, when I open my door, he’s waiting for me.

I take a moment’s pause before I hurry across the room and throw myself into his arms. He rubs soothing circles over my back that instantly calm me.

“You’re okay,” he whispers into my ear, and I nod. “I sensed your fear and came to find you. What happened?”

Pulling back, I look into his eyes. “Amaros. He gave Astelle to Zalore, and I went there and?—”

He takes hold of my arms, his eyes widening. “You went to Galespo? On your own? What were you thinking?”

I bite my bottom lip as it quivers. “I was looking for answers. About my father.”

Understanding seeps into his eyes, and he pulls me into his chest and kisses the top of my head. “You should have asked me to go with you.”

“I know. I’m sorry. But I had to. If Amaros finds you here?—”

“He won’t.” He pulls back and cups my face in his large hands before briefly pressing his lips to mine.

Gods above, I missed this. I missedhim.

I breathe in his scent and let out a sigh. “Amaros knows something about my father, but he won’t tell me anything. Neither will Zalore.”

Kyle takes my hands in his. “I wish I could do more to help. I’m sorry I abandoned you. It was for your own good. I was worried I had a target on my back that could get you killed.”

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