Page 76 of Silverproof Damsel

“So, you’re enjoying playing hard to get?”

Grabbing a chair, she pulled it across the floor. It scraped the entire way over until she plopped down on it. Smiling as she grabbed a bag, she produced a nail file from it before setting to work, sharpening her claws.

“I really like him, Remi. The thing is this. Men like Acyn aren’t interested in a woman like me. I’m a short time, or a good time, or even a fun time sorta girl. I’m a nymph, one who isn’t meant for a meaningful relationship.” The dropping of her shoulders and biting of her lip told me she didn’t enjoy being shoved into that stereotype.

“Nyx, you’re more than that. Being a nymph isn’t your personality. I mean, it is a little. Like the things you say, or the way you react . . . sure. But you’re much more than that. You’re bright and while you are a little scatterbrained sometimes, you are more than just a pretty face with really nice thighs. You’re unique and ethereal.”

“I need to say something, Remi. I need you to listen without judging me for how I feel.”

“When have I ever judged you for anything?” I questioned as worry trickled up my spine, planting itself in my chest.

Nyx set the nail file down and fidgeted with her fingers. “I thought I lost you. When you went home with Winchester, I didn’t think you’d come back for me.” Chewing her bottom lip, she aimed violet eyes swimming with unshed tears at me. “I thought when you went home, you’d decide to stay with them. I wouldn’t blame you, of course. Nice house, no leg being humped all the time . . . but you’re my person. I wasn’t sure you’d want anything to do with me anymore.”

A lump formed in my throat as the tears broke free. “You thought I’d choose to live there with them?”

Sniffling, she shook her head. “I thought you’d decide to cut me loose. You know, break ties.”

“How could I ever choose them over you?”

“I’m only your friend. Friends come and go, but family is forever in our world.” She sniffled, scrubbing at the tears threatening to trickle down her cheeks.

“You’re not just a friend. You’re not even just my person. You are so much more to me! You’re the first person I call when anything goes wrong. You are the keeper of my secrets. The sister I choose. I never had a friend until the first day we met. I’d only ever had family and sisters until you, Nyx.” Pausing, I took in her dejected frown.

“If tomorrow a billion people chose to be my friend, I’d still choose you over every single one of them. No matter how many people I meet, they’ll never be or replace you. No one can ever replace the person who touched your soul and taught you what true friendship was. You are my soulmate. My best friend, and so much more to me. I don’t care if you accidentally hump my leg. You and me, we’re more than merely friends. We’re soul sisters.”

“I would’ve settled on a promise not to abandon me,” she whispered, her eyes swelling with tears.

“Oh,” I muttered, then laughed as she lifted her gaze, smirking at me.

Nyx rubbed her eyes, shaking her head slowly. “I took a bullet meant for you. They are literally trying to kill you. I’m going to murder every one of them and fuck their faces when I’m finished doing so.”

Blinking slowly, I swallowed the laughter that trickled up my throat. “Not sure you should be hunting these ones down alone. They’re ruthless and they murdered my brother.”

“Acyn said Rhys’ going to have to handle Illeron now. That he’s now honor-bound as your protector to end him,” she muttered, then peeked at me from under her lashes. “He says it will break Rhys. It could allow Mikel to issue a challenge for the alpha of their house.” The worry she felt filled her voice. It created a notable tension and strain in her delicate features.

“I want Illeron dead, Nyx. He’ll come after our child if given the chance. It’s my job to protect my child. I can’t give him a chance to hurt Bullet.”

The sound of feet moving quickly down the hallway caused the hair on my nape to rise. Staring out the large window that peered into the hallway, I watched several Van Helsings rush toward Nyota’s room.

Sliding my legs over the edge of the bed, I made quick work of unhooking the fetal monitor. Landing on my feet, I moved toward the door as Nyx made a sound of shock from deep in the back of her throat.

“Remington!”

“It’s Nyota, Nyx,” I explained as a burst of strength rushed through my system. Rhys knew I was up and moving. It was discombobulating. Grabbing the silk robe, I struggled to shove my arms through the sleeves.

Nyx grabbed it, as if she intended to prevent me from leaving the room. Instead, she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly.

“You’re my sister, too. My family.”

The tears in her voice took me by surprise. Wrapping my arms around her, I held her tightly.

“The family you choose is more special than the one you’re born into,” I offered as I pulled back, smiling at her.

Nyx nodded, then held the robe for me to push my hands through the bell sleeves. Once I was dressed, we both inched toward the crowd of people gathered outside of Nyota’s room.

The faces of the Van Helsing brood were mixed from worry to apprehension. It created a sense of dread that clawed its way up my chest, choking my words off as it gripped my throat.

“What’s wrong with her?” Mikel demanded, his cold, merciless eyes locked with mine as he asked.

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