Page 16 of The Warlock's Kiss

The man’s brow furrowed as though he were uncertain of how to take her response, but his mild confusion vanished faster than it had appeared. He turned and walked toward the door, saying over his shoulder, “Keep to the parlor.”

“Got any food we can have?” Danny asked. “We’re starving.”

“Danny,” Adalynn warned.

The man paused mid-stride, his posture stiffening. “Yes, you must be. I imagine breaking and entering is hunger-inducing work.”

Adalynn frowned, her body tensing. “We said we’re sorry. We thought this place was abandoned.”

“And I said you may spend the night. If that’s not enough for you—which it clearly isn’t—then by all means, come to my pantry. I’ll feed you little beggars, too, so your bellies are full before I kick you out.”

Little beggars.

She pressed her lips together as anger roared through her. She had no right to be angry, not now—the world had fallen apart, leaving everyone to fend for themselves, and she was the one who’d broken intohishome—but she couldn’t put it aside. That he was being more helpful than necessary didn’t mean he wasn’t being an asshole—or that she and Danny had to stay here and endure that treatment.

Danny scowled and opened his mouth, but Adalynn moved to stand beside the boy and grabbed his hand tightly, silencing him.

“No, thank you,” she said. “We wouldn’t want to bother you any more than we already have. We’ll find somewhere else to sleep and spare you the inconvenience of having to be a decent person for one night.”

The man turned to face her, his brows low and eyes narrowed. “You come into—”

“I don’t need to be reminded of the circumstances,” Adalynn snapped, stepping toward him. Her heart was racing; this was foolish,dangerous, but she couldn’t stop herself now. “I was there, remember? All we’re looking for is a safe place to live and a little food to eat. We made a mistake in breaking in. You don’t owe us anything after that. But we don’t have to stand here while you insult and belittle us.” She looked at Danny, who was staring at her with wide eyes, and gave his hand a tug. “Come on, Danny. We’re leaving.”

She led her brother past the man, keeping her gaze fixed ahead.

This waswhat Merrick had wanted—the humans gone, along with all the potential problems and complications they would’ve caused. His house would be spared further damage, his stores would be spared unnecessary depletion, and his mind would be spared the constant irritation of having mortals nearby. It should’ve been a moment of petty triumph—which was sometimes the most satisfying sort. It should’ve been a moment of quiet celebration.

Adalynn and Danny leaving on their own was the ideal outcome for all concerned parties.

Why, then, did her walking away—without giving Merrick a second glance—sting tenfold more than the angry words she’d hurled at him?

He was angry, yes, but he was also…disappointed. Sorrowful. Confused.Panicked. These were not emotions befitting an immortal being with unfathomable arcane power at his command. Catering to the needs of a pair of humans was beneath him. Humankind was beneath him—over his long years, they’d certainly demonstrated that they saw beings like Merrick as little more than monsters and abominations. Why should he showanycompassion toward their species?

But the thought of Adalynn spending the night out there—though she must’ve spent so many nights out there already—sparked unexpected concern in him.

How could he be so concerned and yet so frustrated all at once?

He spun on his heel to face the humans just as they reached the ballroom entryway.

“You will join me in the kitchen presently, Adalynn. Even if your pride is too large to exist in this home alongside my own, that is no reason to deny your brother security and food tonight.”

She stilled. A moment later, she released her brother’s hand, turned, and marched back toward Merrick, her expression hard.

She raised a hand and jabbed a finger at him. There was fire in her dark eyes. “Don’t youdareuse my brother to guilt me.”

There was something…excitingabout her anger. It charged the air with energy he’d scarcely encountered, a fleeting, mortal energy made more intriguing by its ephemeral nature. The crackling power coalescing deep in his belly seemed to be in direct response to her. It was a gathering of magic, but it was something more, something impossible to define because it was entirely new.

“I’m simply concerned about his wellbeing.Someonehas to be,” he said.

She stared at him incredulously.

“Dude,” Danny muttered, “it’s like youwanther to stab you.”

Merrick glared at Danny only long enough to say, “The adults are speaking, boy.”

“No, he’s right,” Adalynn said, glaring at Merrick.

“Food and shelter for tonight,” Merrick continued, though part of him didn’t know why he was so adamant she stay; he’d certainly not made it an appealing choice. “Tomorrow you can swear at me as much as you like—despite my generosity—on your way out.”

---