Page 68 of Wicked Chains
"Oh my God, both of you stop," I say, crossing my arms. "I didn't call you here to watch you two measure your dicks. I need help, and you're both..." I hesitate. "... people I thought might actually care enough to provide it."
That shuts them up, at least momentarily. Soren's smirk fades, and Lucien's posture shifts subtly.
"Of course," Lucien says. "What's happened?"
"Sit down," I say. "Please."
Lucien takes the desk chair, while Soren sprawls on my bed, looking way to familiar with it. They both watch me expectantly.
I take a deep breath. "Helena tried to kill Hank yesterday."
"What?" Lucien is on his feet in an instant, and his eyes land on Hank, who's sitting on my desk.
"Tell us," Soren says.
So I do. I tell them about Helena confronting me in the hallway, about her grabbing Hank, about how she was going to crush him just to teach me a lesson. I tell them about Ash showing up, about how he stopped her but only because he sees me as his property. By the time I finish, both men look ready to murder.
"I'll kill her," Lucien says, his voice scarily calm. "She has violated every principle of this academy."
"Get in line," Soren interrupts. "That psychotic bitch has been pushing boundaries since she took over, but this crosses a line."
"Look, I appreciate the protectiveness," I say, "but going after Helena directly would be suicide. She's got too much power, too many allies. We need a different approach."
"Which is?" Lucien asks.
I hesitate. "That's kind of why I asked you both here. I heard something, and I need to know if either of you can confirm it."
Hank chooses this moment to hop off the desk and across the floor. To my utter amazement, he springs directly into Lucien's lap.
Lucien stops, looking down at the frog now sitting contentedly on his immaculately tailored trousers, an expression of absolute horror on his face. "What is it doing?"
I bite my lip to keep from laughing. "I think he likes you."
Lucien stays as still as a statue. He looks at me pleadingly. "Rose, please remove your familiar."
"He almost died yesterday," I say. "Let him sit wherever he wants."
Lucien sighs, his hands hovering uncertainly as Hank makes himself comfortable.
"So," Soren says, redirecting us. "What did you hear?"
I take a deep breath. "Do either of you know anything about a third Wickersly sister? Someone named Jasmine?"
The reaction is immediate. Lucien goes completely still, and Soren sits up straight, his casual demeanor vanishing.
"Helena was talking about her," I continue. "She was clearly not a fan. I thought maybe this third sister could help us against Helena."
Soren and Lucien exchange a look that makes my stomach drop.
"What?" I ask. "You both obviously know something."
Lucien sighs. "Jasmine Wickersly is not someone you want to seek out, Rose."
"She makes Helena look like a kindergarten teacher," Soren adds. "And that's saying something."
"Tell me about her."
"Jasmine is the eldest of the three Wickersly sisters. She was removed from her position in the Crescent Moon Coven a very long time ago." Lucien grimaces as Hank croaks.
