Page 226 of The Cruelest Undead

This was what they got bitchy about so many times. You didn’t go to someone’s home and force your way in. That was how she died once.

And now, they were going to do exactly what they fought so hard to instill in the other families.

“Pretty much.”

Percy wasn’t enjoying that.

“But when you leave, that will make it more difficult. That will make surviving here…hard.”

She was aware.

“Percy.”

It was rare the man argued, but for this, he had dug in and was fighting them.

“Mistress, and I mean this with the utmost respect for you…it’s easy for the three of you because you’ll pop out of here, and abandon us.”

And that hit her hard.

Jolie got quiet.

Flynn, explain to me why our mate feels so upset? Should I end this vampyre for hurting her? She feels like she wants to cry.

Flynn tried to explain.

Jolie is feeling guilty. She feels like she’s abandoned her family, and now, she has to figure out a way to make it better for them, and herself.

Because of me?

Flynn hesitated.

It is because of me, isn’t it? I can feel how you three relate to this city. I can feel your joy when you’re here, like it’s…home.

Flynn didn’t mince words. There was no point sugarcoating it.

Because it is, Rinnon. This is where we ran to when we were ostracized from Philly. This became our only place, and when we had to fight to the top to stay alive, New Orleans welcomed us.

And you don’t have that because of me?

Again, he hesitated.

Finally, he shared.

Your home is in Paris, and we moved there because you’re lair is safe there. We didn’t have an option.

That hurt his heart.

Well, the heart he shared with Flynn.

As they stood there, Jolie tried to apologize to Percy for how difficult they were going to make this on him.

“I know that you mean no disrespect, Percy. We’re family, and you are entitled to speak your mind.”

“Mistress…”

“Jolie,” she said. “I’m just Jolie.”

He held out his hand, and she placed hers in his.

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