Page 91 of Vengeance and Vipers
‘You’re right,’ I say. ‘Make sure she knows she’s coming and what she needs to wear to look inconspicuous with us.’
He turns to leave.
‘And, Iron?’
He looks back at me.
‘You’re in charge of her. Make sure the little mischief-maker stays out of trouble.’
Iron chuckles. ‘I don’t think anyone could stop that girl from getting into all manner of scrapes, but I’ll do my best.’
I snort as he leaves, turning my attention back to the screens. Jules is still in the same place. She looks … sad. As I watch, the door to the Parlor opens, and Jane comes in. My eyes narrow even as my body tenses as I wonder how they’re going to react to each other for some reason. But Jules brightens, and they begin talking. There’s no audio on the feed, so I don’t know what they’re saying, but they appear to be friendly.
It’s odd. When Jane was here only a few weeks ago, I was sure she was meant for us. I knew what she was. I knew it almost as soon as I met her. When she chose the Iron I’s, I was more than a little disappointed, but short of starting an all-out clan war, there wasn’t much I could do besides using some leverage over her to make her give Krase more time. She did, to be fair, and I owe her for that because if she hadn’t let him feed from her, there’s no way he’d have survived long enough to get better. Now, as I watch her, I can’t help but be glad we didn’t succeed in making her ours. It’s clear that she’s not right for us.
I sit back in my chair, staring out the windows as I ponder.
I’ve asked Krase a few times how he was able to free himself from the darkness that was devouring him, but his answers have been vague, referencing obscure fae magick and meditation. I suppose we could call it a miracle and leave it at that, but if we believed in all that crap, we’d be angels, not demons.
I glance back at the screen and see Jules and Jane smiling at each other. Jules is telling Jane about something she’s excited about. I know because her face gets animated, and her hands gesture a lot while she’s telling a story. I let out a huff as it becomes abundantly clear that Jules seems entirely unperturbed that I instructed her to stay away from the Iron I’s mate, and she agreed not half an hour ago.
My phone rings again. ‘What?’ I growl, finally turning away from the screen and already regretting the secret camera I had installed in Jules’ room because I know I’m going to be glued to it whenever she’s in there.
I tell myself it’s because she can’t be trusted, but I’m beginning to wonder if she’s burrowing under my defenses the way she has with Axel and Jayce.
My eyes narrow. At least I’ll be able to use the extra security to make extra sure she’s not reneging on our deal. Part of me wants her to. I’d love nothing more than to turn her out onto the streets without a penny to her name. One final lesson to remember us by.
* * *
JULES
I wait in the library, feeling a little nervous.
Iron took me out riding again today. He was warmer somehow. He chatted to me about horses and his time in the military. He didn’t mention my conjure once. When he let me know that the clan was going out to feed tonight, I wasn’t surprised. I figured some of them would be getting a little hungry by now. I didn’t anticipate that they’d be dragging me along, too, though.
When I asked why, Iron just shrugged and said they wanted to keep me close. Now, I’m sitting in one of the big chairs by the fireplace in the short, bodycon dress that Iron gave me to wear and high Louboutin stilettoes with their pretty soles that match the color of my clothes.
I hear the door, but it’s not Maddox who comes in; it’s Jane. She walks around, looking at the shelves and choosing a couple of books. I stay quiet, not wanting to get her into trouble if she’s been told to stay away from me like Maddox said she would.
Her clan leader found us in the Parlor yesterday and whispered something to her that made her practically jump out of her seat, give me a salute goodbye, and drag him out the door. He gave me a disgusted look as he left, so I guess Maddox wasn’t bluffing when he told me he made sure they know what I am.
I sink into the seat further, but she sees me anyway.
‘Oh, hey!’ She sounds genuinely happy to see me.
‘Hey,’ I mutter. ‘I can leave if you need me to.’
She frowns. ‘Why?’
‘Um, well, I mean, if you’re not allowed to be around me …’
‘Not allowed?’
‘Never mind.’
Jane comes over and places the books she chose on the table before sinking into the chair opposite me.
‘Theo told me a little more about the Mountain. Sounds like a nasty place.’
