by Jackie May
As much as it grinds, I can see his point. I hate that his argument makes sense. “But why bring me to Henry?”
He shrugs. “Clan rules.”
When he says that, it rings familiar. I remember hearing that in his thoughts last night. He’d been conflicted about bringing me to his master but felt he had no choice. It was the rules.
“Henry has special gifts with his compulsion. If we find a human who knows about us or we accidentally expose ourselves to them, we are to bring them to him and let him decide how to proceed. I didn’t know you had any gifts. And though I didn’t believe it, there was a chance you were involved in Nadine’s kidnapping. I’m sorry, Nora.”
Damn him for sounding sincere. He’s telling the truth, and it makes sense. From his perspective, I can sort of believe he did the right thing. Director West must feel the same as me, because she smiles affectionately at him again and then raises an eyebrow at Henry. “When you looked into her memories, did you find evidence that she was involved in Nadine’s disappearance?”
Henry shakes his head. “No. She was merely an innocent victim of her neighbor.”
“And do you consider her a threat to the underworld? Do you feel she will expose us to humans?”
Henry’s headshake becomes emphatic, and his voice turns prideful. “No. She would never try to harm us that way. Nora is much smarter than that.”
Director West levels Henry with a heated glare. “And after discovering that this woman was no ordinary human, that she has gifts of her own, and was not a danger to the underworld, you still felt it necessary to keep her hostage? You forced her to use her gifts to your own benefit, you compelled her to do your bidding, and you attempted to turn her without her permission?”
It warms my heart that the woman is pissed on my behalf. It’s the first sign of her opinion where I’m concerned. I’m glad it seems to be in my favor. Henry, on the other hand, is pissed. I don’t think the master vampire is used to having his authority questioned. “I did what I felt was necessary,” he growls. “Nora’s is a unique situation. I had her best interests at heart.”
Madison turns her angry glare on Parker. “And you? Do you feel your sire was acting in Nora’s best interest? Did you have no problems with what was going on?”
Parker is startled to be addressed so directly like this. His eyes bounce back and forth between Madison and Henry, then finally turn my direction. It’s clear he doesn’t want to answer, but the director is waiting. Finally, his shoulders slump, and he says, “I was conflicted. For the first time in my life, I did not agree with Henry’s choices.”
The poor bastard sounds devastated by that.
Henry roars. “You doubted me?”
Parker pulls himself together and answers with confidence. “I acted loyally, Sire. I never went against a single command. I tried to have faith in your judgment.”
Henry’s face flushes red with anger. “But you doubted me. You believed I was in the wrong.”
It’s not a question, but he’s waiting for an answer. “No.”
Wulf clears his throat. “Some of us in this room can smell lies, Parker.”
Henry snarls at this, either angry that Parker lied to him or that he sincerely doubted his master. Parker holds up his hands. “Forgive me, Sire, I did not mean to lie. It is more complicated than a yes or no. It wasn’t you I doubted. I believed you weren’t acting like yourself. I was worried about you.”
Henry sputters. “I beg your pardon?”
“Nora got to you, Sire. She got under your skin. She bewitched you.”
“I didn’t!” I gasp at the outrageous accusation. “I can’t do that. And why would I? I didn’t want his attention!”
“I don’t mean literally, Nora. There’s just something captivating about you. Henry fell victim to your charm.” He looks back at Henry, who’s still seething. “Perhaps it was seeing her memories the way you did. She’s had an exceptionally difficult life. You wanted so much to take away her pain and suffering, to help the broken woman who needed your protection. I believe you were trying to be noble. You were doing what you felt was right. But instead of helping Nora, you were hurting her. That’s why I suggested you let her go back at the club.”
It’s true; Parker had sided with me when I’d tried to bargain for my release. Everything he’s said tonight has made all of his actions seem justified, noble even. He’s making it impossible to hate him. It’s really annoying.
Henry’s eyes grow wide, as if he’s only just considering the possibility that he was making me suffer. Parker’s confession shocks him. He’s stunned that Parker believed he was hurting me. Pompous jackass.
Parker turns his plea to Madison. “Henry’s intent was neither malicious nor selfish.”
When I snort, Parker cringes a little, and Henry glares at me. I glare right back. Henry was being a selfish bastard, and he knows it.
“Henry’s right,” Parker says, clearing his throat to break the hostility between Henry and me. “Nora’s case is unique. It was difficult to know what the right answer was. I believe Henry did his best. I wanted to help them both, but I couldn’t betray my sire, and I wanted Nora’s safety and well-being, too. I wasn’t sure what to do.”
He meets my gaze then, and his deep azure eyes pierce mine. When he silently begs for understanding and forgiveness, my heart softens against my will. I actually kind of feel bad for him, as sick as that is. Not that I’m suffering from Stockholm Syndrome or anything. But Parker seems caught between his own morals and his loyalty to his sire.
It’s crazy, because Parker doesn’t seem like the type of man scared to speak up for himself or defy someone if he feels it necessary. The way he defers to Henry doesn’t make sense. The sire bond must be stronger than I thought. And I was so close to being stuck with one myself. I shudder. I’m so glad Nick Gorgeous brought me to the Agency.
Our stare is broken when Director West once again takes over the conversation. “Very well,” she says. “Parker, if you truly believe Henry’s intents were honorable…”
“I do.”
I scoff, but everyone ignores me.
“And technically the girl is human, so technically no underworld laws were broken…”
I fold my arms over my chest and grit my teeth, but I manage to refrain from calling out bullshit.
“Henry, consider this a warning. I would advise you to make better choices in the future. Perhaps listen to the council of your advisors more often.” Her eyes flick to Parker, and she smiles.
“A slap on the wrist?” I nearly jump to my feet. “That’s it? Are you kidding me?”
Ren flashes me a smile from across the table. His eyes are sparkling as if he’s amused by my temper. “A warning from the Agency is serious business, honey. It’ll put him in check. Don’t worry.”
I have my doubts about that, but there’s no point in arguing.
“What about Nora?” Terrance demands, earning the room’s full attention. He meets my gaze, then narrows his eyes on Director West. “She knows about our world, and she has her own gifts. She probably has underworlder blood in her somewhere. She should be able to interact freely within our world and learn what she needs to keep herself safe. She should be considered one of us and protected by our laws so that a misunderstanding like this won’t happen again. Are we allowed to help her even though she’s human?”
Director West gives me a long, searching look, then slowly nods to Terrance. “That is probably the best thing to do in this case. Yes, you may bring her into the fold.” Her eyes turn to me, and she smiles a sincere smile. “Welcome to the underworld, Miss Jacobs. You are free to go.”
I can leave. And Henry’s not allowed to stop me. It takes a moment to sink in.
“Congrats, Trouble.”
A giant grin spreads across my face as I stand up and spin around to face my new friend. “I don’t care what anyone says about trolls, Terrance; you are one stand-up man.” As he laughs, I lightly punch his shoulder. It’s the closest
I can manage to a physical gesture of appreciation—I am so not a hugger. “Thank you. Seriously. For trying to stop him at the club earlier. For coming to the Agency. Being here right now. No one’s ever stuck up for me like that before.”
“It was my pleasure. You’re welcome in my club anytime. Wulf and I’ll look out for you.”
I smile, but before I can tell him thanks-but-no-thanks, Wulf approaches us. “A word of caution for you, Nora.” His low voice is surprisingly soft with compassion. “The underworld can be a harsh and dangerous place.”
“Buddy, I live in Detroit.”
I kick myself for that lovely bit of sarcasm. Mouthing off to a werewolf can’t be smart. Luckily, he just smirks and says, “A fitting training ground. However, the more you interact with our world, the more you will face new dangers. You are still human. It won’t be easy for you.”
I’m grateful for the warning, but he’s preaching to the choir. “You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t plan to jump in headfirst or anything. I’d rather not jump in at all.” I give Terrance a sheepish smile. “Thanks for the offer, T. Your club is kickass, but I’m not sure it should really be my playground, if you know what I mean.”
Terrance sighs at the truth in my statement.
“What do you plan to do?” Ren asks. He and Director West have come over, looking politely inquisitive.
I blow out a long breath, wishing I had a solid answer. “I’m not sure exactly, other than get out of town. I’ve got a little money saved up. It’s not much, but it’ll get me a bus ticket and an apartment somewhere.”
“You’re going to leave Detroit?” Parker asks, coming over to join the conversation.
Henry is behind him, but he’s keeping a little distance. I ignore the pout on his face and nod to the entire group. “That’s been the goal since I was a kid. I’ve been stalling trying to save money, but Xavier has made for some pretty good incentive to leave. I’ve got to help Terrance find his sister’s friend if I can first, but then, yeah, I’m gone.”
Terrance’s eyes snap wide. “You still want to help me find Shandra?”
I don’t understand why he’s so shocked. After what he’s just done for me, the least I can do is try to help him. “Of course I still want to help. Not that there’ll be much I can do unless we get a lead on that car.”
“Nora.” Terrance swallows back a lump of emotion. “You don’t have to do that. It’s dangerous, and you want to leave. You’ve done enough to help already.”
He’s saying no, but there’s hope in his eyes. It makes me smile. I’ve never told anyone about my gifts before, much less used them to help someone. It’s a nice feeling, and Terrance deserves the help. “Don’t be ridiculous, Terrance; of course I’m going to help you. I don’t make friends easily, but when I’ve got your back, I’ve got it. And T-Man, I’ve got your back. From now on. You feel me?”
Now I’m being absurd, holding my fist out to Terrance for a fist bump. Terrance grins and crashes his huge, meaty hand against my knuckles. “Right back atcha, Trouble. No matter where you end up after this, you need me, I’m there.”
“You’re welcome to stay,” Director West says. “If you need a job, you could come work for the Agency—gifts like yours could prove very useful.”
I shake my head automatically. “Thanks, but I just want to keep my head down and my nose out of trouble. Your world isn’t exactly safe for humans. Besides, I could use the change. I’ve got a lot of bad memories here that I’d like to escape…and certain asshole vampires to avoid.”
Director West lifts an arched brow at me, but the corner of her mouth tips up into a small smile. “Very well. Stay safe, Nora, and good luck in your next venture.”
After saying good-bye and giving my thanks to everyone, I make my way to the back of the room, where Oliver is still sitting at the table. He starts to fidget when I approach, but he stays put knowing I’ve got questions. “Oliver, hey.”
“Hi, Nora.”
I sit down next to him and offer a smile to put him at ease. He runs his fingers through his hair and then tucks both of his hands in his lap.
“So…” I ask the million-dollar question. “You work here?”
He meets my gaze and gives me a small, almost cocky smile as he shrugs a shoulder. “I’m the assistant director.”
“Seriously?” My eyes bulge. That title sounds important. Like…is he Nick’s boss? Sweet, cute Oliver? He certainly looks the part now. He’s handsome in his suit and seems to have more confidence than he had on the bus yesterday. “If you have a good job here, what in the world are you doing hanging at the library and taking the bus out in my neighborhood every night?”
Oliver’s cheeks blush. “I was keeping an eye on you.”
My jaw falls slack, and I quickly pop my mouth shut. My mind starts racing. What did he mean by that? Why would he be looking out for me? How did he even know who I am? It was sweet that he was worried about me, but it was a little creepy at the same time. Was he stalking me?
Oliver grimaces, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “You don’t remember, but we’ve met before. Years ago. I’ve been looking out for you ever since.”
I’m shocked. Had we met before last night? Sure, I’d seen him around the library over the last few months, but I didn’t think we’d ever talked. Had we? I think really hard and come up blank. “Um…no…?”
He shakes his head. “No. You don’t remember, because I spelled you to forget. A long time ago. About nine years ago.”
It only takes me a second to realize what he’s talking about, and then I gasp so loud I gain the attention of everyone in the entire room. “That was you?”
Oliver flinches, startled, and his face drains of color. “You do remember?”
A shadow closes over me, and I glance up to find a giant, overprotective troll giving Oliver a stink eye. Everyone else gathers in behind him. “Everything okay over here?”
“Yeah, sorry, I just…” I look back at Oliver, my mouth flapping like a fish’s. “The park that night? Those men… That was really you?”
He nods, face ashen, and mumbles, “I didn’t mean to kill them.”
“What?” Nick asks. He sounds morbidly curious.
Director West, on the other hand, seems much more concerned when she says, “You killed people?”
I want to slap my hand over my face. Wrong thing for him to say in front of a whole group of people that happen to be the underworld police. No wonder he seems so distressed. His face goes green as he glances up at his boss. “I didn’t mean to.”
Poor guy. There’s no way I’m going to let him get in trouble for that. “I’m glad he did. Those bastards deserved a lot worse than they got.”
There’s silence for a few moments, until Director West says, “Would you two care to explain?”
I really don’t want to explain, but it sounds more like a gentle command than a request, so I take a deep breath before launching into one of the most horrific memories of my life. “I was thirteen, living with a foster family up in Chaldean Town. Sometimes my foster dad would drink, and when that happened, it was better for me to not be around, so I’d duck out of the house and wait him out in the park nearby.”
“A thirteen-year-old girl wandering alone in Chaldean Town after dark?” Nick mutters. “Were you crazy?”
“It was usually the safer option,” I murmur as I fall, unavoidably, into the memory. “Just not that night.”
Several people in the room curse under their breath.
“What happened?” someone asks gently. I don’t know who, because I’ve got my eyes closed, and I’m fighting to stave off the PTSD panic attack.
When I can’t answer the question, Oliver speaks up. “It was late in the evening, and I was out in the park practicing my control of my magic. I had a hard time containing my power back then. But anyway, I was on my way home cutting through the playground when I saw two human men…um…”
“Attacking me,” I finish, my voice a
ghost of a whisper.
The energy in the room grows heavy with friction. A low snarl breaks the silence that’s so menacing the hairs on my arms stand up. I’ve heard that growl before. Terrance’s eyes have gone black, like they did back at the club. The entire group seems just as shocked by his change as those at the club had the first time.
I understand this is some kind of reaction to the news that I was hurt like that, because Terrance feels protective of me. I’m a little baffled that the troll cares so much, but it punches me in the gut at the same time. I’ve never had a true friend before. Never had anyone to watch my back. My chest burns at the thought of the treasure I’ve acquired in my acquaintance with Terrance.
I hate touching people, but I place my hand on his arm anyway. I’m plunged straight into his thoughts because they’re so close to the surface. He’s so beside himself with rage that he’s having a hard time not tearing apart the people in this room. The only thing keeping him from rampaging is the thought of figuring out who those men are. When he does, they’ll be dead for what they did to me.
“They are dead,” I assure him. “Oliver took care of them that very night. I’ve been safe from them for years now. It’s okay, Terrance.”
Terrance takes a deep breath. His eyes morph back to their normal brown, but he’s still trembling slightly. “It’s okay,” I promise him again. “It was a long time ago, and Oliver saved me.”
It hasn’t been long enough—will probably never be long enough—but I’m not going to admit that to Terrance right now.
“I didn’t mean to kill them,” Oliver whispers. His voice sounds as haunted as mine. “I was just so angry and scared. And I didn’t have control of my magic yet. One minute they were terrorizing Nora, and the next they were on the ground, charred beyond recognition. Nora was still conscious, and I was afraid she would tell people what happened, so I spelled her to forget what she’d seen and took her to the hospital.”
I don’t realize I’m shaking my head until Director West questions me. “His spell didn’t take?”
I glance up at her, startled. “Sorry. No, it did. I did forget how they died, but…” I meet Oliver’s gaze. My eyes start to glisten, and I take a deep breath to keep from crying. “But when you took me to the hospital, you carried me in your arms. We were touching, so I could hear your thoughts.”
