Page 44 of Twisted Fate

“I tried to help.”

He barks out a laugh. “Why would you want to help? We kidnapped you. We forced you into this world, and now you want to help? What do you think that says about you?”

It’s my turn to laugh. “You’rethe one who kidnapped me. What do you think that says aboutyou?”

He grins. “Fair point.” He shrugs. “Do what you want, blondie, but try not to piss Tristan off. For some reason, he seems to care about you, but when he’s moody we’re the ones who have to deal with it.”

“Then he needs to grow up and control his emotions.”

His eyes flash with amusement. “You feel free to let him know. I would love to see where that gets you.”

“I bet you would.” I adjust the bag on my shoulder. “I’m going home. Skylar isn’t here, and Tristan isn’t in the mentoring mood. I’ll be back next week.”

“Your choice.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. “How’s that roommate of yours doing?”

“Allison? What do you mean? She’s fine.”

He tilts his head. “Really?” He draws out the word.

I scowl. “Yeah,really. Why?”

“I’m surprised she got off so easily with Tristan.”

“What are you talking about? So she’s dating Oliver. Big deal.”

“She got in trouble for dating a human?” He laughs. “Is that what she told you?”

My eyes narrow. “Don’t. I know what you’re trying to do, and it’s not going to work.”

He holds up his hands. “Think whatever you want, blondie. There’s no rule against fae dating humans. Your friend managed to sneak around the truth without lying. I’m sort of impressed.”

I swallow, my chest tightening under the pressure of Max’s words. “I have to go.” I don’t wait for him to say anything else.

While I wait for the streetcar, I pull out my phone and send a new message to Allison.

I’m coming home. We need to talk. Now.

Allison is sitting at the end of her bed when I storm into our dorm room less than fifteen minutes later. I throw my bag down and take a deep breath before facing her. Her eyes widen in what looks like apprehension.

“Why did you lie to me?” I ask in a calm tone. I’m trying to allow her a chance to explain before I get angry. I don’t want to be mad at my best friend.

She shakes her head. “What?”

“Dating Oliver isn’t against the rules. There isn’t a rule about fae dating humans.”

She looks away. “I didn’t lie—I can’t—I just didn’t correct you when you assumed that Oliver was my indiscretion.”

My eyes widen. “What the hell? Care to explain whatactuallyhappened?”

She sighs. “Okay. This is going to sound terrible, and you’ll probably hate me, but please let me explain before you decide to never speak to me again.”

I stare at her. “Tell me.”

“I cheated on Oliver. Well, sort of. It was mutual.”

I open and close my mouth twice before I can form words. And then I manage to say, “What?”

“Oliver doesn’t love me.” Her voice is light, as if she isn’t upset by what she’s telling me, whereas I’m freaking out on the inside. God, why did Max have to open his mouth and screw things up? Why did Allison keep this from me?

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