“Here? I’m starting to get used to t-shirts and shorts, but in public, I’d prefer as little as possible.”
She nods to herself, flipping past a few micro-dresses fit for a sex club. “You know, now that you’re marked, it opens up more options. No need to worry about bumping into anyone anymore.”
My stomach flips as I realize that Raiden filled her in on that very important detail we’ve been keeping to ourselves. He told us all not to tell anyone so it can’t be used against us, then turns around and tells his sister? I get that it helps her understand the severity of our situation and ensures she’ll protect me to the best of her ability, if only to keep her brother alive, but I still don’t particularly like not being involved in the decision to tell her when it directly affects me.
“Admittedly, that’s a huge part of it, since it's a habit to flinch away from any and all contact. But-” Blowing out a breath as I muster up my courage, I shove off the bed and join her, tugging up my shirt sleeve.
Her hand stills on a pair of leather pants.So he didn’t tell her everything, at least.“Mason did that to you?” At my terse nod, her face contorts in anger, and she starts aggressively shoving hangers out of the way in double time. “Raiden can delude himself all he likes, but he isn’t going to be able to prevent a war. It started the day that bastard touched you.”
Chapter 9
Amara
––––––––
“Everybody's staring.”
Carina tucks my hand into the crook of her elbow and pats my bare fingers reassuringly. “If you keep looking this skittish, my evil plan will be completed before lunch.”
Tearing my gaze away from the people across the street whispering, I ask, “What plan? Showing a little ankle to get everyone riled up over the new girl in town?"
We compromised on a white summer dress and jean jacket, but I feel practically naked. From the knees down all of my scars are on display, but at least they’re not very noticeable unless the sunlight hits them at the right angle. Still, I’m feeling wildly out of my element, and it shows.
No need to be nervous in a crowd anymore, even if I want people to think I’m still at risk of being marked. Tennis shoes mean I can still run, and the skirt is loose enough not to hinder movement. This is fine. I’m fine.
She tosses her head back with a laugh. “You’ve clearly been hanging around Stone too much. No, babe, you look like the quintessential girl next door and have this whole ‘damsel in distress’ air about you. Shifters eat that shit up, and their instincts will be raging to protect you. If you can't fight, the badass vibe wouldn't work to intimidate anyone into keeping their hands to themselves anyway, so we're painting you as the sweet, endearing queen everyone rallies behind because they adore her.”
“That’s a terrible plan. Why should I pretend to care about a bunch of strangers when nobody’s ever given a shit about me?”
“You came to Khalida once before, so Stone wasn’t the first stranger to tell you about our little safe haven, was he?” When I don’t argue her point, she pats my hand with a sad smile. “Let them get to know you, and soon, you won’t be a stranger they don’t know needs saving, you’ll be a friend that could use some help.”
Donning the role of tour guide, Carina points out every single building as we walk, and there’s no way in hell I’ll remember half of them. Khalida is far more massive than I realized, built so that civilians want for nothing and would never have a reason to leave.
It’s got big ‘drink the Kool Aid and stay forever,’ energy.
“What about humans?”
