Page 25 of Draco

He laughed. “I don’t have to show you shit. I thought you knew all the rules.”

He was wrong. “You can’t decide this one on your own. It takes documentation and backers.”

He stepped closer to Luna, planting both hands on the armrest of her chair and leaning in, so his face was only inches from hers. “See, he forgets I’m the leader, not him. I make the calls, not him. I have the final say, not him. And you, little lady, have been a pain in the ass. But it’s okay.” He shushed her as she squirmed, trying to scoot further away from him. “We’ve got somewhere really nice for you.”

She hauled off and smashed her fist into his face with enough force to make his head snap back.

“Did he make you do that?” he asked, glaring at her.

“What?” she seemed confused. “No. I hit you because you’re being an asshole and a liar. I don’t know what happened with Stryker, but Draco has been doing his job, keeping me safe since the second I found myself in his care. He’s always put my safety first.”

I stared at her, stunned with awe as she stood up for me. It was unexpected and wonderful.

“He’s making you say that.” Wrath growled the words, and she shook her head.

“No, he’s not. Why don’t you fuck off.” With that, she slipped out of her chair and headed for her room, slamming the door on the way.

“She doesn’t know, does she?” Wrath glared at me, and I knew she was just on the other side of her door, listening to every word. His eyes flicked to her room, and I knew he knew it too. “She doesn’t know you read minds, that you know everything she’s thinking and can make her say things she doesn’t mean, does she?”

I glared at him.

Is it true?Her thought came through loud and clear.

Yes.I pushed my response to her, and the lock on her bedroom door clicked.

15

Luna

My heart pounded as I backed away from the door, considering my next move. Draco could read my mind? Force me to do things? He could influence my thoughts?

So many things made more sense now. The fantastic lovemaking, how he always seemed to know exactly what I wanted when I wanted it. He was reading my mind.

He knew everything.

Betrayed, I stared at the window across the way.

As disappointed as I was with Draco, I didn’t trust this new guy at all. Draco never wanted to hurt me. I knew that. He had the chance. He had the opportunity. He might have done something I didn’t agree with, but he wasn’t a bad man. I wasn’t so sure about that with Wrath.

He was a dragon too, I was pretty sure, and he seemed to not like Draco very much, which put me firmly in Draco’s corner.

I can’t protect you from him. Draco’s thought left me feeling less alone, even though his words should have made me sad.

I don’t need you to protect me.Pain filled me as this old back and forth. How stupid he must have thought I am. But he’d always been kind, patient, and wonderful. I wondered if he knew my plans if he ever got me back to my father. But he’d made that offhanded comment about hurting myself, so he must have known. I remembered the moment. He’d handed me back my shoe and said something like,Iwas going to help you put it on, but I bet you know how to do it without hurting yourself better than I would.

That choice of words had clued me in then that he was on to me. I just had no idea the scope of what or how he knew.

I usually don’t invade. Typically, I respect privacy.

Is that why I got away from you at first?

Yes, and it’s how I know what you’re about to do. Don’t.

Are you going to stop me?I opened the glass door and walked out to the ledge, peeking over the edge and remembering how cold the water had been.

Hesitation. Then a soft, strong,nofrom him.

If he’s going to take me back, it’s worth it.I climbed over the railing.I can’t go back to him. I can’t.

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