Page 106 of The Rogue's Curse

“So do I,” Paris said. “This tension is unbearable; I know that the longer we wait and plan, the better our chances are of defeating him, through building our strength and increasing our resources. But in that time, he causes more suffering. It is a terrible limbo, and were I in anyone else’s position, I would not want to be in my own.”

Nikko just gave him an odd look, as if it had only just struck him that things were not so simple.

Paris pressed on. “My one glimmer of hope in this messis that his insistence on blasting the story to the whole damned state means people will be more cautious for the next few days, particularly young blonde beefcakes and twenty-something brunettes. And within the next three days, I intend to remove Shea’s head from his neck. Understood?”

Please back down, he thought. His threat to Nikko wasn’t entirely empty, but it would break him to wield a sword against his brother.

“Understood,” Nikko said.

He met Nikko’s gaze, not flinching. “I hope you’re being sincere,” he said. “And if you can negotiate somehow to slow them down, I’ll hear you out.” Nikko nodded, and Paris continued, “While we’re clearing the air, I should tell you that Danielle has asked to be turned.”

“I know. Olivia’s freaking out, and—”

“I’m going to turn her so that she’s awake by the time we go after Shea,” Paris interrupted. “I’ll let you handle your partner. It’ll give you something to do before we deal with Shea.”

Nikko spluttered, “Are you serious? Right now?”

“Right now,” he echoed. “She’s a smart girl and she knows what she wants. She wanted it before you and Olivia ever met.”

“But Olivia—”

“Olivia doesn’t get to make Danielle’s decisions,” he said with a chuckle. “And neither do we. She said you told her you’d do it eventually.”

Nikko shook his head. “I was thinking much later.”

“Well, she’s ready now,” he said. “And I won’t mention it again as it’s not my business, but I’d take a long look at myself and ask when it’s time to bring Olivia over.”

Nikko’s brow furrowed, and he shook his head. “We’ll talk about it. You’re sure about Danielle?”

“I’m positive. We’re doing it tonight, so you should tell Olivia if Dani hasn’t already,” he said.

Nikko headed for the door, but he froze in the doorway. He turned back and frowned. “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you,” he said quietly.

“Are you sorry because you know you were wrong, or sorry that I called you on your bullshit?” Paris said.

A faint smirk tugged his lips. Nikko chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t envy your position. I just can’t sleep at night knowing they’re hurting people specifically to get at me.”

“Well, that makes two of us who can’t sleep at night,” Paris said. Nikko flinched, and he knew it was a cheap shot. “Get to work.”

After settling in at his desk, Paris texted Danielle. He’d gotten in touch with her during the day while Misha slept, and she had practically fallen over her feet in her excitement.

That afternoon, they’d met in the partially refurbished cafeteria for coffee. Rather, Danielle had drunk coffee while he sipped warmed blood froma mug. “You’re certain?” he asked.

She nodded. “I’m sure. I’ve wanted this for a long time.”

“Is there anything you want to do before you change? Some meal you want to eat, see a sunset on the beach…” he said.

She chuckled and said, “I’m not a romantic like you. Although I wouldn’t mind a good, juicy burger. I’m going to miss bacon.”

He laughed. “We can make that happen. And your family? Friends?”

Her smile lingered, but there was sadness in her eyes, leaving an oddly brittle expression. “I told you our family sucks. Most of my friends liked the Danielle who was always getting in trouble and hooking them up with free booze from wherever I was bartending. When I started spending more time with the court, they disappeared.”

“That doesn’t bother you?”

“They disappeared because I’m more stable now. I guess being relatively responsible isn’t nearly as fun. They obviously didn’t like me as a person. It stings, but that’s life,” she said. “I like you guys. I’ve gotten really close to Phoebe and Karina over the last few months, too. And we’re not perfect by any means, but my relationship with my sister has never been better, even with all the craziness going on.” She shrugged. “It sounds pathetic, but I don’t feel like I’m giving up anything.”

“It’s not pathetic,” he said. “You know, I felt the same way.”

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