Page 76 of Cruelly Fated
Oh, okay.I exhaled and joined him, my palms pressing into the hood’s grill. But no amount of breathing slowed the pulse galloping through my chest. I opened my mouth to try to convince Valor to go back inside—or else I’d run in myself—when the back door slammed open and rebounded off the wall, groaning on its hinges as it drifted halfway closed again.
Kyon stepped out.
I clapped both hands over my mouth. Slash marks streaked down his arms, and his shirt clung to him, soaked through with blood.
“Kyon!” I rushed forward and threw my arms around his neck, pressing my body to his. The feel of his warmth against me chased away the worst of my panic. I jumped back, gasping. “I’m sorry—your wounds—”
His stern gaze captured mine. “It’s nothing.”
Tentatively, he drew me in again, holding me like he needed the contact as much as I did. As if he needed proof that I was here, alive, and no longer marked for sale to the highest bidder. He rested his cheek atop my head, and I closed my eyes.
Valor cleared his throat. “Cops are on their way.”
Kyon didn’t move.
“There will be time later. You can’t be seen here.” Valor whispered the last part with urgency.
Kyon stiffened. He pulled away from our embrace and stared down at me, lips pressed tight.
“You’ll be safe with Valor. I’ll come as soon as I can.” He cradled my cheek, his gaze sweeping over my face like he wasmemorizing every detail. My tongue stuck stubbornly to the roof of my mouth. I didn’t want to say goodbye, even though that’s exactly what this was. He’d rescued me, but now he was handing me off because of his status. Because someone like me didn’t belong in his world. Our situation felt hopeless. So I said the only thing that rang true.
“Thank you.” I rose on my toes and placed a kiss on his cheek.
His brows pinched into a V, and he leaned closer, crowding me. “We will talk,” he growled softly. Then he turned and sprinted toward the trees as sirens screamed in the distance.
I gasped and whipped around, eyes straining toward the woods he’d vanished into. A part of me feared it was the last time I’d ever see him.
“Allie!” Lance’s voice snapped me back to the present. He jogged toward us, eyeing the vampire beside me with caution.
“He’s a friend,” I said quickly. “He helped me escape and called the cops.”
Police vehicles screeched to a halt, lights flashing red and blue across the parking lot. Officers poured out, surrounding the building like a swarm. Two of them rushed toward us. Valor stepped forward, explaining the situation and naming the main suspect. Lance listened with wide eyes, his arm slipping protectively around my shoulders.
“That scumbag,” he muttered, spitting on the ground.
“He’s also behind my mother’s murder and Grandpa’s arrest.” My voice cracked. A sob burst out before I could stop it. Larry’s revelations had finally caught up with me. He’d orderedmy mother’s death. He’d destroyed my family. For what? So he could own me?
Lance pulled me tighter, and I let myself cry into his shoulder.
“Shhh…it’s okay,” he whispered, trying to soothe me. Gratitude swelled in my chest for him in that moment. But gods, I wished it were someone else’s arms around me. I was self-destructive that way.
“Allie?”
I lifted my head to find Officer Marley standing by, concern in his eyes and a clipboard in hand.
“We need your statement. I thought it might be easier if I took it,” he said gently.
The back door banged open, and I flinched. Larry’s voice rang out, high-pitched and furious, as officers dragged him into view. His sleeve hung loose on his wrist, one shoe missing and his face blotched with rage. His bloodshot eyes locked on me, and he lunged like a feral dog. A loud pop cracked through the air as his shoulder dislocated. He screamed in pain, stumbling when the officers twisted his arms tighter behind his back.
Feel this pain. I hope there’s more coming your way.
“Don’t mention Kyon,” Valor whispered into my ear, barely audible.
I blinked, surprised at his request. But I wouldn't mention him even though I didn't understand why. Perhaps the dragon king didn't want that kind of publicity.
“Would you like to go to my cruiser?” Marley asked.
I shook my head. “Let’s get it over with here. I’d like to leave as soon as I can.”
