Page 57 of A Taste of Torment
My smirk slips.
“That includes anyone at this table. Touch her in any way she doesn’t explicitly request—or instruct anyone to touch her—and I will tear you apart in this very room. Do you understand?”
The wolves nod immediately. The girls quirk brows and exchange glances and then finally, each nod. The demons narrow their eyes at the other supernaturals, as if they’re there to police the others on behalf of their prince.
“Aurie,” Jarron says, softer but still firm. She jerks her head up, eyes filled with tears. “I know what you’ve been doing, and it stops now. Do you understand?”
Her bottom lips trembles but she nods.
“You don’t deserve her mercy.”
“Trust me,” I say, voice low. “She won’t get it a second time.”
Jarron’s smile is cruel but pleased.
Aurie’s nose wrinkles, the first sign of anger at the situation. For a moment, I thought she’d learned her lesson. Now, I think she’ll double down on it. She’ll cower beneath Jarron’s stare, but mine? Not a chance.
I’m a human, not worthy of having any power over her. She won’t accept it.
24
Why are Bad Ideas Always a Good Time?
On Saturday,when I meet Jarron in front of Elite Hall again, there’s something different about him. I expected him to be tense after yesterday’s conflict. Someone tripped or pushed me, and we don’t know who. But instead of tense and concerned, he’s utterly calm as he waits for me in front of the entrance, hands in his pockets as usual.
“You look like you’re in a good mood.” I flick a brow, but the truth is, I feel more relaxed too.
“I am.”
I purse my lips. “Odd, isn’t it?”
“Not really.”
He holds out his hand to me. “I’m glad you stopped me yesterday.”
My lips part, unsure what to say to that. He’s happy I stopped him? Would he have regretted hurting Aurie? And even if that’s the case, does that really explain a good mood?
He takes me into the speakeasy room again and quickly makes us both warm beverages—me a ridiculously delicious chai latte and him something dark red—and we take our seats by the fire. Today, the room clears out as we sit. We are entirely alone.
Despite Jarron’s good mood, it seems no one else is quite as comfortable as we are. I curl my legs up under me as we sit, back pressed against the armrest as I watch the flames flicker.
“Your big thing is control, right?” he asks.
My eyebrows pull down. “I guess so.”
“Yesterday, you took control. I liked it.”
I blink. That’s what he liked? “I kind of worried it might make you look weak,” I admit. It did feel good, but having his human girlfriend dictate his actions? Can’t be a good look for a future world ruler.
He shrugs. “I’m not concerned about that. Yes, mercy can be dangerous, and Aurie may have deserved my wrath, but her actionsyesterdaywere small. She got her warning. We’ll see what she does from here.”
I nod.
“And,” he continues, “I like that you felt comfortable enough to stop me. That took courage most people don’t have. Believe me,youdid not look weak yesterday, and that matters significantly more.”
I take a sip of my creamy beverage to hide my embarrassment.
“You’ve been a bit out of your element so far. Uncomfortable and unsure. It’s all understandable, but I enjoy seeing the old Candice.”
