Page 28 of Twisted Desire

“A man of many talents,” he adds with a charming grin.

I shoot him a sideways glare. “Don’t mind him and his desire for validation. He’s very needy.”

More laughter echoes through the room, lightening the tension enough that the pressure in my chest feels some relief.

“As I was saying, the two of us took over as leaders, and we, alongside many of your peers, dissolved the light and dark distinction between us. We feel it’s important to come together instead of dividing ourselves. We have a common threat—The Experiment.”

“The good news is,” Nikolai says, taking over the speech, “we have a plan. Is it foolproof? No. Nothing is guaranteed. But it’s a damn good plan, and with your help, we can make sure the people we care about aren’t in danger. We can win this fight.”

A female fae stands and shouts. “What are we supposed to do? Not all of us have training in combat.”

“We don’t expect you all to fight. This is completely voluntary. However, we do need numbers.”

“No one is forcing you to do anything,” Jackson says, standing and turning to face the audience. “However, if you wouldliketo join forces with our friends here, please stick around, and I will help coordinate with them to get you on board.”

The room seems satisfied with that. It irks me how much influence this guy has over them. Why do they seemingly trust Jackson over us, the ones trying to save their lives? All I come up with is that we don’t know him like they do. He’s had time to prove himself to these people. We just got here and essentially started asking them to risk their lives to stop fae genocide.

“What if some of uswantto be human?” someone asks.

The sanctuary goes silent. I raise my brows at Nik, and when he nods, I turn back to the audience, not sure exactly who posed the question. “If that’s what you want, we’ll do our best to make it possible.Afterwe deal with The Experiment. However, I’m going to strongly advise against it. We don’t know why it worked on some fae but not on others. If that’s a chance you’re willing to take, fine. It’s your choice. We can revisit this at a later time.”

Jackson thrusts his fingers through his hair, leaning against the front pew. “If that’s what you want, I’ll make it happen. You have my word.”

I shoot him a glare, but he’s not looking at me. He’s smiling confidently at the crowd.Bastard.Now isnotthe time to market his services.

As much as I’m pissed at Jax for promising humanity to any fae who wants it, it does seem to help the situation. And no one seems immediately opposed to waiting until the war is over. Good fucking thing, too, because I have very little patience at this point. My skin is itching. My chest feels tight, and I want to get the hell out of this meeting.

For once, I’m thankful when Nikolai takes over. “We’re proposing this: work with us for the next few weeks, get to know us, and allow us to get to know you. I’m confident we can find a way to work together and put an end to The Experiment.”

“If anyone is opposed to fighting for this cause, please leave now. We understand, but we don’t have time to waste.” I try to keep my voice calm, neutral, not as if I’m going to pounce on anyone who dares to walk out on us.

“Basically,” Nik says, “leave now or forever hold your peace.”

A few people make a quick and quiet exit, but the majority of the room remains.

“Good,” Jackson says, clapping his hands together as he joins us at the front of the room. “Thank you to everyone willing to stay. Your help won’t go unnoticed.”

I almost fall over when the room erupts in clapping and cheering.What the actual fuck? This guy is unbelievable. Although he’s related to Nikolai, so it sort of makes sense.

Afterward, we stick around to chat with anyone who has something to say. Most of the fae who approach offer their support. Some need a little encouragement, which I leave to Nikolai. I’ll never admit it out loud or to him, but the guy is charming when he wants to be. Hell, he doesn’t need me to tell him. He knows it a little too well and definitely uses it to his advantage—and right nowouradvantage.

Jackson tries to make an exit without saying anything to us, but I grab him before he can make it out the door.

“Easy there,” he purrs, and I shoot him a cold look that makes him grin.

I let go of his wrist. “Where are you going?”

He shrugs. “Home? I did my part.”

“You’re not fighting with us?”

“Uh, hell no. Have you seen this face?” he points at himself. “No way am I putting my most important asset in danger.”

I stare at him. He can’t be serious, but for once, he’s not grinning. “Holy shit, you aren’t kidding.”

“Nope,” he says. “Good luck with everything, though. You’ll see me again once The Experiment is handled. I’m hoping you’ll attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at my facility.” He winks. “Oh, and if things don’t work out between you and Kol, give me a call.” He drops a quick kiss on my cheek, and he’s gone.

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