Page 16 of A Hint of Delirium

“You’re a disgrace to the family. Do you even care?” I tried not to shout and attract Vi’s attention.

“I don’t have a family,” he growled.

Just as we were about to go for blows again, my bedroom door creaked open. Vi stepped out, wide eyed, barefoot, and wearing the shorts and t-shirt I’d lent her, her arms wrapped around her middle.

“What’s going on?”

9

VIOLET

When I heard a crash, I froze in place. Thatdefinitelydidn’t sound like the food delivery person. Whoever our new visitor was didn’t appear to be friendly. I crept toward the bedroom door and pressed my ear to the wood and tried to listen, but the sounds were muffled and I couldn’t make out any of the words.

Ansel would want me to stay in the room, but what if he was hurt? What if whoever it was killed him and I was just sitting in his room, listening? Not that I could do much, but still. He said we’d be safe there. I guess he was wrong.

I couldn’t just cower in the bedroom. If something happened to Ansel, they’d come for me next. I had to help him fight back. I shook out my nerves and reached for the door knob, turning it and opening the door. It creaked in the stillness and I heard the stranger speak.

“I don’t have a family,” the man growled.

I raised a brow and cautiously stepped out into the hall, staring aghast at the two men standing in the destroyed living room. Normally unflappable, Ansel was disheveled, a dark bruise beginning to form around his beautiful green eye, and his lip was busted.

I swiveled my shocked stare to the man who’d caused the damage and my knees buckled to see someone equally as stunning. The visitor had short black hair and similar eyes to Ansel, but one was a different color from the other. He was masterfully carved and utterly sinful—and I couldn’t help but stare.

“What’s going on?” I squeaked, noticing they weren’t fighting anymore. They were both watching me.

The stranger smiled mischievously and my heart fluttered. “And who might this be?” He attempted to take a step toward me but Ansel stood in his way.

Ansel was livid, a vein pulsing in his neck that looked like it was about to burst. “Don’t you dare go near her,” he snarled. I hadn’t seen this side of him in the limited time since meeting him. Not even when he fought the Unseelie guards.

The stranger laughed. “Touchy, touchy.” He wiggled his fingers at Ansel and sized me up and down. “Aside from the dreadful clothes, I can see the allure.”

NowIwas angry. “Excuse me?” I took a step forward, my fists balled. “Eyes up here, buddy!” I pointed to my face. I didn’t care if he was fae or not; I wasn’t a piece of meat to be leered at.

“Vi, stay back,” Ansel warned. I stopped in my tracks. “He’s Unseelie.”

I jerked back, shock and slight fear warring for dominance in my expression. The stranger saw my visceral reaction to hearing the wordUnseelieby the smirk on his face.

“She knows about us. Interesting. You gave a human the sight, brother?”

“Brother?” I choked out, but they ignored me.

“This is none of your business, Alec. Leave!” Ansel stepped forward until he was inches away from the newcomer’s – Alec’s – face.

They looked so similar, it made total sense that they were brothers. But if they were, how could they be on opposite sides of the court? How could they be different types of fae if they were family? Were Seelie and Unseelie all that different? God, I still didn’t understand this fae crap.

I ran to Ansel and tried to pull him back and put some distance between them. “Ansel—” I tried, but before the words were out of my mouth, I was yanked away and my back slammed against Alec’s chest, his hand hovering over my neck.

“What’s so special about this girl?” Alec asked.

I stood frozen, my eyes wide as I stared at Ansel. Alec wasn’t touching me, so I could move. I started to step away when his hand ignited into flames. I gasped and flattened against his chest to keep away from the flickering fire.

“Alec!” Ansel yelled, distress clear in his voice. He outstretched his hand, but I was too terrified to move. “Leave her alone! She means nothing to you!”

His brother grunted and I felt the sound vibrate through my back. “But she means something to you.”

The flames climbed higher until they almost licked my face. I clutched Alec’s sides, pressing myself closer to him to keep away from the fire. I could barely concentrate on anything other than escaping the heat in front of me. How the hell did I get myself in this situation?

“Alec, I’m sorry … for everything. Just let her go!” Ansel pleaded.

---