Colin squeezed my hand, his face pale. “You don't think those bitches said anything to Reggie, do you?”
Before I could reply, Alever added, “He did seem a bit off when I left him. More distant than before. I thought it was just the effects of the wine.”
My anger flared anew. I turned to Jalica and Astin, my voice deadly calm. “Did you say anything to Reggie?”
Jalica gulped, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. Astin, looking equally nervous, finally muttered, “He might’ve... overheard us earlier.”
Colin's grip on my hand tightened to the point of pain, but I barely noticed. My vision tunneled on the two elves as my magic lashed out, smacking them both with a force that sent them sprawling.
“Let’s go,” I said tersely, pulling Colin with me. Every second counted now. I needed to be with Reggie, to assure him of our love and to protect him from any more harm.
Chapter Eighteen
Colin
Thebrightlightfadedaround us, revealing the familiar surroundings of my apartment. Every fiber of my being screamed for me to find Reggie, to reassure him, to hold him close. Those damned elven harpies had no right. I wanted to throttle them myself, but watching Zander take charge, seeing that raw power and protectiveness... well, it was a sight to behold. And a huge turn-on.
Taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart, I turned to Zander. "We need to find him, make sure he's okay."
Zander's beautiful emerald eyes, still alight with remnants of his unleashed magic, met mine. "I know," he whispered, his voice laced with a mix of determination and worry.
I reached out, touching the door, and a loud crash sounded from the other side. I glanced at Zander, raising an eyebrow. He looked equally puzzled. Pushing the door open cautiously, we stepped inside, ready for whatever awaited us. But what I saw next was not at all what I was expecting...
My heart lodged in my throat. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was stuck in place as I watched the scene unfold before me. Reggie was swinging a broken table leg, hitting a wounded and bloodied Daren.
Reggie's movements were frenzied, each swing of the table leg landing with a resounding thud against Daren's form. Daren, for his part, looked battered and stunned, his once-intimidating presence now overshadowed by Reggie's surprising display of strength and determination.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Reggie yelled. “You think you’re a big man, hitting and abusing people.” He swung his wooden club, smacking Daren’s head.
"Reggie!" I shouted, trying to get his attention.
Reggie's head snapped towards us, and for a moment, his eyes held a wildness that made my heart ache. But as he recognized us, the fury in his gaze dimmed slightly. Still, he didn't lower the makeshift weapon.
"Stay back!" Reggie's voice was raw, a clear indication of the stress he was under. “I’m teaching this fucker a lesson.”
Daren took advantage of the brief distraction to scramble away from Reggie, his back pressing against the far wall, his gaze darting between Reggie and us. Blood dripped from a gash on his forehead, and his clothes were torn in several places.
“Oh, you think you can run? I’m gonna stake you through the damn heart!”
I’d never seen Reggie so angry and violent. I couldn’t believe this tiny human was taking on a vicious vampire.
Zander's magic crackled in the air, the familiar green glow illuminating the room. "Daren, if you've hurt him in any way..."
Daren hissed. “Me, hurt him? That human is fucking crazy! Keep him the fuck away from me.”
“Oh, I’ll show you fucking crazy. I’ll show you the South side of Chicago, crazy. Come in here, try to take me.” Reggie lunged for Daren and swung his weapon.
Daren raised his hands, trying to block the attack, but was unsuccessful. Reggie’s blow was true and knocked him to the ground.
“I’m sick of mother fuckers, thinking they can just come in here. Hurt me? Fuck you.” Reggie yelled as he continued to beat Daren.
I stared wide-eyed at the scene in front of me. I glanced at Zander, whose mouth hung open. I’m sure our expressions mirrored one another.
Reggie swung one last time before throwing the leg on top of the unconscious Daren and looked up at us. His eyes were wild, and anger filled them. It was hot as fuck.
“Now, where’s those Fae bitches? I’m done. I’m a new Reggie. Fuck these fuckers. No more Mister Nice Guy. You two are mine, and I’ll beat the shit out of anyone that says otherwise.” He placed his hands on his hips. “Either of you have a problem with that.”
Zander and I shook our heads. “No sir,” Zander said quickly.
