“Choose your next words very carefully, Mr. Hendrix,” I warn, cold venom lacing my tone.
Wisely, the man shuts up with a sharp nod. “She should be good for a few days so long as she doesn’t shower, sir, though I’d be extra cautious come tomorrow since this is uncharted territory.”
“I’ll be cautious regardless,” I state, dismissing him with a warning look. “And I imagine it goes without saying that what happens within this apartment isn’t to be discussed outside of the confines of these walls. Not even with the rest of the team, are we understood?”
He straightens to his full, impressive height with a look of determination, and I breathe a bit easier, knowing my trust wasn’t ill-placed. “Of course not, sir.” He tips his head respectfully in Scarlett’s direction as she shifts between feet, cheeks flaming. “Ma’am. Pleasure to meet you.”
Scarlett gives him a thumbs up, not meeting his eye and I frown, worried he makes her uncomfortable, if she’s afraid of upsetting me, or if she’s wrestling with her control since it’s been so long since she’s been around anyone but me. “Thanks for letting me borrow you, I appreciate it.”
Kasen gives her a beaming smile in response, and I both appreciate and despise the way he’s trying to put her at ease. “It’s a pretty ingenious theory, honestly; happy to be a part of it.” As he turns away from her to head for the elevator, his smile falls, lips pressed into a grim line. His worry about whether or not this will actually work is blatant on his face as he hesitates by my side on the way out. “Do you need an extra body to ensure today goes smoothly? Or if my scent wears off quicker than anticipated?”
For a moment, I seriously consider taking him up on it. It’s a wise decision, having more guards around when there are countless things that could go wrong. But an armed entourage will only create more of a spectacle, and while the end goal is to get people to accept vampires freed from compulsion back into society, I don’t think the way to get there is by force. Hell, it’s exactly why Archer and I set up a few safe houses scattered across the country to house the sireless vampires until we can figure out what the fuck to do with them.
Ultimately, I’m confident enough in my abilities to defend us both if it comes down to it. Even if my energy’s been surging lately, that’s only because it’s pissed that I haven’t solidified my bond with Scarlett and it’s throwing a temper tantrum. If she were in danger, it’d likely react before I could consciously do so to ensure she was protected. And I need her to see that she’s safe with me, can trust me to take care of her, and that I’m not as fragile as she thinks, or things will never go any further between us.
“You a better driver than Fredrickson?”
Kasen’s eyes light up in amusement. “Who isn’t?”
Dipping my head in acceptance, I relent. “Then have a car waiting in fifteen by the east entrance.”
Victory and determination shine in his vivid eyes as he hurries to the elevator, looking back at Scarlett once more before leaving us alone. Because as much as it grates on my nerves to see that he has an interest in keeping my mate safe, that’s not a bad thing, so long as he doesn’t make her uncomfortable. Ultimately, my job is to protect her; not my pride.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Scarlett asks in a small voice, her anxiety rising by the second.
Crossing the distance between us, I settle my hands on her shoulders and smile down at her. “The only princesses that should be locked away in towers are in storybooks, love. It’s going to be fine. Now, let’s go get your life back one step at a time, shall we?”
The breath rushes from my lungs as she suddenly throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly. Since our dinner date she’s been opening up more, so I know I’m on the right track with this dating thing. But it’s been more a matter of her being receptive to my casual touches and not second guessing herself as much or pulling away. This is the first real time she’s actually initiated anything and I’m surprised enough that it takes me a minute to react.
Wrapping my arms around her, I chuckle. “Not that I’m complaining, but what brought this on?”
She quickly clears her throat before starting to pull away, but I keep her caged against me, even if the scent of bear is so strong that evenIcan smell it. “Thank you. Not just for everything you’re trying to do, but everything you already have.” Sheepishly, she looks away. “This is a pretty risky gamble, but if I can actually have some semblance of a normal life instead of hiding out here until I die?” Sighing, she rests her cheek against my chest. “It’s terrifying to hope for, but you make it all seem so... attainable. It’s nice. Comforting.”
Energy thrums in my chest a moment before it begins to coat her skin. Her soft laugh only makes it ten times worse, encouraging it to grow bolder, dancing heavily at the center of her chest as if it can emblazon my mark there without me if it’s determined enough.
“You keep saying things like that, it’ll go straight to my head.” Smiling, I press a kiss to the top of her head, scanning over the simple jeans and dark blue t-shirt that she’s wearing, accepting that she’s simply far too radiant to blend in anywhere no matter what she wears. “Come on, let’s get going before I’m tempted to replace that scent with my own.”
