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“Hang farther back. Just because Jack didn’t see cameras doesn’t mean there aren’t any,” he says firmly. “When the moment is right, the best distraction we have is you. Are you able to show your true form?”
“It would be my pleasure.” I look down at him. “Don’t die.”
“Don’t plan to. Wait for my signal.” Cade’s voice is low, and he doesn’t turn around before walking down the steps.
Alok leans against the wall at the top of the steps. “You realize if we have to face Gregor, there’s no going back. Are you willing to die for her?” he asks.
“I would do anything for her. Just like I know you would.” I see Alok’s eyes widen at my accusation. I’ve watched them. I see the way he looks at her. He puts on a face, but I know him. He’s never been kind to any human, nor would he ever have a reason to join us if he didn’t care. He’s made jokes about it. But he meant it.
None of this benefits him. I’ve gotten into trouble before and he didn’t feel the need to stick his nose into it. But this is different.
Alok pushes off the wall and backs away.
I turn to look at Cade who disappears down the hallway past the steps.
“I just feel partially responsible considering I’m the one they tasked to watch you,” Alok responds, not meeting my eyes.
I call him out. “Bullshit. Everything you said before, it was true. I can tell.”
He grimaces. “So what if it is. What does it matter?”
“We’ve spent thousands of years together—not once have you ever acted the way you have toward her with a being other than me.” I look away.
In all the years I’ve known Alok, he’s never been one to take things seriously, and when he does, he’s terrifying.
He was the one person I trusted fully—and still do. But I never thought I could trust him with Calli, not with the woman I love. But if he loves her, too…
That definitely changes things.
“It matters,” I say under my breath.
“No, it doesn’t. What you guys have, it’s pure. It’s so beautiful. It’s disgusting.” He grabs my jaw, forcing me to look at him. “This is all I ever wanted for you. Maybe not with a human, but I suppose if it was going to be—she’s the best one.”
“Just admit it,” I say, turning my head away from his grasp. “Admit you have feelings for her.”
“I know how you are, Kai. Domineering and possessive with everyone but me with your things.” He shifts and leans away from me. “But she is not a thing—”
“You’re worried that she hates you,” I say plainly.
“It doesn’t matter how she feels about me. The only thing we need to worry about is making sure she gets out of here alive.” Alok looks at me with an intense stare, and I understand.
She might hate me, too—but that won’t stop me from making sure that she is safe. That gives me all the confirmation I need.
“He’s approaching the end of the hallway, I can hear it. We’re far enough away, let’s go.”
“Wait.” Alok stops me. “If it comes down to it, if Gregor shows his face, play dumb and follow my lead.”
I nod as we quickly make our way down the steps and we’re met with another hallway with only a single door at the end of it. Light spills through the bottom of the crack and we make our way toward it.
Cade turns and gestures for us to hang back.
Alok and I flank the hallway, both of us ready.
I look back at Cade and he grabs the knob, slowly pulling it open.
The hallway is quiet and my impatience gets the best of me.
“Do it,” I say sternly.
