Page 88 of The Secret of Pain

“As for this new weapon, I will speak to Luc, see what he can find.”

“Thank you,” I breathe, taking comfort in his arms.

“For you, I would break the world in two to discover all its secrets, so you should know.”

“You say the strangest things.” I giggle. “But that’s part of why I love you.”

I lift up and kiss him, showing him just how much I love him with my kiss.

“Well, isn’t this just a pretty picture?” Roman’s voice fills my ears, but Kain holds me still in his arms.

“Roman,” Kain says calmly, smiling at him.

“It has been a while, old friend,” Roman replies, and my jaw just about hits the floor.

“Wait, you two are friends?” I ask, taking a step backward.

“The years are long, and when you are gone, friendship is sometimes what gets us through waiting for you,” Kain responds.

“Well, slap my ass and call me Sally.”

“Don’t tempt me, princess,” Roman says, his eyes heating at the thought.

“Oh hush,” I tell him “What are you doing here?”

“The same as he is, I imagine. Making sure you’re okay. I tried to reach you before, but since this is your first time at home, it’s the first time I’ve been successful.”

“Sorry to inconvenience you,” I sass, rolling my eyes at him.

“I am glad to see that some things never change.” Kain chuckles, his smiling face making me laugh.

“Well, maybe if he could just tone himself down a little,” I say, sitting down. “But as you both can see, I’m fine. Today is a me day, a day of relaxing before the funeral tomorrow.”

“I understand, mon coeur, we shall leave,” Kain says, catching my hand and placing a kiss on it.

“I’m not going anywhere, not until I have more information,” Roman grunts. I swear if I roll my eyes any harder, I’ll be able to see my brain.

“What information?” I ask, trying to be patient.

“I was worried about you. The news of Lycans and Dracul working together has the packs up in arms. I’ve heard from ten of the twelve alphas across the world these last few days, each asking questions, none with any idea that this is why their rogue problem seemed to be dying down.”

“I know no more than you at the moment, old friend. It would seem even the Hunters struggle for information. Why don’t we leave our heart in peace and see what we can find out?”

The key turns in my door and I panic, not knowing who could be walking in.

“Calm, princess. It’s the boy wonder,” Roman says as Creek enters my apartment, his face thunderous when he takes in the room.

“Well, isn’t this just fucking cozy,” are the first words from his mouth, and I sigh. I really need to change the locks.

“Don’t you start, boy,” Roman growls as the door slams behind Creek.

“Roman, anger will not help this situation,” Kain says, putting a hand on Roman’s shoulder, as if to hold him in place.

“You’re seriously here with them, after everything?” Creek says to me, the anger rolling off him.

“They had nothing to do with what happened. You know how I feel about them; why would they not be here?” I hold firm, refusing to back down, because despite his words before, knowing something and seeing it are two very different things.

“How do you know they had nothing to do with it?” he bites, and Roman growls again.

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