Page 99 of Dark Angel

They’re talking about Levi’s latest assignment he was sent on this morning to speak with a Spellcaster coven about selling enchantments illegally registered at the docks. Supposedly they had deathly side effects for Shifters. Alice sits quietly in her seat, her emerald eyes wide as she takes in the tavern scene for the very first time.

Kora isn’t concentrating enough to listen to the full story, her mind wandering elsewhere, so she gets up from the table and follows Matthew over to the bar where Violet is filling their glasses.

“Thank you, darling.” Matthew says, winking to Violet as she hands him two drinks filled to the brim.

“Anything for you, my love.” The barmaid chimes in a sultry tone and sashays to the other side of the bar to wait on another man.

Kora looks at Matthew, who is grinning widely. “You are such a sweet talker.” Grabbing her gin off the timber bar top and downing a gulp.

“I can’t help it. The ladies adore me.” He answers proudly.

Kora just rolls her eyes before sipping more of her drink. Matthew does the same with his lemonade. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to his elbows, and Kora catches sight of the pink scar running along his forearm. She’s never seen it before. She’d remember if she did, and their bodies don’t normally scar since they heal fast enough.

Setting her glass down, Kora’s fingers lightly graze the imperfection and Matthew pulls away, frowning at her. “What are you doing, Kora?”

“You have a scar.” Her voice sounding both curious and concerned.

She tries looking again, but he hastily rolls his sleeve down, concealing it from her eyes. “It’s nothing.”

“What did you do? I haven’t seen that before.”

“Training.” He answers quickly.Too quickly.

Kora’s eyes narrow onto his as Matthew sips on his drink again, his gaze clearly avoiding hers. “Was it your father?” her voice is hushed now.

Matthew bites his bottom lip nervously, eyes searching the space surrounding them. “Don’t say anything, Kora.” He grits out lowly. His jaw clamped so tight his teeth might snap in half.

“Matthew…” she breathes out, her heart sinking in her chest.

His head falls forward, as if in defeat. Longer brown hair dangles down his forehead and temples. “He was going to hurt Alice. I had to stop him, but the glass cut my arm.”

“Glass!”

“Shh.” Matthew hisses at her, his emerald eyes glacial, telling her to keep her voice down. “It happened days ago. I’m fine. She’s fine. It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

“Iworrybecause you’re my friend,” Kora whispers back to him.

“I know, but it’s not your problem, Kora.”

“But if he’s hurting you,”

“I said I’m fine. I’m handling it right now.”

He pulls away from the bar, but Kora grabs a hold of him, halting Matthew in his tracks, “You told me that if it was bad, you’d tell me. This is bad, Matthew.”

His eyes don’t meet hers. They’re focused on the ground as water prickles them. He blinks the tears away, not wanting to be overcome with his emotions in front of everyone. “I’ll never forgive myself if he does something to her. She’s too young and fragile. She’s all that I have left. I need to protect from all of this. One of us should at least have a painless upbringing, and I want it to be her.”

Kora swallows the lump in her throat, her own eyes blurring back at his. “If he does it again, please tell me. You shouldn’t have to deal with this either. It’s not fair on you.”

Matthew nods slowly, drinking more of his drink. His gaze focused on his little sister sitting timidly as Jordan and Melody talk with her. He’s grateful for all of his friends, even though most of them don’t see what he’s dealing with each time he steps into his home.

“Thank you, Kora. I don’t deserve you.” He murmurs quietly.

Her hand is still on his arm, and she squeezes it tightly. “You deserve happiness and safety, Matthew. Everyone does. Come on, let’s sit with our friends and forget about everything for a few minutes. My mind could use a break as well.”

They go to return to their table when Kora catches sight of her brother and Daisy walking into the Sage.

She pushes through the crowd to run into Daisy’s arms. “You’re awake.”

---