“Quite the performance,”I drone internally.
Kane releases a short burst of air, a rare sound for him, as his gaze settles on me. “She’s asking if you’re on your knees too, Julien.”
I move closer, urging her to hear every word. “I’ll only go on my knees before her. No one else will experience that—only her and her alone.”
“Overkill much,” Ezekial chimes in.
“I’m not repeating that, Julien,” Kane says, deadpan.
But there’s no need, because that heavenly sound comes—a soft, light laugh. My heart has never pounded so loudly. At that faint sound, all our tension melts, even Kane’s gaze softening.
“Jasmine, I will apologise for my behaviour every day of eternity, if you allow it.” I’m towering beside Kane now, my fingers twitching at the urge to take his phone, to hold it, to be closer to her in any way. “I never expected to find a being like you. I never expected a little empath to have such power over me. But I am sorry, truly, for... indulging when you were not fully aware of all factors.”
She doesn’t respond, but something happens.
Something that rushes through us all because the shadows of the room nearly disappear—more light enters.
I need moreof this. I need more of her.
“I believe the most reasonable action would be for you to decree a punishment for Sai and me,” I say.
“Fuck,yes.” Sai rises with a manic smile, eyes alight. “Anything, Red. Blood, tears, whatever you want.”
“Don’t say a word, Jasmine,” Ezekial intervenes, silver gaze sharp. “Kane and I can help you decide a suitable punishment.”
“You fucking spoilsport.” Sai sneers.
Ezekial glares at him, voice low. “I still propose we don’t let them attend tonight.”
I’ve never wanted to harm Ezekial like I do right now.
A rage bubbles, hot, fiery, uncontrollable, deep in my gut, my gaze locked on the lightest brother.
How dare he suggest such a thing? Such a cruel, dire punishment. Haven’t I suffered enough? Haven’t I lived several hells?
“Peel off my skin, douse me in acid, let the birds peck at my remains—but do not keep her from me a second longer.” I glare at Ezekial, preparing to lunge.
I may not reach him in time, not with my current strength, but I, and the beast within me, are prepared to try.
Sai steps closer, eyeing my murderous stare. “Not sure about the bird bit, mate...”
“Don’t let them off so easily,” Kane suddenly says, clearly responding to something Jasmine’s said.
His endless gaze darts over us.Then he sighs.
Sighs.
Have I ever seen him perform such a mundane action? I find myself fighting back a smile, murderous thoughts forgotten, whereas Sai grins at him openly.
“I understand. Tonight,” Kane confirms, then he ends the call.
Just like that.
He didn’t even let us say goodbye.
Even Ezekial stares at his brother with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. But there’s no time to argue, not when Kane’s hard gaze lands on me.
“You need to feed,” he orders.
