Page 50 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

“We’re fae. We’ll get in.”

“But you said?—”

“Getting in is one thing, becoming part of the community is another matter entirely. I’m not promising they’ll welcome us with open arms, but we’ll get inside.”

“How do you know? You said you’ve never been there.”

“I’ve heard my parents talk about these things my entire life.”

“Must be nice.”

“I didn’tlikekeeping secrets from you, but my parents convinced me it was for your own safety. The last thing I wanted was to put you in any danger.”

“You didn’t trust me?” I study him.

“It’s not like that. I don’t trust Gunnar, and clearly I was right in that assessment.”

“I wouldn’t have said anything to him.”

“But by not knowing, you didn’t have anything to hide. If he asked you any questions about fae, you would be fully honestin your lack of knowledge. He’d have no reason to push you for answers.”

“I guess I can see that, though I can’t remember him ever asking.”

“You wouldn’t, would you?” He lifts an eyebrow. “But if you were hiding knowledge about the fae world, that would be something etched into your mind.”

He has a point. Even though I wish my mother and friend had spoken up sooner, I can see why they didn’t.

Harek hands me his jug of water, and after we’ve hydrated we set out again.

My heart slams against my chest as I think about crossing paths with more vampires.

“You need to relax,” Harek whispers. “They’ll hear your heartbeat from a long distance.”

I groan. “You can sense my heartbeat?”

“When it’s that erratic, yes. My wolf is itching to get out again and my senses are on high alert. Vampires might not be able to hear it like me, but they’ll smell it. Take some deep breaths.”

“Youtake some deep breaths,” I snap, but I know he’s right.

“If we’re in danger, your palm will let us know.”

I glance at my completely not glowing hand. “That does seem to be how it works.”

“All the more reason to stop worrying. Predators can sense that like you wouldn’t believe.”

“Does that make you a predator?”

He stops and looks me square in the eyes. “Not to you. I’ll always do whatever I can to keep you safe, and I’d never put you in harm’s way.”

My heart races even faster at his words. My face flames knowing he can sense it. He can probably even sense my embarrassment. Has he always been able to know my feelings?

Harek takes my hand in between his two. “You may not be able to trust many people, but I will always have your back. Never doubt that.”

Another rush of heat slams into my cheeks and runs down my neck. What is going on? Why am I responding like this?

“Thanks.” I pull my hands away and turn from him.

“Just don’t forget that.”

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