Page 19 of Marked By Night

7

Kaos

Ican’t keep my eyes off of her.

I literally can’t take my eyes off this enigmatic girl. It was the same way at the lake. Dante and I both felt drawn there as if the fates were leading us to her location. Then when I physically saw her, I was a goner right there on the shore.

She looks as stunning as she did yesterday morning with her lovely dark blonde hair curled down her back and those tight-ass shorts with the fishnet leggings—or whatever they’re called.

The way her hip juts out when she places her small hand on it makes me smile. Her eyes narrow and her cheeks burn as she confronts this man she apparently knows, who has a damn death wish. It fuels the bloodlust inside of me.

Nobody fucks with a woman—any woman—around the Kings unless they want to die. And these two seedy pricks aren’t getting the memo fast enough for my liking. Even with one of them under my boot.

It makes me want to castrate them. Women are meant to be treated with respect, as equals. Not toys.

And the way these two are staring at her? They think she’s a toy to be played with. Not on my watch. Though, she seems quite capable of defending herself. No one else noticed when she slipped her knife out of her pocket, but I did. Something tells me there’s more to uncover under the surface of this girl.

Sadie flicks a lock of her hair over her shoulder and straightens her spine. The dim light reflecting off the stage illuminates her face, basking her in a glow that highlights her slender nose and bright full lips as she stares everyone down. She’s spunky, for sure.

A few moments later, her friend kicks the mouthy one in the balls. I hold back my wince because he doesn’t deserve my sympathy. Although, I appreciate her sassy attitude. She gives us all a wide smile while readjusting her tight outfit.

Normally I’d be appreciative of the view, but her looks do nothing for me compared to Sadie. I’m used to the pretty girls fawning over me, and I long for things to go deeper than the surface level. I want to make connections and find a bond that’s beyond any scale of comprehension.

The shithead, Tyler, I think, says something hateful to Sadie again, but I don’t quite catch it. Whatever he says makes her hands clench around the handle of her blade. My blood boils. I’ve never felt this possessive over a girl before—let alone a total stranger—but it feels right with her. Easy even. She draws me in like no one else ever has. It’s absolutely riveting.

I’ll be the first to admit I find something so intriguing about Sadie. Even at the lake. I could’ve kicked myself for forgetting to grab her number, but the call from the Elders distracted me. They wanted to let us know we have a month to pick a mate. Total bullshit, but there’s nothing we can do. It’ll be forced upon us whether we like it or not.

I cast a glance over at Dante and judging by the way his eyes soften as he gazes at Sadie, I’d say he’s as much of a goner as I am.

Do you think it’s possible?I project my thoughts into his mind.

What?he asks.

For her to be our Link.

All the signs are there. From what I’ve heard at least. We’re not given any information on mates anymore because the Elders don’t want us to learn the fake bonds they force upon us are wrong.

I don’t know, but is it bad that I kind of hope she is?

Yeah, me too. Me fucking too.

Too bad it’s impossible.

Although, I’m starting to doubt that.

8

Sadie

“Listen,” I blow out a breath. “Thanks for the towel yesterday morning and defending me with my ex back there, but you don’t have to stick around. I know that I’m a lot and…” I trail off with a shrug. I figure it’s better to give them an out now.

Kaos observes me like a puzzle he wants to figure out. Ha. Good luck with that. Many have tried and failed.

He looks to Dante and then nods. “I think I speak for both of us when I say we like being around you. Let’s see where this night takes us. If you’ll have us?”

My stomach flutters and I say, “Sure, let’s have some fun, shall we?”

Dante grins as he waltzes over to stand beside me, offering his arm. “With that out of the way. We should go enjoy the rest of the show. I think the intermission is almost over,” he says and none of his earlier ire shows on his face. I can’t decide if the humor is a mask or if it’s a part of who he is.

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