Page 46 of Twisted Desire

I shift first, leaving the building only to appear moments later in a clearing surrounded by trees still dripping from last night’s rainstorm, a mile or so away from the headquarters building.

One by one, people start materializing around me until we’re all together. Nikolai, Oliver—with the help of Allison—Derek, Marni, Kelsey, and Seth. Again, Aaron wanted to come “to help,” but Nikolai refused him. Monica volunteered to stay back with him. She didn’t think she could handle being in the headquarters of the people who took her brother from her, as much as she wanted to help take them down. I couldn’t blame her.

“Sky?”

I turn toward Allison, blinking.

“Are you okay? You’re squinting like you’re in pain.”

“I’ll be fine.” Once this is over and I can lock myself away for a month. Preferably somewhere warm. Maybe I’ll take Nikolai with me to keep me company.

She shoots me a smile.

This girl wants to be your friend, something tells me. I guess I’ve known it for a while. With Max and Tristan gone, I don’t really have anyone. But Allison—she’s been there for me when I need it.

I return the smile, and her face lights up. “Let’s go kick some ass,” she declares.

I couldn’t agree more.

She walks ahead of me, sidestepping a puddle of rainwater, to catch up with the others, and Nikolai falls into step beside me. “Skylar,” he says in greeting.

I eye him with suspicion. “Sterling,” I reply.

Offering me a grin, he grabs my hand and squeezes it. “Today’s the big day.”

“Hmm,” is my only response as I keep my eyes trained forward.

He peers at me. “And here’s me thinking you would be a little more excited.”

I tighten the belt on my jacket. “I’m trying to stay focused.”

We walk side by side, silence lingering between us far too long before he speaks again. “Listen, I want to say something—”

“Don’t,” I cut him off, stopping to stand in front of him and pulling my hand out of his grip.

With a frown, he says, “Skylar, please.”

“No. You’re not going to say it. Not now.”

He shakes his head. “I’ve said it to you before. You know it.”

“Exactly, so you don’t need to say it now.”

“But I should. In case—”

“Shut the hell up right now,” I snap. “You’re not going to say it because nothing is going to happen to either of us. We’re going to be fine. You can say it all you want.After.”

He blinks at me, his gaze softening. “Fine.” He steps forward, taking up the little space that’d been between us. “Once we’re done here, be prepared to hear it a lot.”

I groan. “Nik, when I said ‘all you want’—”

“Nope. No take backs.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.

“You’re so fucking annoying.”

He laughs deeply. “Yeah, but you love me.”

Just this once, I don’t disagree with him.

---