Page 12 of Death Deals

I wasn’t so sure I trusted him, even to do something that simple. Andre didn’t look convinced either, but he didn’t question it.

Peering down at the two preserved pieces of the letter again, I couldn’t understand how something so innocent sounding could be what the DeMontes and the Perezes were basing this new peace treaty on. I was no expert, by any means, but it seemed like they were trying to build a foundation on sand. It wasn’t stable enough.

“What is she?” Hector’s question threw me off guard.

It must have thrown Andre, too, because he didn’t reply. Only glanced at me, his expression unreadable. My nerves spiked.

“She can’t be human,” Hector went on. “She smells…different.”

Smells? Different? What the heck was that supposed to mean? He had to be talking about the scent of my blood or whatever, but I still dipped my chin toward my armpit and gave it a quick, subtle sniff. Just in case.

After a few more moments of silence, Andre said, “She is different, and she’s going to be the way we get to the Omaris.”

Hector scowled. “You’re planning on bringing her.” It was a statement. Not a question.

He nodded. “She’s my claim. She goes wherever I go.”

There it was again. Him mentioning me being hisclaimand talking as if I wasn’t really here. Man, it was annoying, but at the same time, my entire being heated with desire.

Hector straightened. “Right. Well, our hotel arrangements are set and waiting for us.”

“As is our flight. It leaves at midnight,” Andre replied. “Are you and your men ready to go?”

“We are.”

“Excellent. I have arranged transportation to the airstrip.” Everyone stood at the silent dismissal. The two halves of the letter were gathered by their respectful owners before they all collected their things and walked out.

I was about to follow, but Andre held out an arm to hold me back. Cassandra walked around and glared at me as she left us behind.

“What’s her problem?” I mumbled to myself.

“Ignore her,” Andre said, hearing me. “Cassandra is…”

“A major bitch? You don’t say.”

Andre chuckled. “Yes, that is true. But I was going to say protective of me.”

Protective or jealous? I would say the latter.

He eyed the door, making sure it was closed. “I’m going to assume she doesn’t like that I’ve claimed you, either,” he went on.

“About that,” I began, “what does that mean exactly?”

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Like I said before. It means that you are mine.”

I stepped back, my throat tightening. “Um, yeah, but I’m not. Not really.”

“Well, no. But the others must think you are. It’s the only way I can protect you.”

My eyes narrowed suspiciously. I wasn’t sure I liked this plan of his. Especially with his blood still connecting us.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice dropping. “Are you going to say you’re spoken for?”

“I—” I hesitated. Eli’s face popped into my mind. The last time I’d seen him, it was after my last Trial had revealed my true heart’s desire hadn’t been him. It’d been Cole, which I didn’t agree withatall.He’d been so hurt, and no matter what I said, I couldn’t seem to save it. Even now, I was still at a loss.

“I’m not,” I said. “Not anymore.”

It bruised to admit, but it was true. I knew Eli loved me, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel the same. And I couldn’t drag him along until my feelings changed. That wouldn’t be fair to him.

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