Page 87 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Rion and Kai share a look.

“Fine.” Kai turns to Axel. “Plan B. Get Luka and Jax, we’ll meet you at our usual place.”

What usual place?

Axel grumbles, mumbling something under his breath. Sparing me one last glance, he slinks off down the hall, his footsteps silent as he moves.

Kai and Rion whisper between themselves.

Glad that they are finally listening to me, the strain in my shoulders eases. They would be safer away from here.

I swallow the lump in my throat at the thought of them leaving, but it’s for the best.

I’m about to turn away when Kai grabs my hand. “Where do you think you’re going?”

I frown, not understanding why he was asking. “I’m going to find some place to hide out for a bit and then try to get out of here.” Didn’t we just go over this?

“No, you’re not, you’re coming with us.” Not this again.

“I told you, I can’t—”

He shakes his head. “Leave. I know. We’re not. I promise.”

Kai’s grip on my hand is firm yet soft, and there’s a tender look in his eyes when I glance at him.

“Where?”

“Trust us?”

I wanted to; I really did. But over the years, I’d learned not to put my trust in anyone. Trust was just another illusion.

Rion must see the hesitance in my eyes. He walks over and gently tilts my chin up to him.

“Look at me, Kiarra. Look at the truth in my words when I tell you that none of us are leaving without you. No matter what you decide, you’re stuck with us.”

His voice is unwavering, his tone resolute. There’s a fire in his eyes, not one from heat but from complete certainty. He will follow through on his words. I can see that now. Nothing I say will change his stubborn mind.

I deflate, giving in. “Fine.”

Rion smiles releasing my chin just as Kai pulls me down the old halls to the service exits below.

My heart starts racing, second doubting my decision. Maybe I could distract them and sneak away?

I glance back at Rion, thinking just that when he gives me a small, knowing smirk, daring me to try. I narrow my eyes on him. He sends me a low, deep chuckle that warms something deep inside me.

Kai speaks up, breaking our little moment. “Luna is there. She wants to thank you.”

The mention of Luna reminds me of what we just went through to get her out, and how I’m reading too much into their little moments. They’re just trying to be good friends.

I try to pull my hand out of his, but his grip tightens, sending me a sharp look.

“Don’t even think about it.”

I roll my eyes at his demand, while silently shaking my head at myself. He thinks I’m trying to make a run for it. I mean, I was, but now I’m just trying to get my damn delusions under control.

They had Luna safely back with them, why they would still want me around was damn confusing.

She was good for them. I could see that. A kind soul with a caring heart, she would bring out the best of them. I swallow hard, pushing back the burn behind my eyelids. That’s what they need, not someone who is damaged and broken. Someone with baggage in the form of sadistic creatures and cruel monsters.

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