Page 87 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

What? My stomach drops. “Why didn’t he just tell me?”

Cash gives me a sad look. “He didn’t want you to worry.”

Guilt floods me as I think of all the Fae that have gone missing while I hide here protected and safe.

Cash shakes his head. “Talk to him, Tink. Hook will do anything for you. Get him to see that this is our best option. Ouronlyoption right now. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

Cash leaves, heading out through the side door while his words tumble around in my mind and heart.

No matter what way I think about it though, I know he’s right. Thisisour best option. It’s not just me these Hunters are after, they’re targeting other Fae too.

I couldn’t help the Fae in the Fae Realm, but I can at least help those that are here. I can help stop the Hunters from hurting them and anyone else.

Whether or not Hook liked it, using me as bait was our best option.

* * *

I find Hook in the gym, attacking one of those heavy hanging bags like it’s his worst enemy. I stop and watch him for a moment, in shock and awe at his ability. Each move is powerful and vicious. Each attack meant to cause serious damage.

It shows me that what we’ve been doing in our lessons is child’s play in comparison. And I have a long way to go if I want to be even half as good.

I shake my head as I walk over to him. As if he senses me, he stops but doesn’t turn around.

“Tink—”

“I’m going to do it. I’m going to be your bait as planned.” If I say my piece and go, maybe we can move past the argument about to happen.

Hook whips around, a slash of anger etched across his face. “No, you’re not.”

Or maybe not.

“This was our deal.” I step closer to him. Maybe I can reason with him, make him see sense.

“Forget the damn deal,” he growls.

What?I take a step back as if he just hit me. How can he go back on his word just like that?

“But… youpromised.” My voice is barely a whisper. But Hook hears it, his eyes softening.

“I’ll get you what I said. That won’t change.”

His words slowly filter in, making me frown. “So you’re still going through with your side of the deal and yet you expect me to just… forget about my side of it?”I shake my head. “No. I also made a deal and I also keep my word.”

Hook clenches his jaw. “It’s different and you know it.”

“How is it different? Nothing has changed. The Hunters still need to be caught.” And now that I know about the Fae, we should move quickly before more are taken,or worse.

Hook’s eyes widen as he steps closer to me, looking at me as if I’m going to disappear right in front of him.

“I’ll figure something else out.” He frowns as he turns around and yanks his gloves off with a snap before throwing them to the floor.

I walk closer to him, not willing to give up on this. “I know you’re worried, but we can’t sit by while others are going missing and getting hurt.I can’t sit back knowing Fae are disappearing when I can do something to help.”

Hook tenses up. “Cash told you.”

“Youshould’ve told me,” I accuse.

He whips around. “Why? So I can add to your nightmares?” He steps closer. “Did you think I forgot about them? Or how you cry out in your sleep as if you’re in pain? As if someone is physically…” He releases a harsh breath, clenching his jaw.

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