Page 20 of Born Free

“Look at us, discussing work and politics at a party,” Orlando says. It’s incredible how quickly he can flip the switch. “How very American of us. Elena, might I have the honor of a dance?”

I know my friend well enough to recognize the flash ofewin her eyes. But as he’s just stated, he’s a Royal, and you don’t tell a Royal no, apparently.

“Let’s all have a drink?” Chelsea says, waving one of the servers over.

It’s one of the longest nights of my life. I keep waiting for something to explode. I keep expecting Orlando to do something truly crazy, or for the Allaways to get wind of what’s really going on here in Chicago.

But it’s just a party.

A really freaking long party. The awkwardness and stress are nearly enough to kill me.

But finally, at six in the morning, half of the attendees have left, each of them anxious to get to wherever they’re staying for the day before the sun comes up.

“Orlando, I’m so glad you invited us,” Charles says. His face is flushed, and I wonder what guy in attendance here is the reason for his now rumpled hair. “If you ever find yourself back in the States, you are always welcome to our territory.”

“Thank you,” Orlando says with the slightest bow of his head. “I know things will always be a good time with the Allaways.”

I look down at my phone as it rings. It’s the hospital.

“Excuse me, I have to take this,” I say to no one in particular. Roman watches me as I walk out of the room. When the elevator opens, I step inside to find it empty.

“This is Dr. Doe,” I answer.

It’s the emergency room, letting me know that the police were called in twice last night. Once for a stabbing, a second time for a gunshot wound. The second patient died before they could get them to the operating table.

Yeah. The paperwork required will be a week’s worth of headaches.

At least I have some support staff now to help me handle it all.

The elevator hits the ground level, and I step out past three people waiting to go up. After this insane night, I need some fresh air.

I walk outside, feeling the presence of the sun dancing just below the horizon. The day is clear, so it’s going to be a blindingly bright day. But for now, I stand out on the sidewalk, turning my face up to the sky.

We take care of one disaster, and another one starts. I haven’t even been in Chicago for a year yet, but it’s already been more than I ever could have imagined when I learned what I am. I don’t like this unknown, having no idea what Orlando really wants. I don’t like the uncertainty about Roman’s future, now that we know who he really is.

I wrap my arms around myself and take in one deep breath.

You’ve made it through some crazy shit, Juliet, I tell myself.You’re going to get through this too.

“I have to say, I don’t understand what it is he sees in you.”

I nearly groan at the voice I hear from behind.

“Do you have any idea how many Royals were waiting for Andres to Resurrect?” Chelsea says as she walks up beside me. “The alliances that could come from marrying into the House of Badillo… And then he goes and falls for a nobody?”

“Life is mysterious, isn’t it?” I say, trying to ignore her.

Chelsea shakes her head. I look behind us. She’s alone, and I realize she’s followed me. “He has time. He’s immortal. And with no one to protect you, he’ll have options when you’re out of the picture. I plan to be first in line.”

“Are you for—” my words cut off as I turn to get serious, violence running through my blood.

But something forceful and sharp jams into my chest.

My eyes slide down from Chelsea’s to the wooden stake she’s just slammed into my chest.

“It’s nothing personal,” she says, wearing a wicked smile. “But you don’t deserve him.”

The breath doesn’t pull in and out of my lungs. I feel them filling with blood. Cold creeps up my feet, up my forearms.

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