Page 15 of King

Jared’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Meaning there are times that you do like me.” Jared grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. “I knew it. I knew I was your favorite.”

“If favorite means I would kill you with a smile, you’re absolutely right,” Sloan growled as he walked out of the room.

Daniel, standing near the door, grinned and shook his head. “Looks like some things haven’t changed since I’ve been gone.”

“Same shit, different day,” Jake muttered as he moved past, his tone dry.

King didn’t take his eyes off Daniel. “What do you know about all this?”

Daniel’s expression darkened as he stepped closer. “I need her to fill in the blanks.” He rubbed his jaw, a muscle ticking as his thoughts raced. Then his eyes flicked back to King, his voice lowering. “This isn’t just about Joey or Amara’s family.”

King’s stomach twisted, sensing something sinister behind Daniel’s words. “Then what the hell is it about?”

Daniel sighed; his eyes swirled like clouds gathering before a storm. “Let’s just say some want their blood for immortality, strength, power, and control over things that should stay dead.”

King’s chest tightened as rage clawed at his insides. “We’re not letting that happen.”

King entered the waiting area with a guarded intensity, his eyes locked on Sloan as he approached Amara. She rose to meet Sloan, her posture tense but composed. Even though King knew Sloan would never harm her, the instinct to protect surged within him, unrelenting and fierce.

Sloan extended his hand. “I’m Sloan Murphy,” he introduced, his tone calm and measured.

Amara’s small, trembling hand slipped into his. “Amara,” she said softly, her voice low but carrying a quiet strength. She straightened her spine as she met Sloan’s gaze with resolve.

“I’m sorry about Joey. He’s a good kid. And I’m sorry about your brother, Lee.” Sloan’s voice softened as he stepped back to give her space.

“He is,” Amara nodded, her expression tightening. “And thank you.”

“We will find who’s responsible.” Sloan’s tone sharpened with resolve. “This is Jared, and that’s Daniel. You’ve already met Jake and King.”

Amara’s gaze flicked to each man, her eyes lingering on King before returning to Sloan. Just then, Slade entered, drawing everyone’s attention. King felt a sharp jolt of tension rise in the room, but Slade’s calm demeanor quickly diffused it.

“He’s still stable,” Slade said firmly, meeting Amara’s panicked expression. “There’s a nurse with him now. He won’t be left alone until I get back.”

“You’re a Warrior?” Amara’s brow furrowed in surprise.

“It’s his part-time gig,” Jared quipped, flashing a grin. “He’s a better doctor.”

Slade shot Jared a narrowed glare, but Amara’s lips twitched into a faint smile. It was fleeting, but to King, it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. His chest tightened as he soaked in the rare moment of light in her otherwise stormy expression.

Beside him, Daniel’s sharp eyes remained fixed on King.

“Don’t start with your weird ass analyzing,” King muttered, keeping his voice low.

Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. “Why analyze when I canfeelit rolling off you like a tidal wave?”

King clenched his jaw, ignoring the heat creeping up his neck. He wouldn’t indulge Daniel’s teasing. Instead, his attention turned toward Amara. Everything about her tugged at something primal within him. It was strange and unlike anything he’d ever felt with another person.

“Where do I start?” Amara asked as she sat down, as if standing required too much effort.

“The beginning,” Sloan replied, folding his arms over his chest, his sharp eyes steady on her. “Because, honestly, I don’t think any of us have a clue what we’re up against.”

Slade leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. “When were you turned into a half-breed? Have you been sick since? Unable to keep blood down?” He asked bluntly, cutting straight to a question that had been obviously bothering him. After almost losing Jill and watching others fall into bloodlust, this was something King knew Slade couldn’t ignore.

Amara turned her gaze to him, her expression calm despite the tension swirling around them. “Six months, give or take a week or so. Sorry, but things were a bit of a blur for me,” she said quietly. “And no, I haven’t been sick, nor have I had any blood.”

King stiffened. His sharp gaze snapped to Slade, who rarely showed emotion. Now, his eyes widened, and his usual calm mask slipped.

“That’s not possible.” Slade shook his head, disbelief darkening his voice. “You’d be in full-blown bloodlust by now.”

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