Page 35 of The Night Runs Red

It didn’t matter because this was all hypothetical. Even though my uncle bore the mark, I knew he wouldn’t harm me. In fact, he’d taught me to protect myself from an early age. Why would he do so if he planned to kidnap me?

I stared down at the phone in my hand, fighting the bile rising in my throat at the thought of his betrayal. I’d lost many people, but my aunt and uncle were my constant. They were there for me through thick and thin, better or worse, victory or destruction. If they’d only been raising me for slaughter, I’d welcome death. I wouldn’t want to live in a world so cruel.

I pressed his name, bringing the phone to my ear. It rang for so long that I assumed he wouldn’t pick up, but his cheery voice came through the line at the last minute. “Little star,” he greeted. “This is a surprise. Are you well?”

“I’m feeling much better than I should be, given my injuries.”

“And are you being properly cared for? Just say the word, and I will bring you home.”

Do you mean kidnap me? I couldn’t help the thought. “No, I’m fine. I promise. But I did have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

I paced in front of my bed, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. “Uncle, I want to be prepared for the next attack, and you’re the best warrior I know.”

He was silent on the other line for a beat before answering. “What makes you think there will be another attack, little star?”

“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I have. They’ve already tried twice. What’s to stop them from trying again?

Once more, that silence stretched before I heard a heavy sigh from the other line. “Of course, little star. We can resume your training if it makes you feel safer. When would you like to begin?” We quickly made plans to begin over the weekend. Before hanging up, my uncle added, “I will see you at the mayor’s party tomorrow evening.”

I groaned. I’d hoped the stupid thing would’ve been canceled. “That’s still happening?”

My uncle chuckled. “Yes. They postponed it a few days given your accident, but now that you are well, it’s in full swing again.”

We chatted more before finally saying our goodbyes. I still couldn’t believe he could have anything to do with my attempted abduction. Still, until we learned more, everyone was suspect.

* * *

The sound of laughter and loud voices found me as I made my way through the main hall into the kitchen area. The breakfast nook was crowded. Brielle and Anya sat on one side, with Rion sitting stoically on the other.

I was surprised to see all of them together, especially Rion. His rigid posture gave away his discomfort—a seemingly insignificant image that would forever be burned in my memory. He was so out of place amongst my friends, sticking out like a sore thumb, but I secretly loved it. Little things like this? They were the most important part if Rion was truly trying to gain my trust.

“Well, this is a surprise,” I said, coming up and leaning against the island. I fought my smile as I looked at my husband. “I didn’t know we were going to have company.”

“Neither did I,” he gritted, taking a sip of whiskey from the tumbler before him.

“I hardly got to see you earlier before you were swept away. I’ve been helping Anya with the dogs, and—” Brielle turned to Rion. “Anya said I had to ask you, but I was wondering if I could buy one of the pups when they’re born and weaned…” she trailed, attempting, very poorly, to bat her eyelashes in his direction.

He stared at her. “Are you alright? It seems there is something wrong with your eye.”

Anya and I looked at each other before laughing. “No, I was trying to convince you to let me have one of your pups!”

“And that was how you chose to do it?” He grimaced. “You looked as though you were dying,” he mumbled.

“Oh, put her out of her misery. Let her have one,” I chastised before turning around and grabbing a wineglass from the countertop and pouring a drink.

Rion sighed. “Very well. They were meant to go to good homes, anyway.”

“Really?” I asked, standing straighter. “Where do they go?”

“I run a charity for disabled children. Most cannot afford to own the service dogs they require, so I provide them.”

I raised my brow, flicking my gaze to Anya. “You breed your dogs to go to children in need?”

“You look surprised, love. Yes and no. I do not typically breed them at all. In fact, the latest litter was a mistake. However, my animals are the best of the best and, as such, will make fine service animals.”

I didn’t know what to say. How could this man, this grumpy pain in my ass, be so empathetic underneath it all? It was difficult to reconcile who I was getting to know with the man I first met. They were completely different people.

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