Page 10 of Hell Storm

Levi’s grin widened. “I won’t go through with it unless you do to me what you did to Julian. Bestow the gift of true sight on me, so I know that,whateverthis process makes me feel is really me. No … smoke and mirrors, as our good friend Jon Carlisle stated.”

Interesting.

“Can you guarantee it will override the imposed feelings of the bond? The Claiming?” he inquired.

With certainty, I gave him my word. “I can guarantee it will be the most powerful, most overwhelmingly true thing you’ve ever felt.”

The gravity in my tone seemed to give him pause.

I extended my hand to shake his, and to grant his request right here and now.

Dropping his feet from where they’d been propped on the table, they hit the floor with a thud as he leaned in closer. His gaze fixed on my hand for a moment. My guess was that he knew I only needed to touch him with the intent to bestow, and the deed would be done. When his gaze rose again, our eyes locked. Then, with certainty in his stare, he pressed his palm to mine, sealing the deal.

“Consider it done.”

The words left me as a wave of energy flowed from me to him.

He breathed deeply, probably sensing the exchange within. “And so it is.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Corina

Had I not agreed to join him for breakfast, I wouldn’t have gone. It wasn’t like my nerves would let me eat anything anyway. Already, my hands were shaking, and I wondered if coming down wearing the black v-neck Elle paired with dark, slim-fitting jeans was too much—the shirt too lowcut, the jeans too tight.

I made a quick mental note to see when I’d be allowed to, you know, pick out my own clothes. However, as soon as the note was made, I erased it from my thoughts.

Why am I thinking about settling in? The first chance I get, I’m leaving.

The quick reminder sobered me. Trudging ahead, I tightened my ponytail as my steps echoed in the flats I wore. Julian’s home was massive. Had it not been for the waitstaff rushing in and out of the dining room, I might not have known I was close.

Before daring to step inside, I paused and took a breath. It still felt so unnatural to walk among their kind, to share a table with them, but this was my life.

For now, anyway.

When I crossed the broad threshold and stood beneath a carved archway, four sets of eyes zeroed in on me right away—each with his own inquisitive stare.

Julian looked as though he might have smiled had it just been us two.

Silas generally carried a look of worry, as if the world was a flimsy house of cards that would be whisked away at the first hint of a breeze.

One corner of Levi’s mouth quirked into a devious grin, as always. He twisted the band of a ring he wore, boasting a large ruby at its center.

And then there was Roman. Behindhisstare there was only ever darkness. As if there was an empty void where his soul should have been.

“Good morning.” That deep, sultry voice rung pleasantly in my ears, and when I turned toward the sound, I wasn’t surprised to find Silas smiling.

I forced one of my own as a settling breath passed between my lips. He stood and then proceeded to pull out the seat between he and Julian. It took a moment, but I realized he intended for me to sit.

“Good morning.” My voice sounded so small when they were all in a room.

And my voice wasneversmall.

“Did you sleep well?” Julian asked.

I offered a stiff nod. “I did. Thank you.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask him the same, just to be polite, but then I remembered; they had a choice of whether they rested. Unlike humans.

---