Page 125 of Bite Marks & Broken Hearts

“Hmm.” His face twisted into something unreadable.

“How about you linger at another table?” I suggested. “And I’ll introduce you at the end, if it goes well.”

“If that’s what you want.”

Not really. Ideally, he’d sit right next to me, glaring at Katie until she believed me.Hold on…

“Rory told me the other day you had mind altering powers?”

Seb frowned at me. “You trust everything he says?”

“So… you can’t just make Katie believe me?”

“Compulsion is…” He ran a hand through his curls. “It’s not my strength. Some vampires can bend humans to their will as easily as breathing. I’ve never been particularly gifted at it.” His voice held a note of bitterness. “And even if I could, the effects wear off. Your sister would be even more confused and suspicious when she suddenly snapped out of it.”

“But youcando it?”

“Flynn.” The warning in his tone was clear. “You don’t actually want to do that to your sister.”

I crossed my arms. “Fine.”

He was right, of course. The thought of messing with Katie’s mind made my stomach turn. But the idea of explaining everything to her? That was equally terrifying.

Outside Fat Cat’s, my heart stuttered unpleasantly.

“I can’t do this.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “She’ll never talk to me again.”

Seb caught my uninjured hand, and squeezed it gently. I stared at our joined hands, fighting back the urge to run. “You’ve got this. It’s almost all over. Remember how you made me be brave, earlier? Well, now it’s my turn. And if things do go badly, I’ll be right there.” He lifted our hands and pressed his lips against my knuckles. “I promise.”

The gesture melted every part of me. All the tension drained away, replaced by a warmth that spread through my whole body. It wasn’t just the kiss—it was the tenderness behind it, the way his eyes held mine, full of conviction and care.

The barista’s face lit up as we entered Fat Cat’s. “How’s the hotel coming along now?” she asked, and I glanced sideways at Sebastián, curioushow he’d answer. I’d laughed when Rory explained they pretended to be painters and decorators slowly renovating the building.

“Still battling with those original fireplaces,” Seb replied, which was rich considering the ancient hearths were currently home to so much soot even Freddy stayed away from them.

Seb gave me one last nod, somehow managing to convey both “you’ve got this” and “I’m right here” without saying a word.

After pouring myself a glass of water from a jug, I slid into a booth near the window, pressing trembling hands against my knees. Two minutes to go. Seb sat three tables away, perfectly still except for his fingers drumming against the surface.

Then I saw him.

Connor pushed through the door first, holding it open for Katie. The sight of him—broad shoulders filling out his coat, that familiar easy smile—sent ice through my veins. Memories of that night on the beach crashed over me: his hands on my shoulders, the salt air, the taste of tears.

“Seb—” Before I could finish, his chair scraped across the floor. By the time I’d locked eyes with Katie, he’d slid into the booth beside me, a solid wall of protection.

“Flynn!” Katie waved, her oversized green coat making her look smaller. Her dirty-blonde hair had grown longer, falling past her shoulders now.

I awkwardly half-climbed over Seb to reach her, letting her pull me into a crushing embrace. She smelled like home—sea air and her lavender soap.

“What have you done to your hand?”

Though she couldn’t see, I rolled my eyes. “Cooking accident.”

She squeezed me tighter. Connor lingered behind her, with a false smile plastered on his face. I violently avoided eye contact.

“I said to come alone,” I whispered into Katie’s ear.

She pulled back, keeping her hands on my shoulders. “He just wanted to check you’re okay, then he’ll go. He’s been worried about you.”

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