Page 21 of Blade

I froze when I heard King’s voice behind me.

“Men, this is Beck. She’s Willow’s granddaughter, and that makes her family. You will treat her with respect, or you’ll answer to me. Head into the kitchen and grab your food while it’s hot.”

I glanced up at King and he winked at me.

“I told you. You’re safe here.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Hey, Prez, you can let her go now.”

My body tensed when I heard Blade’s words.

“I could. Seems she’s still a little nervous, though.”

“I-I’m good. I probably need to go help in the kitchen.”

My gaze switched between Blade and King. It felt like a standoff between the two men, me in the middle.

“I should go.” I tried to walk away, but King held me in place.

“Prez.”

Did Blade just growl?

Again?

“Watch your tone, brother. I suggest you head into the kitchen before those guys eat everything and there’s nothing left.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Brother,” King sighed. “I know I said,‘I suggest’, but you’ve been here long enough to know I don’t make suggestions.”

I wasn’t even sure they realized I was still standing here.

The two men glared at each other, and I felt anything but safe.

“I really need to go help the girls.”

Blade looked down at me and I realized this was the first time I had really seen him. There was something in his chocolate eyes that I couldn’t quite place. Something familiar. It was gone as quickly as it appeared. His eyes were now hard as he looked from my face to King’s hands still on my shoulders.

His brothers started walking out of the kitchen with their food, heading for the tables scattered around the room.

Blade grunted, turned and stalked out, slamming the front door.

I stepped away from King and turned with my hands on my hips and glared at him.

Apparently, I’d found my courage.

“Was that really necessary?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

He took a step toward me. “He needed to be reminded that I am the motherfucking King of this castle, and if I decide I want to touch you, he doesn’t get a say in that.”

“Do I get a say?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

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