Neutral.
Absolutelydevastating.
"My financial history," she says quietly, "is the result of a predatory healthcare system that bankrupts people for having the audacity to get sick. Your company's enforcers, on the other hand, are the result of illegal bio-engineering that violates at least six international treaties and probably a dozen domestic laws."
She pauses.
Lets the words settle.
"So if we are comparing histories, Mr. Hale, I would say mine is significantly less...criminal."
Silence.
Absolute, crushing silence.
The crowd has gone still.
Every vampire, every shifter, every mage within earshot is staring at her.
At this compact, fierce, absolutely fearless woman who just publicly dismantled one of the most powerful CEOs in the city without raising her voice.
Hale's expression does not change.
But I see the shift in his eyes.
The flicker of rage.
Of humiliation.
Of absolute, impotent fury.
"Careful, Ms. Beck," he says quietly. "You are making accusations you cannot prove."
"Am I?"
She tilts her head slightly, her dark eyes glinting with something sharp and dangerous.
"Because I am pretty sure the Supernatural Regulatory Commission would beveryinterested in examining your enforcers' genetic profiles. Especially the modifications to their musculoskeletal anchor points."
Hale's jaw tightens.
"You are out of your depth."
"Maybe. But I am also standing next to a seven-foot gargoyle who looks like he is about three seconds away from ripping your head off. So I would say my odds are pretty good."
My chest rumbles.
Not a laugh.
Apurr.
Deep and satisfied and absolutely feral.
Because she ismagnificent.
Hale's eyes flick to me.
To my glowing amber veins.
