Page 5 of Deceived

She can’t go. My stomach twists. I haven’t impressed her enough, she’s only tasted what I can offer once. I need to make it an addiction so she’ll keep me.

Felix steps forward with his hands up in a peaceful gesture, pushing between the two of them. Anna and Aksel keep their eyes locked but both allow Felix to step in between them.

“Enough. No one is going anywhere. Aksel you need to calm the fuck down and stop speaking to her this way before my animal rips you apart for the insult. We all need each other, that much is clear. We aren’t leaving Anna out of any decisions.”

“We can’t take him in. We don’t trust the council and this could be our one chance. We have his brother, who should have insight into how to find him. The council might take that away. Take some time to cool down and we can talk again tomorrow,” I say.

Anna and Aksel give stiff nods before marching away. Anna heads for the stairs, presumably going to her room. Felix follows her immediately.

“Why do you have to be such an asshole?” I ask Aksel as he collapses into an armchair.

“You’re blinded by your dick. Don’t think we don’t all know what happened between you two. Someone has to keep their head around here.”

“It wasn’t a secret. Stop being an asshole and start being a leader. There’s a difference.”

With those parting words, I head up the stairs myself. My loyalty is clear. I choose Anna. Let Blaze be there for Aksel.

The door is slightly ajar, like it was left open for me. Did they know I would come?

Felix and Anna are sitting against the headboard, above the white comforter. Felix has his arm around Anna, holding her close.

I don’t second guess myself, climbing onto her other side, pressing myself against her, and resting my hand on her leg.

“Aksel is an ass,” I say into the silence.

Anna chuckles, “That much is obvious.”

“We wouldn’t let him cut you off the case. You’re a part of this and we know we need you. More than that, we want you around,” Felix tells her.

He’s right.

Anna sighs.

“Forget about him. Today was a huge revelation. How do you feel?” Felix asks.

“Honestly, I don’t know how to feel. Everything about this gives me a headache. My brain isn’t remapping my memories with new knowledge. It’s not like I look at Ryan and only see the guy I once knew. There’s still pain and heartbreak. And when he snarled and flashed his fangs, it all came back in vivid detail.”

“That’s to be expected. New knowledge doesn’t necessarily mean emotions change,” I say.

We don’t say anything else, sitting in silence, trapped in our thoughts.

Felix’s stomach growls, breaking the silence and making Anna laugh. It’s a perfect sound.

“I guess I should get some food. Can I bring you both back something?”

It’s an invitation for me to stay. An acceptance of my pursual of her. As far as he knows, he has the stronger claim and he’s made it known, but he’s letting me stick around.

“I’m not hungry, but thank you,” Anna answers.

“Me neither,” I add.

Felix nods, leaning in to quickly kiss Anna before he goes.

I replace his arm with my own, tucking her into my body. I can still feel how stiff she is still. Her thoughts are plaguing her with no sign of release.

I want to help her so I offer comfort in the only way I know how.

Gripping her chin, I turn her head towards me. “I could help you forget.”

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