Page 39 of My Dark Horse Prince

“I’m sure they’ll be watching this place,” Aleks says. “Just as they watch my place.”

“How do you know?” Now I’m really nervous. What exactly is going on? Who are these people and why are they watching them?

“I’ve laid a few traps to see what might happen, and so far they haven’t acted.” Aleks sighs. “But when I was away from home, away from my wards, away from my support, that’s when they moved in.”

“But what does that have to do with me?” I ask. “Isn’t that even more reason for me to come with you?”

“Aleks warded this place too,” Kris says. “Before we ever stayed here. They won’t be able to come inside.”

All this magic stuff is bizarre, and I can’t really trust it.

“Besides,” Aleks says. “Grigoriy was always the scariest of all of us at combat. They won’t come at him directly.”

Grigoriy steps closer to me.

For some reason, it feels ominous. “What does that mean?”

“They’re more likely to go after you,” Kris says flatly.

“Why me?” I look around, searching all their faces for any answers. “I have nothing to do with him.”

Aleks tilts his head. “You can shift him from man to horse.”

“I mean, yes, I can. But who knows who else might be able to do it, too?”

“Only Kris could shift me,” Aleks says.

“How many other people tried?” I ask.

Kris’s shoulders droop. “None.”

“So you don’t know that she’s the only one. Maybe lots of people could.”

“I could only use my powers when I was touching her,” Aleks says.

“Did you try with other people? Other women? Children? Anyone?”

Aleks clears his throat.

“Scientists you are not.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to stay here. I don’t have anything to do with Grigoriy, and the last thing I need is a target on my back—”

Grigoriy touches my arm, and a sudden wind whips around the room. It lifts every single thing up off the ground. Picture frames. Chairs. Coffee table. Lamp. The curtains flap wildly. And then it all stops, and everything returns to its normal place, not a single thing a hair different than before. “I can keep you safe, but only if you’re near me.”

“Try it with her.” I glare at Kris.

Aleks scowls.

Kris shifts awkwardly, but she nods.

Grigoriy crosses the room slowly, not looking too pleased, but he puts his hand on her forearm.

Aleks looks like he might hit him.

But nothing happens.

No one hits anyone. No wind whips around the room. Nothing.

“How do I know you’re really trying?” I ask.

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