Page 101 of Court of Evil

I know he won’t, but it surprises me when he steps forward, holding his hand in the air to silence everyone. He never once looks away from her, nor does he speak as he covers the distance between them. When he is level with Tate, he kneels before her, his arm over his chest in a hunter promise.

Commander Vilaran has never kneeled to anyone, not even death, yet he kneels to her.

It gives them all the answer they need to know.

He supports her.

He follows her.

He trusts her.

Either they will as well or they will leave before she finds their truths.

I have never been prouder of my friend.

He would stand against his own people, his own purpose, for her.

We remain silent until we reach Shamus’s office, and once the door is shut, we all relax, all except Tate who paces before him. The fae is stretched out on the sofa like he owns the place, and he swiftly falls asleep. Jarek looks over the books. Addeus is staring out of the window, no doubt looking into the security software in this room without even touching it. Fang and Tem stand at my side while Shamus leans into his desk, watching her pace before he grows bored.

“Why did you do that?” she asks when he steps into her path and stops her.

“It was the only way to defuse the situation. It would have ended in you slaughtering them all if not.” He shrugs casually, as if him kneeling before anyone isn’t a big deal. She could have killed him while he was unprotected, but he trusted her not to.

“So you did it to smooth things over?” she mutters, crossing her arms.

His smile is crooked and knowing. “I did it because it was the truth, but that was a bonus. They see their commander kneelingto you then they trust you. They understand I will support you and will not go against you—not openly at least. I also did it for you, Tate.” He reaches over and uncrosses her arms as she narrows her eyes on him. Neither of them like to back down, and it’s always entertaining when they clash.

“For me?” she repeats.

“Yes, you were questioning my loyalty after the reminder of those who have betrayed you. I will not allow that. If I have to kneel for you to understand that I will always be by your side, then I will.” Her eyes flare, and he steps closer, gripping her chin as his head lowers, and I want to squeal and cheer for them.

Why would I not want my best friend and the love of my life to be happy? There’s no need for jealousy, not here.

“You can make up your own reasons, but the truth, angel? I have had your back since day one and you know it. I will never betray you or leave you. I would carve out my own heart before I let anyone else hurt you. I have and will give my life for yours. This place grew because of me, but it was made for you. I’ve been reborn many times, but this is the only life I care about. You are what I care about.”

She’s quiet as she searches his eyes for answers. He remains still, letting her read everything on his face.

I feel like I should look away, like I’m intruding on their personal moment, but I also feel like I should have popcorn so I can watch them.

Fang leans into me and Tem. “Is it just me, or do those two need to fuck already? I could cut their sexual tension with a knife.”

Both Tate’s and Shamus’s heads jerk around. Shamus grins, and Tate looks annoyed.

“Oops,” Fang whispers as Tem and I chuckle.

The moment is broken, however, and she pushes Shamus away. “Whatever reason you did it, it worked. They won’t comefor my head for a little while. That buys me some time. I meant what I said, Shamus. My revenge is over, but this is just the beginning. You were right. We need to clear up the hunters before we are too far gone and the monsters stand up to us. We need to stop a war before it begins. Your actions will prove if you’re telling the truth or not.”

He grins. “Then we’ll see.”

She nods and turns away, but he catches her arm.

“Are you okay? Not just physically, you’ve been through a lot?—”

She tugs her arm free, her face cold. It’s Tate’s go-to mask when she is trying to cover how she feels. “Never better.”

He leans in, and I only hear his words because I’m close when he whispers, “Liar, angel, such a liar, but I’ll pretend I believe you for now.” He lets her go and heads back to his desk.

She watches him for a moment before turning to us. “We’ll take the elites’ old floor since it’s the most secure and away from everyone.” She opens the door and slips out, and we have no choice but to follow.

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