Page 12 of Villain's Prey

“Where?” He steps back, his eyes roaming over me. I swipe the tears from my cheeks. “You’re fine.”

“Here, dummy.” I thump the center of his chest over his heart. “I hurt there.” His brows furrow together. “Right. You have no clue what I’m talking about because you Talettis don’t have those.” I roll my eyes. “I’m worried about my parents and sister. You know, those people that you took me from.” His confused expression is almost laughable.

“You’re worried about your family? You do realize thatyouwere the one taken. Not them.”

“And I am thankful. If I had to choose someone, it should be me.”

“Why?”

“Why? Why do you care?” Shouldn't his questions be about details of my family's doings? Or how many men my father keeps on the grounds of our home?

“For once, can you answer a fucking question?” He barks at me, making Trash meow again.

“Fine, but stop shouting. You’re upsetting your cat.”

“He’s not mine.”

“What?” I bend down and pick the cat up.

“He won’t leave.” Right.

“I volunteer as tribute.”

This time he does smirk. “I thought you were glad it was you who was taken.”

“I am, but if you want someone to leave…”

“Why you?” he asks again.

“Who else? My pregnant sister? Who is having complications, not that you care.” God, I hope she is okay.

“One of your two brothers .”

“Your father into men?”

“That smart mouth is gonna be your undoing.” He shakes his head.

“He’ll need my brothers right now. I know they will mourn me, but I’m the most expendable.”

“Expendable?”

“As a Taletti, I’m sure you’re well acquainted with the word.”

“You're the one using it. They tell you that?”

“What?” I gasp. “My family is not like yours. I don’t know why you picked me, but I am grateful. Just sad because when I’m long gone from this world, they will have to live with the horrible guilt of whatever was done to me.”

“You are a little fighter, aren’t you? You really should be more scared.”

“I am. Terrified really.” I might as well tell the truth. I’ve already cried and begged, so there’s no use hiding it.

“For you or them?”

“Both.”

“You’re not acting like it.”

"‘I sustain myself with the love of family,’" I respond, my thoughts going to my dad.

---