Page 8 of Silverproof Damsel

“I’m not apologetic for what occurred or what was created during Beltane. I am, however, sorry you think no one listens to your wise words. I do, Talia.” His eyes softened on her before trailing past the others to settle on me. They became colder the longer they remained on me. Under the weight of their simmering hatred, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “If I knew then what I do now, I’d gladly undo everything,” Rhys said callously.

“There are ways—”

I snarled with anger at the thought of either of them attempting or discussing ending the pregnancy in front of me. “If you think I’ll sit idly by while you discuss murdering my child, think again.” I held Talia’s eyes with a warning before turning to glare murderously at Rhys. “I want this child. You don’t get to decide what happens to me or the baby. Not anymore. Fairwarning, if you think to harm the child or me, know I’ll do whatever it takes to stop you. Even if the cost is my life.”

“What if the cost is—” Talia slowly began, but I cut her off before she could finish speaking.

“Yeah . . .noooo. . . I wouldn’t give a fuck if he or she is the Antichrist. If that’s why you brought me here, I’ll be leaving.” Standing up, I fully intended to leave without knowing the way to the front door. Magic yanked me down into the chair, causing Rhys to issue a growl of warning when I released a shriek.

“You shush, Van Helsing. I didn’t harm her,” Talia chided, before turning on me next. “We’re not here to tell you anything other than you’re being hunted. Those knights you met last night. They’reveryold, formidable enemies of all immortals alike. They have a hard-on for the power of the first two bloodlines,” she continued. Her pinky rose high as she enjoyed her tea. “Last night, you used your magic against them, confirming their theory. A Silversmith created life with a Van Helsing, igniting a prophecy of old.”

“Why is there always a goddamn prophecy with you people?” I muttered as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Youpeople? My dear child, you’re one of us, too.” Talia blinked innocently while I groaned like a petulant child.

“Unwillingly noted. Thanks for the correction, Talia.”

“It isn’t as bad as you’d think.” When I didn’t ask for clarification, she shrugged as she sipped her tea.

My heart started beating faster, causing my hands to tremble. The teacup inched closer, forcing me to accept the warmth it offered against my palms. With it in hand, I breathed in the calming scent of chamomile.

“What Talia’s saying is you’re not safe outside of a protected house. They have learned of your failure to secure a house title. Unless you can change the minds of those refusing your house to rise and be named, you’re in danger,” Raven supplied. “Mywards alone won’t hold them off. No other witch will assist me with reinforcing them. They’d be breaking the covenant. Despite knowing how, Rhys refused to let them help you.”

“Of course he has.” Ignoring the lump in my throat, I glanced at the exit. I needed to get out of this room before the sob bubbling in my chest escaped through my lips. I’d be damned if he heard me crying.

It felt like the floor had dropped from under me. As if I’d been abandoned in Wonderland without Alice to keep me company. I briefly looked toward Rhys and noticed him smirking as he leaned back in the chair, the cockiness simmered in his azure depths as he enjoyed my discomfort.

“Come to New Orleans with me. There, I could ward the shit out of our mansion on the bayou. It’s owned by my coven.” Raven’s hopeful tone didn’t change as Rhys released an angry growl he directed at her. “It’s blessed with the bones of my ancestors as well.”

“I wish I could go with you, Raven. But I’ve tried leaving this place,” I admitted softly as my throat tightened. “It would seem I’m unable to do so.” Admitting my failure left a sour taste in my mouth.

“You’ve tried leaving?” Rhys demanded in a softer tone than expected. Disbelief resonated with his question, flooring me.

Didn’t he prefer I leave? Was he confused about where we stood? This guy and his ever-changing moods could be bottled up and sold to Romani people worldwide. They’d make a killing on the mood rings from him.

Nodding slowly, I held his stare while admitting my failed attempt to escape him and this town’s inhabitants. “Of course I have, Rhys. Several times. There’s nothing for me here anymore. Plus, no one wants me here. You and the people of this town have repeatedly expressed that I’m unwelcome in this town. Loudly. It seemed the best path forward.”

“You thought taking my child and fleeing from me was something I’d allow you to do?” he growled as he leaned closer, placing both palms on the table.

“I didn’tthinkit would matter to you even if I vanished off the face of the earth. If you recall,youtold me to leave! You ensured everyone hated me after you’d thrown me out.” Tears stuck in my throat, forcing my words to come out hoarsely.

“I can’t walk into a supermarket. No doctor in this town will examine me or see me as a new patient. I haven’t been able to see an OBGYN, either. I’m in my second trimester. I don’t even know if Bullet is healthy.” I fought the tears of rage tightening my throat, threatening to expose how badly his treatment of me had affected me.

“You’ve ensured my only option is to pray I’m not fucking this all up. But you expect me to get on my knees and be a good bitch because you fucking think you’re entitled to me because of some stupid fucking connection our souls have?”

Rhys opened his mouth to speak, but I held my finger up. “No. Fuck you and fuck that. I deserve better. I’ve never wronged you or anyone else in this town, Van Helsing. My only crime was being born to a murderous whore who I, myself, fucking killed. Not you, not this town.Ikilled Roslyn Silversmith to prevent her from hurting anyone else ever again. And the thanks I get for it is being turned into a leper? How about you get fucked.”

“I like her. Where did you say you found her again?” Talia chuckled, her eyes dancing with delight as I’d just told Rhys to get fucked. “She’s not timid, boy. This one has a fire burning within her veins.”

Rhys’ face went askew as he turned toward Talia. “Literally.”

“The child’s healthy and you’re doing everything right, Remi,” Raven blurted from beside me, forcing my horrified eyes to hers. “Though the baby is rather snarky when it thinks you’re in danger.”

“How do you know Bullet’s healthy?” I demanded breathlessly. I was uncertain I wanted her to tell me anything.

“When you asked me over to place the safeguards, I added one to personally protect both you and Bullet.” At my confused stare, she chuckled. “My magic isn’t technically the same as what other witches use. On occasion, I can communicate with things like wild animals, unborn babies, or you know, freshly made corpses. Nothing too strange or anything. Well, other than objects randomly animating and speaking to me,” she explained as she waved a hand as if brushing it off as normal.

“Anyway, I attempted to place a ward on you. I couldn’t. Something stopped me from being able to cast it on you.” Her violet eyes lowered to my stomach before rising, then repeated the motion. “Your child prevented me from casting anything on you or them personally. The house was easy enough, but your child saw everything else I did as an attack.Bulletprevented me from being able to add protection without first obtaining your consent. What I’m saying is your child is intelligentandhealthy. You’re doing everything right.” When my mouth merely opened then closed in response, Raven snorted. Shrugging nonchalantly, she sipped her tea with both pinkies up in the air.

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