had
to
recover, to project confidence. I didn’t feel.
“Maybe I am just very good at hiding it, but you’ve got some nerve, sandra, to say this to my face.” I injected as much ice into my voice as I could manage.
“I mean no offense, but I and Kaius have history, and that no one can deny. Do you want to know what I think?”
“Not really, but I guess you would still tell me anyway.” I leaned against a shelf, feigning boredom while my mind raced with escape plans.
“I don’t think you are Kaius’s mate.”
I forced myself to appear cool and calm. “No?”
“Not at all.” The certainty in her voice was terrifying.
“Then why would I be here?” I challenged.
“He might have mixed things up, or you might have, but you are not his mate. He would find out anyway.” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “I have yet another theory.”
This was getting worse by the second. I had to deflect, to counter her suspicions without revealing the truth.
“Would it be more interesting than the first?” I asked with forced lightness.
“What if this was all an agreement between both of you? Or just maybe you have something against him, something you are using as a weapon to blackmail him.”
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. How had she come so close to the truth? Not the blackmail part–I’d never dream of attempting such a thing with a man like Kaius–but the agreement? That was too near the mark.
“You must be crazy, Lysandra. You say you know Kaius well, yet it is shocking that you think I could blackmail a man like him.” I protested.
She considered me thoughtfully. “True. Whatever the case will be, I just want to warn you beforehand.”
“Before you begin with the lectures about how dangerous he is, know that I’ve been told that a whole lot of times already.” I thought of my mother’s warnings, of Ophelia’s scarred face.
“Then let’s skip that part.” Her tone shifted, becoming almost sympathetic. Whatever he needs you for, when he gets it, you will be gone from here, it would be worst if you did hold something against him, I’m sure he sees whatever you do as a game and when he is free because he will be, he would make your life a living hell. I am not saying this because I hate you; I harbor no ill feelings for you, but you are truly no match for him, yet I can’t deny the fact that you did surprise me
The false concern grated on my nerves. There was nothing genuine about this woman’s interest in my welfare–she wanted me gone,
wanted Kaius back.
“I harbour no ill feelings for you either, even if you fucked my mate. The crude language felt strange on my tongue, but I needed to regain some control of this conversation.
A flicker of surprise crossed her features, quickly replaced by a calculating smile. “Your mate. Interesting choice of words, given our
discussion.”
1/2
Chapter 40
“The only choice of words,” I replied firmly. “Now if you’ll excuse me I should find my way back to him.”
As I reached for the door, her hand shot out, gripping my wrist. Not painfully, but with enough strength to remind me of the difference in our abilities.
“One more thing, Luna.” Her voice dropped to a near whisper. “If you’re playing a game with Kaius, remember this–he always wins. Always.”
I pulled my arm free, meeting her gaze directly. “Thank you for the warning.”
The corridor beyond the storage room was mercifully empty. I walked with measured steps until I turned the corner, then leaned against the wall, my legs suddenly weak.
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