Page 20 of Twisted Gift

His eyes don’t leave hers. “She’s not going alone.”

Sky arches a brow, her lips twitching slightly. “Please, by all means, feel free to join her.”

Nikolai’s eyes narrow slowly. “I wasn’t looking for an invitation.”

She scowls and moves to step around him, but again he blocks her. “Get out of my way,” she snaps, but the usual venom isn’t laced in her tone.

“Why?” He smirks, taunting her. I decide to sit this one out and let the two of them deal with each other.

“You think you can handle me, Sterling?” The challenge in her voice sounds more like an invitation—one an arrogant man like Nikolai would never decline.

His eyes flash as he leans closer to her face. “I’m quite certain of it, kitten.”

She bares her teeth. “Move,” she growls. I’m waiting for her to punch him. I shouldn’t want to see it, but I do. He could handle getting knocked down a peg or two, and Skylar could take care of that.

Finally, he steps to the side, letting her past, and she throws the door open, storming out of the office.

I let out a breath. “Was that necessary?”

He’s grinning when he says, “Most definitely.”

The following morning, I wake up with a stomach full of knots and what seems like never-ending hot flashes. I haven’t woken up this nervous since the day I had my work placement interview during first semester. I’d wished then that I’d known my interview would be with Tristan—as if knowing in advance would have steeled me. Today is proof that advance warning did me no favors.

I should cancel. Facing him... it’s not something I’m ready for.

This isn’t about you, I remind myself with a firm headshake. It’s not about Tristan, either, really. It’s about the light and dark fae—our people—and the need to put an end to this centuries-old war between them. Us.Ugh.

I get ready in a blur, showering and dressing in the navy maxi dress I picked out last night. I spend a bit more time drying and straightening my hair before putting on makeup and slipping on heels on my way out the door. I didn’t have to spend time covering up physical proof of my fae struggles with concealer. In fact, my reflection looks more refreshed than I’ve ever seen. The unease in my chest grows, but so does something else I can’t identify.

My phone chimes with a text from Nikolai, letting me know he’s waiting in the car outside. Nikolai being with me for this meeting is either going to make it easier or much harder. I can’t see him and Tristan getting along, considering how they acted the day I met Nikolai.

Once I’m in the car, he glances over at me and stares as if he’s trying to see into my mind—see what I’m thinking.

“Quit it,” I mutter.

“It’s going to be fine, Aurora. If the dark have less than good intentions behind this meeting, that’s what I’m here for.”

I can’t imagine Tristan letting anyone hurt me, but having Nikolai as backup will come in handy if anyone does try anything.

Forcing a smile, I say, “Thank you.”

Nikolai pulls away from the curb, and we spend the drive to the hotel in silence. At one point, he tries to start a conversation, complaining about something Skylar said to him, but I don’t want to touch that. Whatever it is, that’s their thing. I’m not getting involved.

We pull into the guest parking lot, and Nikolai finds a spot near the front of the building. I peek down at my hands in my lap and clench them into fists so they’ll stop shaking.

Nikolai turns to face me. “You’ve got this, Aurora. No sweat.”

I choke on a laugh, meeting his steady gaze. “Right. I’m about to walk into a building where the majority of people hated me as a human. I can’t see that they’ll approve of me much more as leader of the light fae. If anything, they’ll have more reason to hate me.”

“Not after you help put a stop to the war.”

I catch my bottom lip between my teeth. He’s probably right, but that doesn’t make this meeting any easier to walk into. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “Okay,” I say, putting as much force and confidence into that one word as I can. “Let’s go.”

The lobby is buzzing with people. It’s the busiest I’ve seen it since I was working here. Nikolai and I approach the reception desk where Marisa greets us with a wide smile.

“Aurora, welcome back.” Her voice is soft, friendly. Her gaze moves to Nikolai, who is standing behind me. “Who’s your friend?”

“Nikolai Sterling,” he says. “Lovely to meet you,” he eyes her name tag, “Marisa.”

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