Page 8 of Sworn to Consume
“Done playing prince charming?” Myko’s voice crashes into my head. “We’re at the entrance. And you didn’t follow your aunt’s orders.”
His timing makes me chuckle under my breath.
“What’s so funny?” Ror snaps, clearly offended.
I shake my head, trying to focus past Myko’s snide commentary.
“It’s not charity,” I say, voice low. “I have a younger sister, too. If she were ever in a situation like this… I’d want someone to help her get home safe.” I shove my hands into my pockets and nod toward Diana. Not that I'd ever let Kayla get into one.
It isn't a lie. I just needed her off my table. But still… no way in merhell I’d ever let Kayla end up likethis.
The woman studies me, like she’s trying to sniff out a lie. She won’t find one.
“Thanks,” she mutters after a long minute. “But I have a ride. I’ll take it from here.”
She leans in, whispering something to Diana that definitely sounds likewait until we get home and I kick your ass.
“Malec.”
Bay’s hand lands on my shoulder.
I turn—and immediately choke back a laugh.
She’s wearing a pink baseball cap. The one I’mcertainshe swiped from Kayla. She really committed to the undercover act.
“Yeah. You definitelydon’tlike them young,” the woman throws at me, glaring at Bay like she’s judging her now, too.
I sigh as she walks off with Diana, leaving me alone with my aunt.
People and merfolk have misread my relationship with Bay and Myko for most of my life. It comes with the territory. I’m used to it. They must be near me most of the time, and she looks too young to be a mother.
“Who’s she?” Bay asks, watching the pair disappear through the doors.
“No idea,” I shrug, already scanning the bar again.
Kayla’s side of the table—empty.
She’s gone.
Malec
“Where is she now?” I mutter through gritted teeth, scanning the tables again.
“Maybe she went to the restroom. I’ll go check over there.” Bay tries to calm the rising anxiety building in my chest.
How can Kayla be so irresponsible?
I nod, and she makes her way toward the back of the bar, following the restroom signs. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
“How can she risk herself for this lowlife scum?”I growl to Myko. My gaze snaps back to the human filth—slouched at the table, chair tipped, one arm slung over the back like he owns the place. The weak flicker under the table gives him away. His soul bleeds a sick, dark green, like rot made visible. I’m glad I don’t have to taste souls—because I know his would be just as foul.
“Bite me. I still don’t understand how Bay fell for a human in the first place,”Myko grumbles in my mind, his voice thick with disgust.“Such an inferior creature.”
I can’t help but smirk.
Myko is a pain in my ass most of the time, but I can't imagine life without his constant complaints and sassy comebacks.
He's like Uncle Pedro. Just less charming. And he’ll never admit he actually likes him.
