Page 493 of Reign

“Go back to the car, please,” I say.

“Why?”

“Could you, for once, listen to me without bratting?”

Her eyes narrow. “I listen.”

“After an argument.”

“That still counts as listening.”

“Elena.”

Something in my face reaches her. The argument disappears.

“All right.”

I release her hand reluctantly. She gives Pierce one curious glance before turning toward the entrance.

His attention follows her. I step into his line of sight.

Pierce’s gaze returns to mine.

“Mr. Castillo.” His voice is soft. It always was. “What brings you here?”

I watch Elena until the heavy doors close behind her.

Only then do I answer.

“I didn’t realize this was a church you called home.”

“It is.” He glances around as though he can see something sacred in the stone that I cannot. “It has been good for me. Truly.”

I study the collar again.

“Has it?”

“People can change.”

“I’ve heard.”

His mouth moves slightly. The expression never becomes a smile.

He walks toward me with his head lowered and his hands held loosely in front of him. Even his stride has changed. I remember the way he moved through Elite—shoulders set, chin lifted, each step carrying the unhurried confidence of a predator that already knew nothing in the room could challenge it.

This version of Hale Pierce moves like a man trying not to disturb the air.

I don’t believe him.

Some vicious animals can be rehabilitated. They bite from fear, hunger, or whatever was done to them before someone offered a gentler hand.

Others bite because they enjoy the sound it pulls from flesh.

You don’t teach that kind of animal kindness. You put it down before it finds another throat.

Pierce has always made me want to put him down.

“Is she yours?” he asks.