Page 33 of King of Tides

“No buts, be gone. I’ll get rid of him and then we can talk or whatever.”

He rolls his eyes at me and vanishes before my face. I heave a sigh of relief and turn to answer the door. A growl fills the air, and my jeans change to a black pair of sweats instead of the light blue jeans I had on.

“Thanks,” I whisper and shake my head.

I need him gone, not just invisible, but I like that he doesn’t want to leave me in pain. My mind is reeling as I run the last ten minutes through my head.

I have so many questions for Ardan. I don’t know whether to feel crazier than ever or to feel relieved because I’ve found a source for some answers.

My Mate

Imove to lean against the wall as Billy goes to answer the door. There’s no way I’m leaving here without her after she was attacked.

I reach to adjust myself as need pulses through me. I want my mate so bad it hurts. A grin comes to my lips.

It’s her. I’m so fucking happy it is. I don’t know if I’ll be able to reel it in. As I cross my arms and lean against the wall, her ass comes into view and her jeans are soaked through.

I growl and use my magic to change the ruined garments. I change her underwear too, as I pocket the soaked pair. Iwouldn’t dare to inhale them because I know all restraint will be lost.

Watching closely, I pick up on her nerves as she opens the door. A guy comes into view, looking anxious. However, it’s the look of lust that comes to his eyes that makes me stand up straight.

“Why aren’t you answering my texts or calls?” he says quickly.

“I was getting ready. I didn’t have my phone with me.”

“Well, aren’t you going to let me in?”

“We should go. I’m starving.”

I glance around at the mess from the fight and then down at the floor where the puddles of water lay from her banishing those three. Those guys smelled just like the hunters who were after Ray. Assuming she won’t allow him in because of the mess, I use my magic to clean it up without her noticing.

“You know, maybe it’s not a good idea to talk in my car. Let me in, we can order in, or I can cook for you.”

“I’m already dressed. Let’s head out like we planned.”

“Why are you being weirder than usual? If you’re hungry, I can whip you up something quick. Then we can talk.”

“I don’t have much here … You know what, let’s just rain check this.”

“We need to get our stories straight. If my captain figures out I did this because I want you—” he cuts off.

“What?”

I release my arms to my sides and ball my fists. She said this was her brother. He doesn’t sound like a brother to me.

“Nothing. We need to clear this up. The fact that you’re my sister alone could be a problem.”

“I understand how big a problem this could be for you, for me, and for Mack. Our relationship never needs to come up because there’re no real records of our adoption.

“Mack pulled some big favors to protect us as kids. When he was finally able to send us to school as Salvados, he took a big risk. Trust me, Carson, I’m going to do everything I can to protect him and you,” Billy says pleadingly.

“You want me to trust you, but you won’t even allow me to come into your place. Do you have some guy in there or something?”

“Carson—”

“Baby, where are the towels?” I call, using my magic to throw my voice from deeper in the apartment by the bathroom.

I stifle a chuckle as Billy stiffens. She turns her head and glares in my direction. I know she can’t see me, but I feel as if she’s looking me in the eyes.

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