Page 38 of Twisted Fate

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, Aurora. I live to ensure your safety from my kind. Why else would I be here?” The sarcastic tone of her voice makes it impossible not to grin this time.

Whatever I was going to say is cut off by the sight of the male fae flying through the air. He lands with athudon the sidewalk and jumps up, brushing off his black denim jacket. His eyes swing to where Skylar and I stand, and I bite my lip. This isn’t good.

“What the fuck, Sky? Thanks for the backup.” His eyes slide to me. “Hi.”

I offer an awkward wave.

Skyler scowls. “I was coming. I got a little caught up.” She nods at me.

“Well, don’t next time. She got away, along with our answers.”Answers? What is he talking about? My eyes flick back and forth between the guy and Skylar, waiting for one of them to explain the situation.

She shrugs. “We’ll deal with it.”

He rolls his eyes and then shifts away without another word, leaving Skylar and I alone on the sidewalk.

I arch a brow at her. “Care to explain whatthatwas about?”

She gives me a look.

“Right. Didn’t think so.”

When I get back to our room, Allison is sprawled on her bed, already in sweatpants and a hoodie. I tell her about the fae attack I overheard, and she frowns.

“They’re happening closer together,” she murmurs, concern weighing heavy in her voice. “The light fae continue to orchestrate attacks on our side.”

I scratch the back of my neck. “You’re not making me feel any better.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about the light fae.”

“Of course I do. They’re attacking dark fae.Youare dark fae. And I’m...I don’t know, but either way, most of the dark fae hate me.”

She sighs. “That’s only because Tristan didn’t deal with you the way they wanted him to. They don’t trust you.”

“How’s that my fault?” I grumble.

“It’s not. Maybe they’d feel differently if they knew about your lineage. If we can prove you have a connection, it could help keep you safe.” She pulls on the string of her hoodie. “Have you found out any more about your ancestors?”

I sit at the end of my bed and sigh. Allison has the same idea as Tristan when it comes to using my lineage to protect me. “Not much, other than, whoever they are, they were on my dad’s side.”

“You don’t know if they’re still alive?”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure Iwantto know.” Even with the chance that could help in convincing the fae I’m not a threat, I really don’t know. “Does that make me terrible?”

She sits up and looks over at me. “Absolutely not, Aurora. Youjustfound out you have fae in your family tree. If any of them are still around, you shouldn’t feel obligated to know them. None of this has been easy on you. You deserve to do whatever is going to make you feel okay. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”

Despite the pit in my stomach, I smile. “Thanks, Al.”

She blows me a kiss. “You betcha.”

With a heavy sigh, I stand and walk over to my desk. I open my laptop and frown at the unread email from Skylar.

Aurora,

I’ll be away from the office Monday. I’m sure you’ll find something to do. There are always files to put away, and there is coffee to fetch. Enjoy.

Skylar Chen

Westbrook Hotel Chief of Staff

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