Valerie’s brow furrowed. That didn’t make any sense to her.
“Why?”
“Because if they are, we can explain to Derek what happened,” Madame Allegria snapped, her impatience growing. The dark-haired guard behind her shifted on his feet at her tone and Valerie felt the slim sedative injection pressed against her thigh. “We can say the Krave attacked Gabriel and kidnapped you in an effort to escape Everton, using you as a hostage, that Gabriel bravely tried to stop them.”
“That’snotwhat happened! And Celine wouldneveragree to—”
Madame Allegria cut her off, growling, “Don’t you understand, you foolish little girl? It doesn’t matter whatshewants. It doesn’t even matter whatGabrielwants. It matters what Derek wants and what he wants is his little brat of a son to be married and settled.”
Breath escaped Valerie’s lips. Her aunt still thought the engagement and the marriage could be salvaged.
Then again…her words revealed to her that Madame Allegria still had no idea that Celine Larchmont—that bitter bitch, as her aunt had called her—was now in possession of information that woulddestroy her.
There would be no wedding.
And Valerie had no intention of leaving Nimida with her.
“Gabriel’s pride will be saved, looking like a hero, and Derek gets what he wants,” her aunt continued, smoothing her features once more. A monster in a mask. Like a striking snake. Ugly one moment, calm the next. “We all get what we want.”
“Except me,” Valerie said, catching her aunt off guard with the small, bitter smile that crossed her face. “Except Dravka and Tavak and Ravu.”
Madame Allegria checked the time on her Nu device and Valerie’s fingers nudged into the pocket of her pants, curling around the sedative. She would have to distract the guard somehow before she would get a chance to use it. Or maybe she could use it once they left the hotel, when Madame Allegria’s guard was down and she thought Valerie would go willingly. Maybe then she could run. It would be easier to escape the guards at least.
“Our deal still stands,” Valerie tried, if only to buy a little more time. “If I marry Gabriel Larchmont, you will leave the Keriv’i alone.”
“Our deal was forfeited the moment you left Everton,” Madame hissed, narrowing her eyes on her, standing from the table, making Valerie’s heart jolt.
“You want me to go with you?” Valerie asked quickly. “Then we leave alone. Now. Dravka, Tavak, and Ravu will stay here. You won’t touch them again and I’ll return to Everton with you.”
“Oh my dear,” Madame Allegria said, her tone condescending and overly sweet, “that ship has sailed. From now on, you’ll doexactlyas I tell you and if you don’t then I’ll lock you up until the wedding and—”
Her words cut off abruptly when there was a loudthumpoutside the door, a pained human shout following.
Anotherthumpcame, as Madame Allegria edged back from the door, towards the bed.
“Go see!” she hissed at the dark-haired guard in the room with them, waving her hand towards the door, pulling out a stunner of her own from a strap attached to her thigh.
Valerie clenched the sedative in her lap and stood from the table, her aunt grabbing her arm so she didn’t try to flee.
The guard had his stunner in his hand and was just opening the door—
It crashed inwards with a splintering force.
And on the threshold was Dravka, his face furious yet focused. Behind him, she caught a quick glimpse of Tavak and Ravu—and the still body of the blond guard on the ground.
Quicker than she could blink, Dravka punched the guard right in the throat, his fist flashing out, making the human male clasp his neck, wheezing and gasping for air, the stunner falling to the ground.
Tavak came up behind Dravka and used the discarded stunner to zap the guard, who cried out—and then fell limp to the floor, a crashing of heavy limbs and dead weight.
Was he...?
Valerie didn’t have time to dwell on it because Madame Allegria tugged her closer, staring down the three Keriv’i males that were stepping into the small room.
Her two guards were down and dispatched. It was only her and them…and even her aunt knew a losing battle when she saw one. She was no match for the Keriv’is.
“Stay back, Kraves!” her aunt said, her voice hard and cold. “Attacking a human is a criminal offense.”
“We’re not on Everton,” Dravka growled, continuing to approach, as did Tavak and Ravu. “Release hernow.”
