Page 115 of Reflections of Peonies
“Excuse me, I need to see Finn for a moment.” I hoped he was having a grand time discussing my gaming alias in my absence. They may even be having some laughs over it.
I hoped they were.
He should enjoy himself because he had only moments of joy remaining before I strangled him with my bare hands.
Not until the life faded from his eyes would I be victorious.
Bryce slowly moved to his feet. “Why? Do you need help?”
Good call. Bryce should be there. Finn played an essential part in Bryce’s quintet, so he should witness the hand of justice.
As for Finn’s role in this world, we would replace him soon enough. Perhaps, even with Norman. The man was ambitious. “Follow me.”
Everyone was still lingeringwhen I stalked into the living room. However, I wasn’t sure what they were doing because only Finn’s startled form remained locked in my sight.
“You!” I pointed at him. He’d said he regretted everything. What a liar.
I’d show him regret.
“She’s more pissed than before!” Brayden jumped back from the blond. His voice was thick with accusation. “Finn, what did you do this time?”
“How the hell should I know?” Finn sounded slightly panicked. “I was here the whole time.”
“Bianca?” Julian reached for me, concern heavy in his question. “What’s wrong?”
I sidestepped Julian’s reach, my finger still pointed at Finn. “Alyssa.”
Finn paled, his eyes widening.
My blood ran hot, and my breathing became forced. How dare he look innocent? He’d done this to himself.
But then I spotted the fear in his expression.
Good.
He had better be afraid. I was going to rip off his head and pull his intestines out through his chest. Then I’d feed his remains to some free-range cattle. I wasn’t aware of where a farm might be, but we were in a remote area, so there was bound to be something.
I’d leave him for the werewolves to eat if there was no farm.
I lunged for him, but Damen caught me mid-leap.
“Hold on now, baby girl.” His voice was mild, and he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. “You can’t kill my brother. He’s my Er Bashou, and I’ve only recently gotten his cooperation.”
He held me against him, but I could still meet his eyes. Iglared at him, my anger pulsing through me. If Damen knew what was good for him, he’d mind his own business.
He frowned, and his grip loosened enough for my breathing to even. “What’s wrong?”
“When I first met Finn, I didn’t have a middle name,” I explained, twisting my fingers in the front of his shirt.
Damen’s frown deepened, confusion heavy in his expression, and he cocked his head to the side. “And?”
“He gave me one…” My chest swelled with emotion as I pulled him down toward me. There was no way it was a coincidence. “He named me afterher.” I glowered in Finn’s direction. “How long have you known?”
A flicker of guilt passed through Finn’s expression, along with a hint of self-doubt. My throat closed, and the edges of my fury faded.
I’d always hated upsetting him.
But the look lasted only for an instant, and then it was gone.
