Page 70 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“Covered?” Rion frowns pocketing the phone. “Youwillcall us if you need anything?”

He raises a brow, waiting for me to object. But I knew from the demanding look in his eyes he wasn’t going to budge on this. Instead, I nod, giving him a small smile.

His frown deepens as he releases a harsh breath.

“I should get going.” I turn around, ready to high-tail it out of there.

“Kiarra?” I stop but don’t turn around. Knowing if I do, I wouldn’t be leaving this hall anytime soon.

“Don’t… Don’t go too far.”

Even with King’s tag, I couldn’t if I wanted to. At least, not yet.

Still facing forward, I nod my head, knowing he wants to say more but is all too aware of how far I would run if he were to say anything else.

Hearing him sigh, I start moving, forcing one leg in front of the other. The further I get away from him, the more foolish I feel for letting his little agreement ever happen.

What was I thinking? Any involvement with them, especially physical, wasn’t going to end sweet or innocent.

I can feel them, not physically or even mentally but some deep part of them that goes beyond the soft looks they give or the physical connection that always feels intense. They’ve burrowed inside me.

Whether it’s the bond or our connection as kids, they’ve taken root, unwilling to let go.

Just like when we were kids, when they stole my heart, they’ve snuck back in to do it again.

Only this time, I don’t think I want them to give it back.

CHAPTER 16

Going over the plan one more time, I sip the last of my coffee while looking out over the city from my suite. The sun is up sending waves of rays around the buildings and shops. It’s early enough that children are playing in the park across from the hotel, while others are doing their morning run around the small glistening lake beside it.

You don’t realise how much you take for granted until it’s taken away from you. Visiting the park and playing with your friends. Swimming in the lake while the sun blankets you in warmth. The atmosphere and hustle and bustle of the city as you make your way through the throng of people on their way to work.

All things you wouldn’t think could be taken away from you. The view from my suite makes me long for all three. So much so that once I’m free, I know it’ll be on the top of my list of things to do. Just far, far away from this city and any other King runs.

Today was the day a different captive would be set free, giving me hope for my own escape.

Jax wouldn’t tell me what his distraction involved, only that I would know when I needed to move and that I was sure to be impressed.

I shake my head to myself, a small smile on my lips as I imagine what Jax’s plan is to make sure all of King’s and Kaladar’s men are sufficiently occupied.

Knowing him, he’d probably try to blow up the place.

I chuckle to myself, knowing it probably crossed his mind but was too crazy of an idea to go ahead with.

A loud bang vibrates through the hotel as the fire alarm goes off. It’s high pitched shrill, blasts through my ears.

I stand there for a moment, gaping up at the ceiling where the alarm plays on repeat.

No. He couldn’t have…

Knocking my coffee back, I grab my jacket and head outside my suite. Locking the door behind me, I watch as people scurry out of their rooms, some half-dressed and dishevelled, as they make their way to the nearest exit.

Lights flicker above, encasing us in darkness. A moment passes before the emergency generator kicks in. I move through the hall quickly, trying to avoid the mass of supes milling about, waiting for the hotel to get whatever is happening under control.

Reaching the lobby, I duck my head but watch from the corner of my eye for any bored supes looking for a target.

There are packs of them. From shifters to vamps and all in between. Each sticking to their own little groups while sneering over at the other.

---