The sound of their laughter wasn’t just noise. It was every whispered comparison, every sideways look, every smirk from someone who thought I didn’t notice. It was the sting of years pressed into a single moment, a sharp, cutting reminder that the hurt had never really gone away.
This was why Zeth didn't want me, why he put distance between us until now. He didn't feel that way for me, how a man feels for a woman. Being the loyal second he was, he just didn't want to hurt my feelings or embarrass me.
Piping hot anger splintered up my spine. Anger at myself, at Zeth, at my beautiful sister, but most of all, at the man in front of me.
My dad’s voice echoed in my skull.We can’t let disrespect go unpunished.
I straightened my back, took a calm breath, and focused on the two men talking in front of us.
No. We can’t.
?*“Lock the door.” The clipped order was powered by quiet fury. I was holding it all back until I was ready.
As soon as I heard the lock slide into place, I lunged. My body broke and reformed mid-air. Bones shifted, fur bursting over skin. My jaws lengthened into a predator’s snarl before my paws hit the ground, the change happening in record speed.
Liam went down under me with a grunt, my fangs an inch from his face. His scent—blood, arrogance, citrus cologne—hit the back of my throat and made my lips curl. He shoved, but my claws sank into his shoulders, and the sound that ripped from him was music.
The other vampire stepped forward. Without looking away from Liam, I let my shift melt back through my limbs, leaving my claws hooked deep. It was my speciality, after all, to shift any piece of my body with precision and control.
“You want to lose your life and your career? For him?” My voice a growl layered over human words.
He faltered.
“Try me.” I wrenched one claw free and slowly licked the blood off, letting my tongue drag over each drop.
His eyes flew wide, backing away step by step until the door shut, and he was gone.
“No loyalty,” I rasped, staring down at Liam. “Must run in the family.”
“N–Nova, I-I didn’t—” His voice broke when I twisted my claws deeper, his flesh and tendons breaking beneath my grip.
“No, you didn’t.” My other hand clenched into a fist. “But you fucking will.” For once, I let all that control go.
Pound.Crunch. Slice.Splat.
Over and over, fist, claws, fist, claws. His face, his ribs, his chest, I made a mess of everything I could get to. Warm blood spattered up my arms, slicking my palms and matting my fur. He stopped trying to block when he realized he couldn’t keep up.
His cries died down as his jaw broke, becoming little whimpers of pain that fueled my soul.This was what you expected, right? The savage, beastly Nova Rossey.
I almost said those words out loud before Zeth’s arms locked around my waist, hauling me back. My claws scraped the ground before leaving him.
“It’s enough,” he whispered in my ear, all calm and level-headed. “He’ll remember. They’ll all remember. You did good, Nov. You’re so strong, and no one will doubt that. Never again.”
Liam was barely breathing, his jaw hanging wrong, his skin torn in deep red lines. I stared down at him and felt… nothing.
Something inside me slid shut. A lock turned.Never again. I will not be affected like this again.
“You're lucky he stopped me.” I blew out a breath. “A girl like me could kill you so easily." Liam whimpered, curling up into himself.
I crouched down, voice empty and cold. “Next time I see you will be your last.” He slowly nodded, curling away from me.
Getting up, I turned away, ready to let go of this disgrace, of this mistake I let happen. “I’m done with him.”
Zeth followed, his footsteps almost silent behind mine, and I hardened my heart. “I’ll take you as my second. Nothing more, nothing less. Understand?”
“Yes.”
I didn't look at him, couldn't. Instead, I closed my eyes. This was the most logical decision, so it made the most sense. And when the time came, I would let him go. I had to. For my own sanity.
