Page 72 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“Where are you?” Noah growls.

“Main level, near the elevators.”

“Don’t let him disappear.”

“I don’t intend to.”

Noah ends the call with a little more force than necessary, and then he turns to me, scowling.

“So, how bad is it that I belong to House Sorin? Cassian wouldn’t tell me.”

“It’s bad.”

“You’re being evasive too. How bad is bad?”

“Gerald holds your life in his hands. He can kill you on a whim, and all he has to say is you went rogue. There’s not a single thing Cassian or anyone else could do about it, besides start a small-scale house war.”

I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “I mean, you’re right. That sounds bad.”

“If Alfred wasn’t bluffing, and Gerald is truly the one who’s been trying to keep Cassian off the throne, this is about the worst news we could receive.”

“Because they can manipulate him with me?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“You know, this might be the reason Cassian wanted me to stay home.”

Noah closes his eyes, looking like he wants to murder someone—and I’m not sure he’s particular about whom. After several seconds, he exhales a controlled breath. “There’s also a chance you’re the reason Cassian suddenly decided he wants to be archduke.”

“Me?” I ask, startled. “Why?”

“Because if he’s crowned, he would have the power to legally adopt you into his line.”

And just like that, everything clicks into place.

I feel the blood rush from my cheeks. “Are you serious? Cassian suddenly decided to become archduke because ofme?”

“He’s a loyal vampire.”

“But that means that this thing with Sophia ismyfault.”

“None of this is your fault.”

“Is it even safe to join Alfred on his very expensive, custom-built yacht tonight?”

“No. But we don’t have a choice, and he knows it. He took one look at you and realized he has leverage.”

“What if he dumps us into the ocean?”

“Can you swim?”

“Notthatwell!”

“It’ll be fine. Alfred is an opportunist—he cozies up to whoever he thinks is the most powerful. It’s possible he’s about to change sides.”

“To Cassian, you mean?”

Noah nods.

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