Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Don’t be an ass,” Hexius bit out. “I know you still think you have reason to hate me, but I also know your honor would never allow for that.”
“You can’t say it wasn’t worth a try,” Alphonse said finally.
Relief rocked his powerful body even though a part of Hexius was tempted to drive his fist into his brother’s face the next time they met.
“You’re right, I can’t.” Hexius clenched and unclenched his fist. “But if you try making another joke like that about my future wife, I’ll kill you.”
“You sound like you really care for her.”
Hexius stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse, watching the city lights blur into streaks of gold and white. “She’s what’s good for the pack.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“You didn’t ask one.”
“Then allow me to correct—”
“Enough with the games, Alphonse,” Hexius snapped. “Where is Samira?”
“Where she asked to be taken.”
The phone creaked under Hexius’s grip. “Just tell me, dammit!”
“Take a guess, brother. Samira’s a smart girl, and if she understands what she’s up against, where do you think she’ll go?”
There could only be one answer to that, and only one place where even a billionaire alpha like him had no power.
Chapter Nine
THE L’Alliance residential wing doesn’t feel like any hotel I’ve ever stayed in. I don’t know how to explain it, but the hallways seem designed not just for walking, but for flying, too?
“Good morning, Ms. Hondros.”
“G-Good morning.”
Everyone’s been greeting me by name, but I know it’s only because I’m a registered guest under Calys Adelardi, alpha and queen of the Panthera, daughter of the Queen of the Souris, wife to Lyccan Prince Alejandro Moretti, and most importantly of all—her adopted human sister happens to be Anastasia, my roommate.
Connections mean everything to preters, and I’m starting to appreciate the truth in this.
“Good morning, Ms. Hondros.”
I manage another smile and mumble out a greeting as I make my way to the breakfast hall, which looks even more enchanting than any other dining hall you’d find in theme parks. Not because of how it’s designed—just your typical Old World charm, if I have to describe it—but because of who’s around me.
Blood-drinking Caros.
Shifters of every species.
Faes.
While I think I’m the only one who’s hu—
“Sam, over here!”
Oh, phew!
Make that two humans instead, and I can’t remember being so, so glad to see Anastasia waving at me from one of the windowside tables.
I can only smile and shake my head when I see that she’s already ordered everything I love to eat for breakfast. This is so like her, and honestly, whoever Anastasia ends up marrying someday is one lucky dude.
Anastasia bursts into speech as soon as I settle on one of the chairs. “How are you? Did you sleep well? Are you hungry? Please tell me—”
“Slow down,” I urge her laughingly. “I’m fine, I promise.”
The other girl shakes her head. “I don’t have to be a shifter to smell your sadness.”
Oh, Tas.
Whatever would I do without her?
Anastasia looks at me soberly. “Can you tell me what happened?”
The words spill out in a stilted voice, each one cutting deeper than the last. I tell her everything, from the moment I accidentally saw the messages on his phone to Alphonse taking me here, and me calling Anastasia because I knew a human like me can only secure a room if I’m vouched by a member of exceptionally good standing.
“I’m so sorry, Sam.”
“I’m sure I’ll feel better in time.” I hope. “And I can’t thank you enough for helping me with...this.” All I can do is wave my hand as I gesture to my surroundings.
“Maybe, once a few days have passed, you guys can talk—”
“I don’t think there’s anything left to talk about. It’s not like he ever said we’re a love match or anything. For all I know, God only meant to use me as a way to bring them back to—”
Huh?
Why is Anastasia suddenly looking like she’s seen a ghost behind me—
Wait a minute.
Since this is L’Alliance, what if she has seen a ghost?
Like...a ghost from her past?
“Is it him?”
Anastasia gulps, and I’m even more convinced this time.
I lower my voice, asking, “Is it your first love—”
Ouch!
Did she just kick me under the table?
And hard enough to make me wonder if she’s the stuntwoman between us, too!
“I was just worried,” I protest. “I know you’ve been avoiding Stef—”
Anastasia kicks me again, but this time, it’s her turn to whisper—
“It’s your first love, not mine!”
What does she mean—
No.
Oh no.
Please don’t let it be—
“Is that what I am, Samira?”
Ah, crap, I’m doomed.
I turn around, and of course it is him.
Hexius.
Who’s not supposed to be here, so how in the world—
“Am I your first love?”
Oh, who cares about how a non-member like him managed to enter the preters’ version of United Nations?
I jerk to my feet when he takes another step toward me. “No, you’re not.”